New Music Business Briefing: RIAA Accused Of Extortion, New Orchard Deals, iPhone Launches 6/29

>>> A new counterclaim in a Florida court accuses the RIAA of "extortion and conspiracy".

>>> The companies that make gold and platinum records are hurting just like the rest of the industry according to the WSJ.

>>> The Orchard has announced new digital distribution deals with the Danish DJ Kenneth Bager's Music For Dreams label; New York underground hip hop imprint Babygrande; U.S. dance labels Trax Records and Star 69; and Kemistree & Fizzicks, the new label formed by former So Solid Crew members, Oxide and Neutrino.

>>> The official iPhone launch date has been set for June 29th. Despite the $500-$600 price tag Apple's goal is 1% of the huge worldwide smartphone market. TV ads have jsut started and here's a first look.

>>> Who needs a $600 iPhone?  Melodeo will stream your iTunes or other playlist to any mobile phone.

>>> A new study predicts a 61% drop in CD sales 2009 with Asia leading the decline.

>>> Read the official press release for Microsoft's new multi-platinum developing band program Ignition here.