HMV exploring options, could include selling off its Canadian unit

Financially troubled music, DVD and book retailer HMV is pondering the sale of its Canadian stores to pay off its staggering debts as it increasingly becomes a victim of the digital download age. HMV Canada said it is currently reviewing suitable options for "future growth plans," but added it remains confident that any change will have a positive impact on the Canadian retail division. "HMV Canada has no intention of withdrawing from its position as the number one entertainment retailer in the country," Nick Williams, president of HMV Canada said in a statement late Friday. The music and movie retailer said it is in the process of finalizing plans to open a number of new concept locations across Canada, even as restructuring negotiations are ongoing
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Long-lost Frederic Chopin letters recovered by museum

Six letters written by Frederic Chopin, thought to be lost in 1939, have been found and donated to a Warsaw museum dedicated to the Polish composer. The letters, written by Chopin to his parents and sisters between 1845 and 1848, were believed lost after the outbreak of World War II. After it emerged in 2003 that they still existed in a private collection, moves were made to secure them. Chopin was born in Poland in 1810 but spent half of his life in France
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Musicians@Google Presents: Google Goes Gaga

An exclusive Google interview with Lady Gaga


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Keith Richards designs T-shirt for Japan

Rolling Stones star Keith Richards has followed in the footsteps of fellow rockers Iron Maiden by designing a T-shirt to raise funds for the relief efforts in Japan
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Pinetop Perkins dies, aged 97

Pinetop Perkins passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 21, 2011 in Austin, TX at the age of 97
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Rock Sound via Exact Editions

Rock Sound is the UK's best magazine for new cutting edge music featuring every style of rock, including metal, punk, hardcore, emo, indie and darkwave. Every month brings you the best in-depth interviews, the most reviews and the best new acts. Whether it be the latest record from Metallica or a new unsigned act that's tickling their fancy, Rock Sound isn't afraid to write about it. Free trial issue available
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Hip-hop star Nate Dogg dies at 41

US hip-hop star Nate Dogg, who worked with Snoop Dogg, Warren G and Eminem, has died at the age of 41. Lawyer Mark Geragos told the Associated Press news agency that the singer died as a result of complications from two strokes he suffered in recent years.
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Riccardo Muti wins $1m Birgit Nilsson Prize

Italian conductor Riccardo Muti has been awarded the $1 million (£624,000) Birgit Nilsson Prize - the biggest prize in classical music. Muti, currently the conductor of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was recognised "for his extraordinary contributions in opera and concert". The 69-year-old said he was "deeply touched" when he heard he had been chosen for the "distinguished" award
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Spreaker

Spreaker is an audio platform that allows anyone to create, broadcast and share a personal radio show across the Internet in a simple and accessible way. Spreaker offers a set of tools which include a web-based mixing console, a music & sound effects library and the ability to broadcast live audio through a widget which can be embedded across websites, social networks and blogs
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Mick Taylor will write book about The Rolling Stones

Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor will write a book about his time with The Rolling Stones, he told BANG Showbiz. Taylor joined the band in 1969 after the sudden death of Brian Jones and remained with them until 1974. "I want to write a book that is honest and truthful, especially about myself," said Taylor, 62
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Eric Clapton auctions guitars for charity

British rock guitarist Eric Clapton has sold more than 70 of his instruments at a charity auction in New York. The sale by Bonhams raised more than $2.15m (£1.3m) for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in Antigua, which Clapton co-founded. A 1948 Gibson hollow body guitar raised the highest price at $83,000, way above its estimated value of $30,000. The sale also included amplifiers and a Gianni Versace suit made for Clapton's 1990 concert at the Royal Albert Hall. Another of the guitars sold was a replica of Clapton's famous Fender Stratocaster, known as "Blackie", which raised more than $30,000
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Spotify hits milestone with 1 million subscribers

