Hypebot’s New Music Business Briefing For Friday December 15th, 2006

>>> A top representative of Russian allofmp3.com is in the U.S. talking to rights holders about the download site offering paid content. >>> Indie distributor ADA had to throw their own budget Christmas party in a crappy location because parent WMG said to cut out the holiday party fat.

>>> The RIAA and major labels are seeking lower songwriter royalties (Hollywood Reporter) and publishers are fighting back. (pdf of Publisher’s letter review board)

>>> Perhaps there is life after working at a major label. Former Zomba/Sony/BMG exec Max Siegel has been named President of Global Operations for race car driver Dale Earnhardt’s business interests.

>>> Streaming a recent Ray Lamontagne concert and interview.

>>> Some Best of 2006 lists from fellow music bloggers. (Stereogum)

>>>Some contrasting views of recent reports that claims iTunes sales are slipping. (Bloomberg)

>>> R.I.P. – Fred Marsden, the drummer in the Merseybeat stars Gerry and the Pacemakers has died at 66.

>>> WORTHY CLICK:Tuneglue maps the links between various artists and genres with data from Last.FM and Amazon. Type in act name and go. Be careful; it’s addictive. (click)