Holiday Layoffs at Columbia: A round of layoffs has hit Columbia. Staffers in publicity, promotion and marketing departments were axed just in time for Christmas.

New Signings: The two-time Dancing with the Stars champion Julianne Hough has inked a deal with Universal Music Group’s Mercury Nashville label. Hough and producer David Malloy will be recording her debut album next month in Nashville.

Pop Country Shannon Nicole who KOAR talked about negotiated a deal with Universal Republic.

Iron Maiden signed a 360 Deal with EMI: Iron Maiden has struck a comprehensive deal with EMI, which involves the band’s touring, merchandise and sponsorship. Iron Maiden has upcoming ‘sold out’ stadium dates in Scandinavia, South America and Australia.

LimeWire: More than one-third of all PCs worldwide now have LimeWire installed, according to Digital Music News and media tracking specialist BigChampagne. “LimeWire continues to be the iTunes of P2P by a wide margin … but growth has remained flat over the last several months,” said Richard Menta, research analyst at Digital Music News.

New Music: Check out Lights a girl who dwells in Toronto and makes music in her bedroom. The music is atmospheric and a bit goofy. Thats ok, there is always room to grow but she is off to a good start.