Online music service Spotify has announced that it now has one million paying subscribers across Europe. News of the milestone comes as Spotify continues a fund-raising from investors in advance of a launch in the US. The Anglo-Swedish company has 6.67 million users, the majority of whom use a free service subsidised by adverts. Spotify's profitability depends on users switching to premium services that remove adverts and allow listeners to use smartphones. The company announced on its website's blog: "It seems like only yesterday we were hatching ideas for a new music service in a tiny office-cum-apartment with a broken coffee machine. "So it's with a sense of real pride and excitement that we can announce a new milestone today, having welcomed our millionth paying subscriber to the service." Spotify is in the process of a $100m funding round that analysts estimate values the company at $1bn (£616m)
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viinyl

viinyl lets you make song-based websites. The ideal format to brand your songs, enrich the music experience for your fans, increase fan loyalty & help drive sales
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KOvideo

KOvideo - Features music videos and news complete with artist's profile, images, and comments
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Aretha Franklin announces stage comeback

Singer Aretha Franklin has announced she is to return to the stage in May, months after being admitted to hospital for an undisclosed ailment. The 68-year-old - who also has plans to release a new album - will perform at the Seneca Niagara Casino in Buffalo, New York on 28 May. Last November Franklin cancelled all concerts and public appearances for six months under doctor's orders. The following month she had what she described as "more than minor surgery"
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Jazz pianist Sir George Shearing dies aged 91

Anglo-American jazz pianist Sir George Shearing, best known for his song Lullaby of Birdland, has died in New York aged 91 of heart failure. Blind from birth, he began his career in London before moving to the US in 1947 and becoming one of the best known jazz pianists of the post-war era. Made an OBE in 1996 and knighted in 2007, he was renowned for his unusual "locked hands" style of playing. Pianist Dave Brubeck said he had lost "a dear friend".
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Usher embroiled in song rights scandal

Usher is at the centre of legal action from a student songwriter who alleges he was cheated out of ownership rights for the R&B superstar's album track Monster
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Composer John Barry dies aged 77

Composer John Barry, famous for his work on Born Free, Out of Africa and the James Bond films, has died in New York of a heart attack aged 77. Born John Barry Prendergast in 1933, the York-born musician first found fame as leader of the John Barry Seven. His arrangement of Monty Norman's James Bond theme led to him composing scores for 11 films in the series, among them Goldfinger and You Only Live Twice. His work saw him win five Oscars, while he received a Bafta fellowship in 2005.
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UJAM

UJAM - A cloud based music platform which allows users to create new music and share it with friends
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Marvelettes founder Gladys Horton dies at 66

Gladys Horton, co-founder of Motown girl group The Marvelettes, has died at the age of 66. The band were signed to Berry Gordy's Tamla label and had a US number one single with Please Mr Postman in 1961, released when Horton was just 15. Her son, Vaughn Thornton, said she died on Wednesday in a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, California, where she had been recovering from a stroke. Horton was replaced as lead singer in 1965 and left the group in 1967
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University awards first Beatles degree

A Canadian woman has become the first person in the world to graduate with a Masters degree in Beatles studies. Former Miss Canada finalist, Mary-Lu Zahalan-Kennedy was one of the first 12 students to sign up for the Liverpool Hope University course on the Fab Four when it began in 2009 and was the first to graduate, the university said on Wednesday. "I am so proud of my achievement," Zahalan-Kennedy said. "The course was challenging, enjoyable and it provided a great insight into the impact the Beatles had and still have to this day across all aspects of life." The launch of the unique MA in Beatles, Popular Music and Society was a world first when it took its first class. Zahalan-Kennedy was the first to accept her degree in person from the university. The course looks at the studio sound and composition of the Beatles and how Liverpool helped to shape their music. The MA examines the significance of their music and how it helped to define identities, culture and society. Mike Brocken, founder and leader of the Beatles MA at Liverpool Hope University, said the postgraduate degree makes Zahalan-Kennedy a member of a select group of popular music experts.
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Eric Clapton sells off guitars for charity

Dozens of guitars and amplifiers from rock legend Eric Clapton's personal collection are set to go under the hammer for charity. Proceeds from the auction at Bonhams will go to the The Crossroads Centre - the drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre that Clapton founded on the island of Antigua in 1998. The sale marks the first time the iconic guitarist has donated parts of his amplifier collection
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Disrupt.fm

