New Music Business Briefing: Net Radio Gets Billed, Paradign Finds Past, Fest Links & More

>>> The downward spiral continues as Caroline drops its entire regional sales staff.  Smaller sales lead to smaller staff lead to even smaller sales.  The duties will now be handled by parent EMI’s field staff who already have enough of their own problems.

>>> An "Internet Radio Equality Act" bill, has been introduced into Congress that would save broadcasters from new higher rates that are scheduled to go into effect May 15th and that many say would put them
out of business.

>>> Meanwhile net broadcasters are organizing a day of protest that would see many top streams go silent for 24 hours on May 8th.

>>> Booking agency Paradigm has tapped industry veteran Ed Micone to head a new adult contemporary and casino music division. (press release) Interesting that it was done outside of their existing ownership of hugely successful music agency Monterey.

>>> The Live Music Blog has great links to some of this summer’s top festivals all in one easy to use article.  Be prepared for the time suck as you try to figure out how many you can fit into your summer vacation.

>>> The Who’s Pete Townshend has introduced software that turns everyone into a songwriter. (FutureMusic).  But doesn’t almost everyone already think they are anyway?