By tonight, America will have a new Idol. But who will it be? For the first time since the shows inception, the outcome isn’t entirely obvious. Since the Top 12, it has been anyone’s game, with classically trained Katharine McPhee and Mr. Soul Patrol, Taylor Hicks surprisingly taking the top 2 spots. The two couldn’t be more opposite with McPhee having nearly robotically perfect performances but an emotional disconnect and Hicks convulsing across the stage shouting lyrics at a microphone, possessed by what he’s singing. Both present unique challenges in their future careers with Hicks embracing a classic blend of funk and soul mixed with a little country that is virtually unknown in modern music, and despite seeing McPhee week after week it is very unclear where her place would be in pop. She has a voice more appropriate for Broadway than Billboard, and aside from her striking physical appearance has not branded herself. Each of the remaining two have question marks hanging over their heads, as it is anyone’s guess if either contestant really has what it takes to be a pop culture phenomenon. With votes exceeding 50 million last week, and viewers in a recent poll stating they feel their vote on AI means more than a vote in an election, this is a good opportunity to find out which is more important to America, style or substance? However, the real proof is in the pudding and if bets are placed on record sales, it would be wise to keep an eye on past contestants Chris Daughtry and Elliot Yamin.
AJ, KOAR
Big industry turnout for indie band Mute Math last night at Avalon (NYC). In early 2006 the band made headline news when it sued its label, Warner Brothers, for breach of contract when it promoted it as a christian rock band.
Nike shoes has teamed up with Apples iPod. The Nike + iPod Sports Kit will be able to access distance, time, pace and calories burned on the screen of a nano version of the iPod via a sensor inside the shoes that communicates with the digital music player. Apple will also include a Nike Sport Music section on its iTunes music store, the companies said
The partnership was announced in New York during an event attended by Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs, Nike CEO Mark Parker, Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong and marathon record-holder Paula Radcliffe. Read the full article here.
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The 47 year old still can create national press. Press is important for new artists’ and especially ageing artists’. Yes, we are speaking about Madonna. She still uses her old tricks including religious imagery and sexuality as she always seemed obsessed with Jesus Christ. At her recent Los Angeles performance she insulted George Bush, simulated sex and suspended herself from a giant mirrored crucifix, head adorned with a designer crown of thorns.
The war rages on between Record Labels and Satellite Radio, with XM’s new Inno service facing scrutiny. The mini satellite radio player includes a feature that allows subscribers to permanently record up to 50 hours of songs. XM’s Inno is like the TiVo for radio, with the recordings exclusive to the player and not transferable to other mediums as well as no longer available once the subscriber discontinues service. This new service has led record labels to file a federal lawsuit against XM, claiming “massive wholesale infringement,� and asking for $150,000 in damages for every song saved on one of these players. Perhaps these lawsuits will temporarily band-aid the labels’ financial hemorrhage, but it certainly isn’t fixing the problem.
Eric Clapton slammed the music industry claiming that it’s obsessed with Reality TV and Award Shows. Not suprisingly, he is right.
His exact words:
In an interview with The Times, Clapton revealed: “Right now, the power of music sits with Simon Cowell and Coldplay and U2, who are really people who just attend awards shows.
“From just listening I can’t tell the difference between Coldplay and U2. The one in Coldplay (Chris Martin) even dances like Bono.”
Hot Topic that targets goth inspired emo kids have suffered from a deep decline in sales in the first quarter. Why? trends are changing.
According to the LA Times, “The company, which sells apparel and accessories, posted a loss of $1.4 million, or 3 cents a share, in the quarter ended April 29″.
“The retailer has struggled as fashion trends have turned to more preppy styles rather than the rock-music-inspired and gothic designs that Hot Topic carries.”
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