American Idol Getting Back To Basics: Less hoopla and more attention on the artists is the main focus of American Idol. After seeing last years ratings slip and the lackluster talent, the idol cast plan to make the show more fun hoping to keep the public entertained. Simon admitted that last year was not a good season and plans to shake things up by spending more time on the contestant backstories. It’s about people who think they’re good (singers) and (are) not, and people who think they’re good and are great.”

Interview: Check out the interview with Virgin CEO Jason Flom on Plum TV. Jason Flom is a music biz veteran with a great ear who has discovered breakthrough artists in each decade including Twisted Sister, Skid Row, Matchbox Twenty, Kid Rock, and the latest Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Also, check out the newer Virgin acts released late last year such as The Last Goodnight and A Fine Frenzy.

EMI Plans To Cut 2,000 Jobs: EMI who houses Coldplay and Norah Jones announced that its new strategic plan involves eliminating thousands of people. Its an unfortunate situation that have prompted a wave of protest from artists including Robbie Williams, Radiohead and Paul McCartney. The job cuts will come mainly from its recorded music business. The new CEO of EMI also plans to scrap the present incentive scheme for managers, which is based on shipments of albums rather than sales.

New Music and Recommended Listening: Check out Minneapolis rock act
A Verse Unsung. The Full length was produced by Steve Hodge and was self released in late 2007. The riffs and choruses don’t stray to far away from Rise Against. Listen to the track Resolve to Fight and To Late.