New Music Business Briefing: BMG Tumbles, BMI Pays Up, Mobile Mania & Much More

>>> Bertlesmann posted a first half of the year loss of $69.4 million due to more ancient Napster settlements and music sales at BMG dropping from $1.2 billion to $860 million. (paidContent)

>>> BMI to distribute a $732 million to writers and publishers for the 2006-2007 physical year up 8% (FMQB) At least somebody in the music business is making money…

>>> MOBILE MUSIC MANIA

• UK based Pocket Group has added CD Baby and INGrooves to its growing list of 1.5
  million indie tracks available via its network of 50 cell providers.
• Digital distributor Iris has linked with Airborne for mobile delivery of its indie catalog. (press release)
• Universal has made its music available for home phone ringtones via Ringboxx. (press release)

>>> Ad supported download service Sprial Frog is now in full beta.  They also just added IODA’s labels to their growing list of music.

>>>IndieHQ interviews Tim Hinsley of One Stop Super D. (IndieHQ)

>>> Redeye has inked deals with Daptone, Luaka Bop and the band Cake. (Billboard)