iTunes has announced a new initiative titled “Cocktail” that aims to add value to digital albums sold on the  iTunes Store. In hopes to get consumers to spend more, iTunes will offer a package that includes liner notes, artwork, ringtones, and music videos. Apple will be collaborating with EMI, Sony Music, Warner, and Universal, hoping for a September launch date.

“It’s all about recreating the heyday of the album when you would sit around with your friends looking at the artwork, while you listened to the music,” said an executive cited by the Financial Times.

KOAR favorite Shawn Fisher and the Jukebox Gypsies has signed with Universal Republic. Fisher was featured in our July 08 Soundcheck column. Our favorite tracks are Out of Control and Wandering. Contact danielrfriedman@aol.com

Comic Book Heroes will be performing at Don Hills in NYC on July 30th. The band consists of four high school juniors based in Reading, PA. Comic Book Heroes was recently selected as a Radio Disney “Next Big Thing” artist and their single “Catch Me If You Can’ is now a Top 15 hit single on Radio Disney and the music video can be seen on Disney XD. As far as comparisons, think a heavier Jonas Brothers. Contact: info@cbhmusic.com

Over 8 billion songs have been purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store.  By the end of 2009, Apple expects a year-end estimate of at least 10 billion.

Signal The Escape will be performing at Arlenes Grocery August 12th in NYC, several labels will be in attendance. In 2008, Signal The Escape made their debut on Double Blind Music with the release of “All That You Deserve” produced by Bryan Russell and Matt Squire. They return with four newly recorded songs produced by Jonathan Wyman. Our favorite tracks are “What I’ve Been Waiting For” and “Wrapped Around Her Finger“. Contact: eric@systemrecordings.com