"On Disrupt.fm, the artists have agreed to release their music for free. When you upload a song, we'll embed it in a Facebook status update and share it with all your fans that have 'Liked' your Fan Page on Facebook. They'll be able to listen to your songs right in their news feed with a link to download the song directly from Disrupt.fm for free. Since they'll be getting a free download, we'll then embed that song in a status update and share it with all of their friends. When someone downloads your song from Disrupt.fm, they are sharing it with their social network on Facebook. The more times your music gets downloaded, the more it gets shared. Your fans get free music, you get free publicity. It's a win-win for everybody"
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Crowdbands

Crowdbands is going to be a different kind of record label. A label run by a community of fans, artists, and experienced managers
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Universal and Sony to change singles release policy

From next month, two of the UK's biggest record companies will make singles available for sale on the same day they're released to radio stations. Tracks are often heard on radio weeks before they can be officially bought. The new shake-up, called "On Air, On Sale", will be introduced by Universal and Sony from Tuesday 1 February
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Lady Gaga set to earn £63 million in 2011

Lady Gaga is expected to bring in $100 million (£63 million) in 2011, according to Forbes magazine. The Poker Face singer is predicted to make the money through tour tickets, album sales and merchandise. The eccentric singer, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, was the seventh highest-paid ­musician in the magazine's 2010 Rich List, earning £40 million. Lady Gaga is performing 41 concerts over the next six months as well as releasing her new album, Born This Way. Next month the 24-year-old singer, who recently wore a meat dress to an awards show, will perform at the Grammys, where she is nominated for four awards
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US blues singer Etta James treated for leukaemia

US blues legend Etta James has been diagnosed with dementia and is undergoing treatment for leukaemia. The 72-year-old's health problems came to light in court documents filed by her husband, Artis Mills, who is seeking control of her finances. Mr Mills claims the singer, known for her hit ballad At Last, has become too sick to manage her own money. A doctor has also stated the star needs help with eating, dressing and cannot sign her own name. Mr Mills is seeking a court order for control of more than $1 million (£630,000). He is also challenging the power of attorney James gave to sons Donto James and Sametto James, and Donto's wife Christy, in February 2008. Donto wrote in his court declaration he does not object to money being released for his mother's medical care
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Coke Studio

Coke Studio is a Pakistani television series featuring live music performances by artists from different genres ranging from traditional eastern, modern western and regionally inspired music
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Universal Music Group donates over 200,000 master recordings to the Library of Congress

"The Library of Congress and the Universal Music Group have announced the donation of more than 200,000 historic master recordings - many long out-of-print or never released - to the Library's Recorded Sound Section, which has more than 3 million sound recordings in its collections"
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Baker Street singer Gerry Rafferty dies at age of 63

Scottish singer-songwriter Gerry Rafferty has died at the age of 63 after suffering a long illness. His career high came in the 1970s and included the anthemic Baker Street and Stuck in the Middle with You, recorded with his band Stealers Wheel. Rafferty had battled a drink problem and spent time in hospital in Bournemouth with liver failure. He was born in Paisley and began his musical career as a busker on the London Underground
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Pink Floyd end EMI legal dispute

Pink Floyd have ended a legal battle with their record company EMI and signed a new contract with the label. The rock group recently won a court ruling against the label over whether a deal signed in the pre-download age could be applied to digital sales. "All legal disputes between the band and the company have been settled as a result of this new deal," EMI said. An EMI statement said it would "help the band reach new and existing fans through their incredible body of work"
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Chuck Berry taken ill during gig

Rock 'n' roll legend Chuck Berry cut short a concert in Chicago after collapsing on stage. He slumped over his keyboard and did not move for a couple of minutes before being helped off stage, Chicago Sun-Times reporter Dave Hoekstra wrote. Concertgoer Steve Handwerker told the Associated Press news agency that Berry fell face first onto his keyboard. Berry, 84, later re-emerged but told fans he had no strength to continue performing, the Sun-Times reported. With hits like Johnny B Goode and Roll Over Beethoven, the singer and guitarist is one of the pioneers of rock 'n' roll and influenced artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Beach Boys.
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'Purity of Heart' by Pearson - Official Music Video

A heart-broken Robot tries to escape the clutches of his moonshine-making Hillbilly imprisoner. "Slow, subtle and direct - a mesmerizing Canadian sound", "stark, calming, and mildly trance inducing lullaby-makers", "Pearson has carved out a niche as a slow-core band -- playing intimate, slow and sparse folk music."

