PEERING, PEDDLING AND PIMPING
IN THE TECH WORLD
Warner Music Group, eager to demonstrate its willingness to license its copyrights to third parties beyond the MusicNet subscription service (of which it is a partial owner), has struck a deal with Echo Networks, operator of Echo.com, a streaming music site voted "#1 Free Music Listening Site" by PC World. The non-exclusive agreement gives Echo access to WMG tunes for both its own sub service and co-branded services developed by Echo for third parties. Technically, those parties would actually be sixth parties, since Echo itself is a third party in the larger context of this agreement, and everyone knows that two times three is six. Where's the party again? Anyway, WMG considers Echo a pioneer in Internet Radio and will support it through licensing. At least until Steve Case decides to crush them like a bug.
NAPSTER TAKES ITS VITAMINIC
Milan, Italy-based Vitaminic—a company that, interestingly, has nothing to do with making or selling vitamins—has signed a multi-year licensing deal with Napster. Under the deal's terms, Vitaminic will license some 250,000 digital tracks to Napster's soon-to-be-released subscription file-sharing service. Napster will pay royalties for use of the music downloaded through its service, and Vitaminic will in turn pay those from whom it licenses music. Vitaminic currently operates in 10 countries, including the U.S. and most of Europe. "This licensing deal will give artists, Vitaminic and its label partners broad exposure to Napster's community of music lovers. It also creates an additional revenue channel for Vitaminic," said Napster CEO Konrad Hilbers. "Of course, we at Napster have found the whole concept of revenue to be overrated, so as an additional incentive, we have promised to get our new partners a few sensational headlines, and possibly a lawsuit or two."
WHAT, NO QUESTIONS ABOUT "BEN"?
Michael Jackson's 10/30 audio chat on GetMusic.com drew a record number of fans to the site, surpassing the turnout for the netco's previous champ, Eminem. Websurfers from all over the globe lined up to ask the King of Pop penetrating questions like "How do you write such awesome songs?" Host Anthony DeCurtis read the questions aloud in a most excellent manner; the event was part of MJ's "virtual in-store" and could also be accessed at MichaelJackson.com. To hear the chat in its entirety, click here. Meanwhile, Jackson's new album, Invincible, which looks set to bow at #1, took the top spot on the UK charts this week as well, making the album his seventh British chart-topper.
HOW MUCH FOR THE OLD ROCKER STUFF?
A number of Universal artists are preparing for the auction block. No, the music co isn't cleaning its roster, but rather donating one-of-a-kind items to be auctioned on eBay to raise funds to benefit groups aiding the victims and families of the Sept. 11 tragedy. Memorabilia from Elton John, Diana Ross, Peter Frampton, Smokey Robinson, Rick James, The Bee Gees and others is available for bidding at the auction site through Nov. 15. All proceeds from the items will be donated.
BIGGER PIMPIN'
Forget the Caddy that zigs--the bar of automotive mackdom has been raised, again. General Motors has begun producing XM Satellite Radio-equipped Cadillacs, making GM the first automaker to include the technology. The XM option is offered on the 2002 DeVille and Seville, and GM plans to extend the option to 20 additional models in 2003. The service price for XM Radio, $9.99 a month, can even be financed through GMAC, but make sure you opt for the gold trim, the diamond in the back and the whitewalls, too.
RIOPORT INCANTA-TIONS CALL UP NEW DEAL
Broadband service provider Incanta, Inc. has signed a deal with RioPort allowing Incanta affiliates to offer digital music downloads from major and indie labels to consumers. Incanta's service now features over 100,000 songs from more than 75 genres that are available for download and purchase. The deal also allows Incanta employees to play on RioPort's amateur softball team.
