www.Music-News.com: Susan Boyle’s cat moves out

SuBo update: “Urm yeah, the label love that you have a cat. We really love it. It’s so you, and we really don’t want to change you, you’re great. Great. By the way, we think the cat should go, people will talk about the cat… the cat has to go Susan… Look at what we’ve done for you, say goodbye to the cat – you have an interview in 20minutes and we need to get your make-up on. Dorothy is waiting to put your make-up on. In fact we’re running late, in fact one of your people took the cat earlier today. Let’s go.”

amazingtunes.com won’t take your cat… and we’ll give you 70% of the download revenue for your music.

In other news, some brand new tracks have been put into rotation on Amazing Radio, so be sure to tune in, on DAB or online, and enjoy some more of the finest unsigned music our planet has to offer. And don’t forget to rate or buy your favourites on amazingtunes.com that aren’t already on air to get them into next weeks playlist additions.

In fact, there’s a free Amazing Radio T-Shirt for the first person who can give me the name of a track that’s on the playlist now that wasn’t on the playlist prior to Monday [8th February]…

…amazingtunes.com

Much as we’d like to present an amazing new take on Apple’s latest iGadget, we found an interesting piece of news that’s been slightly lost in that buzz – namely the announcement something that’s being marketed as the next stage in digital music formats – MusicDNA.

Developed by Norwegian company Bach Technology and one of the co-inventors of the MP3, MusicDNA files will be based on the existing MP3 format, but will also contain digital information that can link to the artist’s online profiles at sites like MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. It could also include links to videos, and information like lyrics and tour dates. The file could contain as much information as the creator wanted – and be dynamically updated whenever the device it’s stored on is connected to the internet. The extra content would appear alongside track information in newer ‘app-driven’ players, but the track itself will still be playable by all MP3 players.

Though most of the internet’s more verbose technophiles are still discussing the impact of Apple’s latest product, there has been some skeptical discussion on this subject already – many see it as an extension of the much reviled DRM, others just see it as extraneous information that’s easily available for those who want it anyway – as the information will only be up to date if the player is connected to the internet, access the information is arguably simply more convenient.

Only time will tell – MDNA files will reportedly begin beta-testing in spring 2010.

The vote for copyright extension has gone in front of the European Parliament with the majority of MEPs voting in favour of extending copyright for music recordings to 70 years.

Originally intended to be an extension to 95 years, the revised decision will create the foundations for the European Council to vote – with the said European Council also needing to approve the decision before it becomes instated.

The last time the decision got this far the UK – and 11 other countries – voted against the extension deciding there was little in the 12-page deal that would truly benefit the artists and creatives who would license their recordings in this digital age.

The UK has since revised its considerations and is now reportedly ready to agree to the legislation.

In other copyright news the lawyer representing one of the Pirate Bay founders, Peter Sunde, has called for a re-trial in the case that saw the four founders of the file sharing network Pirate Bay sentenced to one year in jail and £2.4 million in damages to various musical outfits.

• UK government “no” to current plans for copyright extension

The UK government has aroused indignation from music industry bigwigs after they voted against a revised copyright extension on sound recordings.

Seeing that while the proposed deal would certainly benefit the rights holders of the material, there is little in the 12-page deal that would truly benefit the artists and creatives who would license their recordings in this digital age.

While the UK government’s decision has been met by consternation from senior industry figures, the move has been praised by the Featured Artists Coalition for “recognising that the proposed extension of copyright term in recorded music does not deliver real lasting benefits for artists or consumers.

• Girl of the moment Lily Allen has managed to pull off a double in the UK charts as her album It’s Not Me, It’s You debuts at the top of the album listings. Her current single, The Fear, is on its third week at the top of the singles charts with Allen being the first artist to achieve this double feat since The Kings Of Leon back in October of last year.

• New Zealand is on the verge of introducing a new law that would allow legitimate disconnection of any internet users who download music illegally. Proposed for February 28th, the “Guilt Upon Application” law would mean that connections could be cut without trial if copyright infringement has occurred. The Creative Freedom Foundation however are speaking out against the law.

• Coldplay’s triumphant 2008 release Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends has been announced as the biggest selling album of the year, shifting 6.8m copies across both physical and digital platforms. Four UK acts made the top ten and you can see the top 50 here.

…amazingtunes.com

• Live events giants Ticketmaster and Live Nation could soon been merging according to various US reports. A history of synergy between the companies, alongside the appointment of a new CEO at ticketmaster have led to the rumors.

• Coldplay have announced a forthcoming North American tour. Setting off from Portland, OR on July 10th the tour will take them through the US and Canada. You can see their complete tour schedule here

• In some lesser news, Goldie Lookin’ Chain’s P Xain has found time out of his busy schedule to brand current Number One artist Lily Allen “thick as pig ####.” He went on to remark “She’ll say anything to get in the news.” ensuring himself many a column inch in the Daily Star with his misplaced drivelling irony…

…amazingtunes.com