New Music Business Briefing: EMI Deals, Napsters Falls, Real Buys & Much More

>>> EMI followed its announcement yesterday that Amazon will follow iTunes in selling the major’s entire catalog DRM free with announcements of DRM free deals with VirginMega in France and 20 online and mobile stores in Scandinavia.

>>> Expect more signings and announcements next week from Frontline following yesterday’s story of Ticketmaster IAG’s investment in Irving Azoff and Howard Kaufman’s management firm.

>>> After a 2006 filled with predictions of its demise, Napster had seemed on the mend including several high profile deals with Virgin and AOL that boosted its subscriber base. But yesterday it announced wider losses and its stock fell 10%. (press release)

>>> The digital music revolution continues its march towards wireless as Real furthers their aggressive expansion into mobile with the $9 million purchase of Sony Net Services which provides services in Europe.  (SEC filing)

>>> The LATimes.com has a well researched piece on the effect that both higher and lower pricing could have on CD and download sales.

>>> LiveNation.com adds concert video clips to the site as part of a larger push into video.

>>> Worthy Click: THE FILTER – Peter Gabriel’s cool new music recommendation software. (press release)