myspace.com/pearsontunes

Director & Editor: James Scott - federationfilms.net
Director of Photography: Ryan Jackson - punkoryan.com
AE Artist: Youlie Harikiopoulou
Colourist: Darren Mostyn - online-creative.com

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Palestinian orchestra to hold debut concert in Ramallah

The first Palestinian orchestra of professional classical musicians since 1948 is due to perform its debut concert in Ramallah in the West Bank. The Palestinian National Orchestra will play a mix of Palestinian classical compositions, as well as some classics such as Mozart and Beethoven. They will also hold concerts on 1 January in Haifa and Jerusalem. All of the musicians are of Palestinian origin, and many have played with orchestras around the world. The group is an initiative of the Edward Said Conservatory of Music, named after the late Palestinian writer and academic, and was formed in 1994. The programme also consists of a piece by the modern Hungarian Jewish composer, Gyorgy Ligeti, both of whose parents were sent to Auschwitz
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Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity

Sony Corporation last week announced the launch of Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, a cloud-based digital music service which will give music lovers access at any time to millions of songs from major labels like Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and others, along with leading independent labels and major publishers worldwide. The Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity catalogue will initially offer about six million songs, and will continue to expand over time
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Boney M singer Bobby Farrell dies aged 61

Bobby Farrell, front man of the 1970s disco group Boney M, has died at the age of 61, his agent has announced. The singer was found dead in a hotel room in St Petersburg, Russia, where he had been performing, John Seine said. Farrell, he continued, had complained of breathing problems before and after a show on Wednesday. The cause of his death has yet to be established. Farrell, the only male member of the popular four-piece, had been due to fly to Rome for a TV show on Friday. Born Alfonso Farrell in Aruba, the singer left his home on the Caribbean island at 15 to work as a sailor. He then travelled to Norway and Germany to pursue a career as a DJ. In 1974 he was chosen to front Boney M, which was put together by German singer and songwriter Frank Farian
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US soul singer Teena Marie dies at 54

The Grammy-nominated American soul singer Teena Marie has been found dead at her California home at the age of 54, her manager has said. Teena Marie often worked with funk legend Rick James with hits such as Lovergirl and Fire and Desire. Teena Marie, who was born Mary Christine Brockert and also used the moniker Lady T, was a rare white artist on the Motown label when she was signed in the late 1970s. She won four Grammy nominations
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Captain Beefheart Dead At Age 69

Don Van Vliet, who became a rock legend as Captain Beefheart, died today from complications from multiple sclerosis in California. His passing was announced by the New York-based Michael Werner Gallery, which represented his work as a painter
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SXSWORLD By Exact Editions Ltd

SXSWORLD® is your source of information for what's happening in the music, film, and interactive industries. The iPad/iPhone edition brings you the latest issue as soon as it is published, as well as a searchable archive of back issues to November 2009
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‘Keith Richards Killed My Orchid’

"One living thing did not survive Keith Richards' visit to the New York Public Library in late October - an orchid in the office of Cullman Center Deputy Director Marie d'Origny. While Keef was waiting 'backstage' in the center before the talk, he unexpectedly lit up a cigarette in Marie's office, and grabbed the clay saucer underneath the orchid for a makeshift ash tray. He then asked for the window to be open, sending a chill through the office. Between the cold and the smoke, the little orchid never stood a chance. RIP, sweet flower. The good news is Keith felt sort of bad about smoking in the first place and signed the 'ash tray' without anyone asking"
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Doors' Jim Morrison to get pardoned in Florida

The Doors singer Jim Morrison will get a posthumous pardon for an indecent exposure conviction in Florida after Gov. Charlie Crist got a commitment for enough votes from other members of the state's Board of Executive Clemency to approve it. Morrison was appealing the conviction when he was found dead in a Paris bathtub in 1971. The meeting Thursday comes a day after the singer would have turned 67
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John Lennon fans to gather on 30th anniversary of death

Tributes are to be paid to former Beatle John Lennon later to mark the 30th anniversary of his murder. Fans will gather at a memorial garden in Central Park, New York, opposite the apartment block where he was shot dead. A vigil will also be held in Liverpool at a monument dedicated to the singer where fans will light candles and sing his songs
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Limewire music-sharing service to close December 31

