New Music Business Week In Review

>>> This week EMI ousted long time head Eric Nicoli, but new owners Terra Fima has plans to cut further.

>>> The Japanese paid download market is softening. Is this the start of a worldwide trend?

>>> Apple is aggressively fighting off the competition with bigger hard drives and WiFi on some iPod models, lower iPhone prices and a new over the air music store including free access at all Starbucks.

>>> Despite all of its trouble Warner Music Group declared yet another cash dividend to shareholders.

>>> What MySpace can learn from Google and how it could change the new music business. (more) Be sure to read the comments section.

>>> Amazon appears to be a week or two away from finally opening its mp3-only download store.

>>> Rhapsody has created an MP3 Directory to make it easier to find DRM-free product in its download store.

>>> Sony is shutting down its Connect online music store.

>>> mtvU and Cisco’s Digital Incubator name finalists in college web 2.0 contest including RapHappy.

>>> Indie music community is joining together to help LI, NY retailer Looney Tunes which was devastated in a fire last week.  Get involved!