How low are the record companies willing to go on prices? The major labels have a deal with Amazon that allows them to fluctuate the price for MP3’s rather than being held hostage to iTunes where each and every song is priced the same. Most songs on Amazon sell for 89cents. There has long been a school of thought in the industry that lowering prices substantially devalues music, and that’s been anathema to music executives who see so much of their music downloaded and swapped for free. (Business Week)

XM Ends Marketing Pact With Starbucks: Both XM and Starbucks have ended a marketing pact that included music promotions in the coffee chain’s stores and CD’s sold with both companies’ logos. Starbucks said the channel, which used to be Starbucks Entertainment Channel on XM channel 75, has been renamed Starbucks XM Cafe and is on XM channel 45.

Signings: Nashville alternative act AutoVaugh has signed with Epic Records. Listen to ‘Rock Your Body’.

Downloading To Own is Losing Out: After years in which paid downloads saw little traction, Hollywood is focused on ad-supported streaming in ’08. “People online want to watch for free, because they can get content for free via piracy,” said Fox digital media prexy Dan Fawcett. “Downloading to own and keep on a PC seems to be losing out. People like to watch on an impulse.” (Variety)

Coldplay To Leave EMI? Some sources claim Coldplay could pack their bags and walk out the same door as Radiohead. According to tabloid reports, the band could make forthcoming album Prospekt their last new material for EMI by fulfilling their five-album deal with a Best Of collection next year. Although KOAR cannot confirm the report its certainly likely that Coldplay may have riff with EMI whose gone under new leadership. (Guardian UK)