Trends: Album sales continue to decline, in fact sales are down by 11% in the first half of the year. CD’s have fell at a rate of 16% due to big box retailers limiting their shelf space. That’s not suprising being that the first half didn’t produce a break out star.

Producer News: ZZ Top has signed to Rick Rubin’s label American Recordings, and Rubin will be producing the record as well.

Producer Mutt Lange who brought you AC/DC’s Back in Black and Def Leppard’s Pyromania will be producing the new Nickelback record. Mutt will no doubt eliminate those corporate rock tones and replace them with the much need gritty rock n roll sounds.

David Bendeth will be producing the new Breaking Benjamin record and Red Handed who recently signed to Virgin.

Better Than A Van: Touring artists are seeking alternate ways to save money due to rising gas prices. Here is a tip for touring artists – check out the site www.betterthanthevan.com that offers a community of free places for bands to stay while touring.

Recommended Show: Without Tomorrow performing at Universal City Saddle Ranch (Hollywood) July 5th and The Knitting Factory (Hollywood) July 9th. Listen to the track Break Free.

Shining Through: Did Shinedown re-write Metallica’s Unforgiven? We think so. Check out the track What A Shame. Let us know what you think…