New Music Business Briefing: YouTube Deals, RIAA v. People, Labels Renew At eMusic & Much More

>>> YouTube has cut its first blanket deal ever with a music licencing organization in the UK. It covers 10 million tracks. (PaidContent)

>>> Nokia launches Ovi, a broad net to cell hub that later this year will expand to include a download store offering music both over the air and direct to PC.  (TechWeb)

>>> A new Electronic Freedom Foundation report "The RIAA v. People – Four Years Later" slams the RIAA;s ongoing camapign against filer-sharers and calls for flat rate P2P downloads. (pdf of report)

>>> Voting in the UK’s BT Digital Music Awards has begun. (BT)

>>> eMusic has renewed contracts with a number of key labels including Beggars Group (4AD, XL and Rough Trade), Matador Records, Concord Music Group (Fantasy and Prestige) and ATO. (Playlist)

>>> Speculation is that Apple will be announcing a revamp of its iPod line at a press event early next week. (Reuters)

>>> MySpace is launching national concert tour series. (press release) Zune is on board for the upcoming Chemical Brothers tour.

>>> Ween inks with Rounder. (Billboard)

R.I.P – The Godfather of U.S, punk and founder of the legendary CBGB’s, Hilly Kristal as 75. (more)