Apple’s iTunes will increase the price of hit singles and in-demand tracks to $1.29 on April 7th. The new variable pricing method will also reduce the price of other songs. Label executives contend the new pricing will allow them to offer packaged downloads of songs that might entice consumers to spend more on music. (Los Angeles Times)

Critics say:

“Some music industry veterans are criticizing the 30% hike price, saying the timing is tone deaf because it comes in the midst of a recession and at a time when spending for online music appears to have reached a plateau.”

“This will be a PR nightmare,” predicted former EMI Music executive Ted Cohen, who is managing partner of digital media consulting firm TAG Strategic. “It is for the music industry what the AIG bonuses are for the insurance industry.”

“Wouldn’t it make sense to try to price it cheaper instead of squeezing the handful of people who are still willing to pay for music?” he said.

Supporters say:

“If you’re not drawing new people and your spending isn’t growing, it’s a natural part of the product life cycle” to raise prices, said Russ Crupnick, a senior analyst for NPD Group. Crupnick said he doubted a 30-cent price increase would prevent iTunes customers from buying a hot new release from artists like Kelly Clarkson, Flo Rida or Lady Gaga. He noted that offering a discounted second track packaged with a premium priced song from the same artist could boost sales.

The Bottom Line: In the hey day, artists successfully delivered an entire package what we called an album. Today, the act thrives on a single and usually the single alone. With the help of technology and the lack of an album – consumers have trained themselves to listen and purchase singles only, hence, it’s natural progression to increase the worth of the single.

Chanel Cambell who was born in Australia now resides in Nashville. Chanel, 15 yrs. old at the time began collecting vinyls and soon became influenced by many 60’s artists. ” they just seemed completely sold out to something whether it was good or bad. every time i listen to a dylan song i am touched in a new way.”

Inspired by timeless writers from C.S. Lewis to Dylan, from Hemingway to Joni Mtchell.

Chanel set out to find her own voice in the midst of thousands of young nashville hopefuls.

“C.S. Lewis once said ” even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring twopence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” All I want to do is write songs filled with honest emotion and then convey them through performance. If I can make one person in a room of 100 people feel something with in them, then I’ve done what I’ve set out to do.”

Check out the tracks Cry Cry Cry and and Run Away With Me. For more information contact kevin@teleprompt.com

Team Goldie who hails from Landenberg, Pa and formed in 2004 may have written some songs that could make them a household name among the indie/hip hop acts. Check out the tracks Diamonds and Heartbreakdancer. For more information email danielrfriedman@aol.com

Metallica may be the next act to leave a major label. In fact, Lars plans to consult with Trent Reznor and pick his brain about new models.

When asked the question “Are labels still important?” Lars responds with:

“Without offending any of the good people from the record company,no,” said Lars. When you’re fortunate enough to be successful, you don’t need to rely on record companies as the banks.”

“We’re doing a bunch of shows with Trent this summer in Europe. I look forward to sitting down and talking to him about what’s on his radar.” (video interview)

Trent Reznor chose to leave the major label system and embrace online distribution and file sharing.

Chloe Leighton, a singer/songwriter/pianist, born in Sydney, Australia is attracting the attention of music labels and producers. She is influenced by artists such as: Norah Jones, Elton John, Tori Amos, and John Legend. Check out the track Chocolate Cake. For more information contact darren@watchdogmgt.com