LimeWire, one of the world's biggest outlets for people to share music, movies and TV shows free of charge over the Internet, said it would be shutting down by the end of the year and closing its sole office in New York. In October, a U.S. federal judge granted the music industry's request to shut down the popular LimeWire file-sharing service, which had been found liable for copyright infringement
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Famed Bob Dylan lyrics to be auctioned

The original lyrics to Bob Dylan’s "The Times They Are A-Changin'" will soon be a-changin' hands. The plain piece of notebook paper on which Dylan wrote down what became a classic is up for auction. The lyrics on simple and, now yellowed, notebook paper were kept by a friend of Dylan’s who introduced the future icon to the Village folk scene
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Clash album London Calling to spawn rock biopic

The creation of classic album London Calling by punk band The Clash is to form the basis of a new music biopic. Former Clash members Paul Simonon and Mick Jones will executive produce the film, named after the 1979 record. Playwright Jez Butterworth will pen the script, which will tell how producer Guy Stevens worked with the band to create their most celebrated disc. It will be produced by Alison Owen - mother of singer Lily Allen - and Paul Trijbits of Ruby Film and Television
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Gaga among stars quitting Facebook for charity

"Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Usher are among stars signing off social media including Facebook and Twitter in aid of singer Alicia Keys' charity. The campaign, called Digital Life Sacrifice, will raise money on Tuesday - World Aids Day - for Keep a Child Alive, which supports families affected by HIV/Aids in Africa and India. The celebrities have filmed "last tweet and testament" videos. They will sign back online when the charity raises $1 million. Their videos will appear in adverts showing them lying in coffins to represent what the campaign calls their digital deaths"
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Vivaldi sonatas found in archive

Two previously unknown violin sonatas by Antonio Vivaldi have been uncovered after lying hidden in a collection of manuscripts for 270 years. The works, thought to have been written for amateur musicians, were found in a 180-page portfolio after it was donated to the Foundling Museum in London. One of the rediscovered compositions will be performed at Liverpool Hope University on Sunday. It is likely to be its first airing in the modern era, the university said. The anthology of manuscripts was compiled between 1715 and 1725, with Vivaldi's sonatas filed alongside works by Handel, Corelli and Purcell. It was acquired by the late businessman Gerald Coke, whose collection was handed to the Foundling Museum in 2008
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Susan Boyle album tops charts both sides of Atlantic

Singer Susan Boyle has notched up a notable double after her latest album - already number one in the UK - reached the top spot in the US as well. According to her record label, the Scottish star is only the third act to achieve that feat twice within a year. Only the Monkees, in 1967, and the Beatles, in 1969, have simultaneously topped both charts twice in the same 12 months, Columbia Records said
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Jimi Hendrix's family talks anthology, documentary

"After a prolific 2010 that continues with the "West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology" box set out this week, the family-run Experience Hendrix label has a more modest, but no less impactful blueprint for the next couple of years. "This year has been very special because it marked the 40th anniversary of (Hendrix's) passing," Janie Hendrix, the rock icon's sister and Experience Hendrix president and CEO, told Billboard.com. The company started with the March release of the rarities set "Valleys of Neptune" and continues with "West Coast Seattle Boy." The latter features four discs of unreleased material and alternate takes, including a full disc of pre-Experience tracks recorded with Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, Don Covay and others. The box also includes the documentary "Jimi Hendrix Voodoo Child," narrated by Bootsy Collins"
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Paul McCartney to make his Apollo Theater debut

Sir Paul McCartney is to make his first appearance at New York's legendary Apollo Theater next month. The former Beatle, 68, will perform at the Harlem venue on 13 December in an invitation-only concert for paid-for radio service Sirius XM. The show will celebrate the service, which has six channels, reaching 20 million subscribers
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New Michael Jackson single debuts online

A duet recorded in 2007 by Michael Jackson and rapper Akon has been released on his website - the first single from an album of new music from the King of Pop after his death last year
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Guns N' Roses plan 'quick' new album

Guns N' Roses have confirmed plans to record a new album, but the rockers have promised it "won't take as long" as the much-delayed Chinese Democracy
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Retailers facing the music this Christmas (UK)

