Music News & Notes

I found this interesting, personally, I have never downloaded any music, I believe that they should be paid for their hard work, music isn't supposed to be free.

Downloaders Spend MORE On Music Than Those Who Obey

People who illegally download music spend more on official releases than anyone else, according to a new survey. The study, published today by think-tank Demos, found those who admit to file sharing spent an average £77 a year on singles and albums – £33 more than those who claim never to have wrongly accessed music for free.

Researcher Peter Bradwell said the findings should force companies and politicians to ‘wake up to the changing nature’ of the music industry as the Government plans to disconnect illegal downloaders from the internet in a ‘three strikes and you’re out’ rule.

An estimated seven million UK users download files illegally every year, which will cost the industry £200million in 2009, according to trade association, the British
Phonographic Industry. Artists Lily Allen and James Blunt recently voiced support for the Government plans, while Latin pop star Shakira claims illegal file sharing brings her closer to her fans.

‘Politicians and music companies need to wake up to the changing nature of music consumption and embrace the demand for new business models that offer lower prices and easier access to music.’

A 1,008 people aged between 18 and 50 were quizzed last month for the survey.

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Some Fans Upset With Bon Jovi Ticket Prices

Bon Jovi has evidently ticked off a few fans in England. There have been numerous negative comments about ticket prices for the O2 Arena shows in London. Tickets start at about $74 for general admission and run up to $327; however, the super premium tickets have a price tag of $2,100.

Some fans are calling for a boycott of the show but it doesn't seem to be taking as the first five shows sold out in hours.

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Beyonce Set To Release Live CD/DVD From Las Vegas Concert, Plans Thanksgiving TV Special

Megastar Beyonce has spent the better part of 2009 touring the all over on her hugely successful I Am…World tour. Those who didn’t get a chance to see her when she dropped by their cities will now have the chance to see what the show was all about when Beyonce releases her brand new live CD and DVD, I Am…Yours: An Intimate Performance at Wynn Las Vegas.

Taped August 2nd during a four-show stint in Las Vegas, the CD/DVD will feature Beyonce performing her many hits including her chart toppers Crazy In Love, Irreplaceable and the iconic Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It). She’ll also take a stroll down memory lane with a medley of songs made famous with her former group, Destiny’s Child.

The set will be released on November 23rd, facing competition with big named acts like Rihanna and Adam Lambert, both releasing new full length albums the same day. Beyonce will surely receive a healthy sales boost during release week when she takes part in a Thanksgiving special November 26th. The hour-long special will air 9:00 p.m. EST on ABC.

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Single Strokes: singer releases solo album

PARIS — New York rock band the Strokes have been busy since their last album in 2006, just not together, and lead singer Julian Casablancas carries on the trend releasing his first solo album Monday.

"Phrazes for the Young" (RCA/Jive/Sony) mixes tambourines with brass and synthesizers to create a retro-futurist sound that Casablancas will perform to European crowds on a tour starting at the end of November.

"It can be difficult to experiment when you are part of a group," Casablancas said to Spin magazine, "With 'Phrazes' I wanted to be madly different and put down a bridge between traditional and modern music."

His voice is always distinctive, some of the guitar melodies are recognisable, but otherwise "Phrazes" is a long way from the garage rock of the Strokes.

Casablancas was inspired by Thom Yorke, Queen and Michael Jackson for his solo debut and borrowed from the eighties electronic sounds of New Order and Queen, as well as melodies more reminiscent of the south of the United States.

The other Strokes have also been busy: guitarist Albert Hammond Jr released two critically acclaimed solo albums, drummer Fabrizio Moretti made delicate melodies with the trio Little Joy and bassist Nikolai Fraiture signed his solo album under the name Nickel Eye.

The main songwriter for the Strokes, Casablancas also wrote all the songs and played most of the instruments on his short eight-track album, produced by Jason Lader (Rilo Kiley) and Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes).

He kept a close eye on the artwork too and took the title from an Oscar Wilde book.

Despite their solo activity, the Strokes stick by their promise of a fourth album and hint at a sound that will be a cross between Thin Lizzy and A-Ha.