TODAY'S HYPEBOT FEATURES: NIN Launch Stumbles, 7Digital Grabs WMG MP3's For EU, TuneCore Delivers NIN & Other A-List Artists, A DanceTracks Alum Joins Amazin MP3. EMI Adds Catalog & Licensing VP's plus A Commentary
> Wal-Mart is demanding multi-tier pricing from record labels. According to Billboard the proposal would "allow for a promotional program that could comprise the top 15 to 20 hottest titles, each at $10. The rest of the pricing structure...would have hits and current titles retailing for $12, top catalog at $9, midline catalog at $7 and budget product at $5. The move would also shift the store's pricing from its $9.88 and $13.88 model to rounder sales prices." Hasn't Amazon been pushing this concept for some time now? If their #1 and #2 retailer partners demand it; can labels resist?
> In two press releases Qtrax announced a new deal with Sony/ATV Publishing and renewed a deal with EMI Publishing. A few days ago a deal with bankrupt TVT was also announced. All are important milestones for a struggling QTrax but still far from the promised all major labels launch.
> No surprises: Universal's 2007 earnings slipped due to lower CD sales and a weaker currency. (Vivendi Universal Financial Report)
> Nokia has opened an online music store in Germany. (Reuters)
> A pdf of a talk that marketing guru Seth Godin gave on the music industry. Not the definitive work, but worthy of your time.
