Thursday’s Music Briefing: iTunes UK, Influencers Study & More

> iTunes UK has dropped plans to cut download prices saying lower exchange rate changes mean there is no longer a discrepancy between EU and UK prices. (Billboard)

> New study says US "influencers" – that top 8% that drive trends discover music via other influencers and (believe it or not) on the radio. (FMQB) They must mean college and non-comm radio…

> eMusic is undergoing some site upgrades and says it will have a whole new site in the next 10 months. (DMN) Smart to be innovative although no changes announced so far are close to revolutionary. Maybe the should read my list of ideas in "How eMusic Can Save Its Soul.

> EU close to extending copyrights to 95 years. (ars)

> WMG adds SendMeMobile to its list of ringtone and other mobile content distributors. SendMe will also promote WMG acts across its properties. (press release)

> Music industry insiders find upside in album leaks. (Reuters)

> Sixthman announces a slew of music fan cruises. (press release) A great example of brand extension.