More retailers than ever will be selling music products this Christmas, according to the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA). A number of new companies, including fashion retailer Bhs and petrol provider BP, will give customers the opportunity to purchase CDs. The ERA states that the new outlets selling CDs comprise of 180 Bhs stores, 370 BP petrol stations, 18 HMV pop-up shops, 250 Game stores and 1,166 Tesco Express stores. It also indicates that bookseller Waterstone's is considering introducing a music product line to its 300 UK stores this festive season.
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Americans lead MTV awards charge

"Katy Perry and Lady Gaga lead the nominations for the MTV Europe Music Awards. The American singers put British stars in the shade, with each in the running for five awards at the glitzy bash, held this year at Madrid's Caja Magica. The pair are competing against each other in the Best Pop, Female, Song and Video categories, while Lady Gaga is up for Best Live Act, and Perry has been nominated for Best World Stage Performance. Actress Eva Longoria Parker will take over hosting duties from Perry, who fronted the show in an array of attention-grabbing outfits in 2008 and 2009. The show, to be screened live by MTV to millions of viewers across Europe, will feature performances from Rihanna, Shakira, Bon Jovi and the Kings Of Leon"
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1.5-million-dollar verdict in US music piracy case

"A US jury has ordered a Minnesota woman to pay 1.5 million dollars for illegally downloading 24 songs in a high-profile digital piracy case. Jammie Thomas-Rasset, a single mother of four, was found liable by a jury on Wednesday of copyright infringement for using KaZaA peer-to-peer file-sharing network to download the songs over the Internet. She was ordered to pay 62,500 dollars for each of the 24 songs, a total of 1.5 million dollars"
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Michael Jackson world tour announced

Michael Jackson's estate and Cirque du Soleil have announced the official international launch of a joint project: Michael Jackson - The Immortal World Tour
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Soundcheck Books (UK)

Soundcheck Books is Britain's newest publisher of books about popular music, formed in July 2010. Our remit is simple: to produce great books about popular music. Our criteria for 'great books' is simple too – are they the kind of books we would read ourselves? Yes, we are publishers, but first and foremost we are music fans - that's why we started Soundcheck Books
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2010 Aboriginal Music Festival and Career Fair (Canada)

"On behalf of the Indigenous Peoples Program, Centre for Continuing and Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan, we are pleased to proudly present the 2010 Aboriginal Music Festival and Career Fair on October 29th, TCU Place, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The 2010 Aboriginal Music Festival and Career Fair, going into it's 7th year, will be one of the largest recruiting events and celebration of Aboriginal youth of the year. The Career Fair will be open to companies and students of all disciplines and degree programs. We invite you to participate in this event to reach out to highly talented students from across Saskatchewan. The Career Fair is part of a whole day event ending in a Music Festival Gala highlighting Canada's top talent and artistic performers. In past years, the Music Festival has attracted more than 3000 people and Canada's Top Musical Talent"
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Soul singer Solomon Burke dies aged 70

US soul singer Solomon Burke, who wrote the classic song Everybody Needs Somebody to Love, has died at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport aged 70. The former preacher turned singer had been due to perform at a well-known club in the city on Tuesday. The self-proclaimed King of Rock & Soul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001 and won a Grammy in 2003. Burke leaves behind 21 children and 90 grandchildren
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Fans celebrate John Lennon on birthday

Fans around the world are marking what would have been the 70th birthday of John Lennon. A large crowd was gathering at Central Park's Strawberry Fields in New York City, where there is a memorial. A benefit concert was also happening nearby. The ex-Beatle and peace activist was gunned down 30 years ago outside his apartment building near Central Park. Celebrations began on Friday. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland dedicated a time capsule in honour of Lennon containing several CDs, DVDs and books and two notes written by his widow Yoko Ono.
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Lost Vivaldi concerto found in Scotland

A lost flute concerto by 18th century composer and virtuoso violinist Antonio Vivaldi has been discovered by an academic among a set of dusty papers housed in Scotland's National Archives in Edinburgh
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Sony debuts online Classical store, Ariama

Ariama: Where Classical Music Lives. CDs, MP3s, and lossless downloads, with insightful editorial and search tools tailored for classical music discovery
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Save the 100 Club (UK)

The world famous 100 Club in Oxford Street, London, UK will close it's doors by Xmas unless WE can save it
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BT Digital Music Award winners

