• Independents Day – Tomorrow, the 4th July, will mark the first of what will hopefully become a well held tradition in raising a glass to the independent labels worldwide. The occasion, aimed at celebrating the big job undertaken by the little guys working in the thousands of independent labels, is a chance for the industry to recognise the industrious folk whose work keeps the music coming.
  • Shakira joins Live Nation – The Daily Star has reported that Shakira has signed a deal worth around £35 million to join a growing A-list at the events and promotion company Live Nation. Now neighboring the likes of Madonna and Jay-Z, Shakira has signed a 360-degree deal meaning Live Nation will be involved in her future tours, recordings, sponsorship and merchandise.
  • A great blog at the blogs.guardian.co.uk this week looks into the endorsements from big companies and their possibly detrimental effect to the creative side of the industry, against the obvious monetary benefits. Bebo are promoting their next online drama following the “real-life workings of Universal Music UK’s west London headquarters”, ran in conjunction with a mobile phone sponsor. A new income stream or a tightening strangle-hold?

...amazingtunes.com