Breaking Bendeth: Q Prime who represents some of the biggest acts including Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Shania Twain has added producer
David Bendeth to their roster. Bendeth has produced platinum selling artists including Paramore, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Breaking Benjamin.

Radio Remains Relevant: 72% of adults are listening to the radio about the same amount or more than they did five years ago, according to American Media Services‘ latest “Radio Index” survey. 73% still usually turn on the radio when they get in the car. “The findings are interesting from many standpoints,” said AMD Chairman Edward Seeger. “They show that ‘regular’ radio remains a strong industry even while other audio devices are available.

Also, radio offers an experience unlike playlists on the iPod. I personally like to be suprised and I don’t mind sitting through a bad song.

Imeem Acquires Snocap: Snocap which has been struggling over the past year has been bought by Imeem. The Snocap/ Myspace widget stores never caught fire with the MySpace artist community. Many artists complained Snocap charged excessive per-track fees, which led to high-priced downloads to fans and leaving little left for the artist.

A Good Year: Virgin Megastores had one of the most successful years the U.S. chain of stores have ever had. Sales for DVD’s, Fashion, Video Game and Books were up. “Virgin Megastores are being recognized as a lifestyle entertainment shopping destination, rather than solely a music retailer,” says CEO Simon Wright.

A Victory for Victory Records: Hawthorne Heights who has been in a long cold war between labels and managers have finally come to a peace agreement.The label and the band have settled its differences and Victory Records will release Hawthorne Heights new studio album in late summer according to Hits.

Home copying – burnt into teenage psyche: A new study says 95% of youngsters are illegally copying music. Many record label executives see the piracy problem getting worse before it gets better. Some say new business models that adapt to consumers taste will put an end to the rapid growth of illegal downloading.

Ultimately it has to get better … At some point musicians and songwriters have to make enough money out of it otherwise they stop doing it,” he said.

New Music Streams: Alternative rock band 10 Years will be releasing their new record ‘Division’ through Universal Republic in May. Their new single Beautiful is climbing up the alternative and active rock charts and they just completed a video shoot with director Paul Boyd who has worked with Sting, Lenny Kravitz and Shania Twain. A couple of new tracks can be streamed here.

Recommended Listening: Room on Fire By Say it Twice

The Kings of A&R: SLASH of Guns N’Roses said there are no more identifiable guitar players and that emo sucks. We have an answer to that. It’s called the lack of musicianship. Being influenced by Fall Out Boy won’t lead you to the pearly gates. Those who listen and are influenced by artists pre-dating 2000 will generally have a better idea of musicianship and songwriting. If you want a career or at least a HIT, begin writing songs with dynamics. We want to hear a real vocalist this week. A vocalist that has a wider range than almost any other rock vocalist. Email Tips@kingsofar.com with a link to your myspace.