The winners of the BT Digital Music Award have been announced
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York Minster choirgirl Isabel Suckling wins recording deal with Decca Records (UK)

A choirgirl is walking on air after netting a record deal which will see her managed by former chorister turned TV presenter Aled Jones. Twelve-year-old York chorister Isabel Suckling was discovered in the choir at York Minster by Decca Records, part of Universal Music which has the likes of Lady Gaga, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse and U2 on its books. Britain's favourite choirboy, Aled Jones, famously conquered the pop charts 25 years ago with Walking In The Air. He said: "On hearing Isabel's voice I wanted to be involved in nurturing her special talent. She has such a great quality and I am very pleased to play a small part in enabling her to reach a wider audience." Label bosses are now styling her as The Choirgirl, ahead of the release of her debut album later this year
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Lady Gaga wins eight MTV Video Music Awards

Lady Gaga dominated the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles taking home eight prizes including video of the year. The singer, 24, who won seven of her "moon man" trophies for Bad Romance, cried as she picked up the top award from Cher at the end of the night
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R&B pioneer 'King' Coleman dies in hospital aged 78

Rhythm and blues pioneer Carlton "King" Coleman has died at the age of 78. The US singer died on Saturday from heart failure at a Miami hospital, his son said. Coleman was best known for singing lead vocals on 1959 hit (Do The) Mashed Potatoes, recorded with James Brown's band. He also released numerous solo singles including Mashed Potato Man and The Boo Boo Song. Coleman also performed with many artists including BB King and Jackie Wilson
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Will Smith's daughter signs record deal

Will Smith's nine-year-old daughter, Willow, has signed a record deal with rapper Jay-Z's label Roc Nation. Her first single, Whip My Hair, has already been viewed nearly a million times on YouTube since its release in the US this week.
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Daily Variety sues punk rock band over logo

Hollywood trade newspaper Daily Variety is embroiled in heated litigation with California punk rock band the Vandals, whose bass player happens to include an attorney. The dispute began in 2004, when the Vandals released their 10th album, "Hollywood Potato Chip," which included the band's name in lettering made to look like the trademarked Daily Variety logo. (Daily Variety is a rival of The Hollywood Reporter.)
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Noel Gallagher puts music on hold

Former Oasis star Noel Gallagher has told fans not to expect any solo material in the near future, following the band's split last year. Asked about his plans for new music, he replied: "I'm moving house and my missus is nine months pregnant so I'm not doing anything until well into next year
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The xx win the Mercury Prize

The group from south London won the award at a plush ceremony in Mayfair, London for their debut album xx. Singer Romy Madley Croft said they were in shock: "I genuinely wasn't expecting to hear our name, genuinely, genuinely not." Past winner Dizzee Rascal and the Modfather Paul Weller had been the bookies favourites. The childhood pals follow in the footsteps of acts like Klaxons, Arctic Monkeys, Elbow
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A founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra band has been killed in a freak accident when a giant bale of hay crushed his van

Mike Edwards was driving along the side of a steep field when the 94 stone (600kg) bale careered down, smashed through a hedge and landed on the roof of his vehicle. The 62-year-old, who played cello with the 1970s group, is thought to have swerved into a similar vehicle as he was struck by the bale. The second driver was unhurt in the collision, police said. The accident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday on the A381 between Harbetonford and Halwell in Devon
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Janet Jackson considers record deal

Janet Jackson is considering signing a deal with an independent record label because she wants to be able to "call the shots"
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Music labels eager for Google-Apple battle

(Reuters) - Google Inc is in talks with music labels on plans for a download store and a digital song locker that would allow its mobile users to play songs wherever they are as it steps up its rivalry with Apple Inc., according to people familiar with the matter. Google Vice President of Engineering Andy Rubin has been leading conversations with the labels about what a new Google music service would look like, according to these sources
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Music Lunge

Music Lunge is a social networking site designed to help Indie and Major artists with business consulting, development, music publishing, radio distribution and song mastering
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Ping, Apple's new social network, unveiled

Apple's latest version of iTunes, iTunes 10, will include not only a new logo and new layout, but also Apple's own social network for music, "Ping." "It's like Twitter and Facebook meet iTunes," Apple CEO Steve Jobs said during the press conference
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