Feb
25
EMI Inks Secret City Records
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Founded in 2006 by Justin West and Andrew Rose, Secret City was previously distributed by West’s father’s company–Fusion 3. When Fusion 3 went into bankruptcy, Secret City moved on the EMI, who had an existing co-distributing relationship with Fusion 3.
“We are very excited to be working with [EMI Music Canada president] Deane [Cameron} and the entire EMI team,” West says. “There is no better fit for the label and we know that it will be a great relationship.”
EMI Signs Distribution Deal With Secret City
Feb
25
Nine Inch Nails Ghosts I-V Packaging Packs a Wollup
Filed Under CD Packaging, Vinyl Packaging | Leave a Comment
Nine Inch Nail’s new 36 track instrumental limited edition release is absolutely packed to the brim with goodies. Not only is the content great, but it’s quite clear Reznor and company went all out for the bundle design. Lucky for us,the digital scrapbook is available online for your viewing pleasure.
The whole product looks sleek and modern, the kind of thing someone would be willing to pay $300 for. Actually 2,500 people were willing to do so, as the limited edition bundle sold out at that price in less than 36 hours.
It includes two CDs, a data DVD with all the multi-tracks for remixing, a 24 bit/96 kHz Blu-ray disc, four 180-gram vinyl records, a 48-page book of photographs and two Giclee prints in high-quality luxurious packaging numbered and signed by Trent Reznor.
Nine Inch Nails: Ghosts I - IV Limited Edition
Feb
4
Producer / Songwriter Named New President of Epic Records
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After letting go of former president Charlie Walk (reportedly due to his signing of Menudo, ha!) Epic Records has named its successor: Grammy nominated songwriter Amanda Ghost.
An interesting choice no question, but the concept that these times are not business as usual has finally made its way to leaders of the industry.
“I’m not a conventional choice as an executive in the music business, but it is testament to the new mood at Sony where content is now king and the music business is being put back in the hands of creative talent such as myself.
Feb
4
Billboard reports that Kees van Weijen and Paul Davies, managers of Rough Trade Distribution, have acquired ownership of the company.
Rough Trade was purchased by the group from German based arvato services, a customer communication and logistics company.
Rough Trade’s will continue to operate from its offices in Holland and Belgium, offering its 140-plus clients an integrated distribution structure that includes sales and key account management, field sales agents, telesales, professional vendor-managed inventory and label management.
Feb
2
Here’s a discussion from the emusic website between fans who buy music both electronically and as physical CDs. Some of the reasons fans purchase hard copies include supporting their favorite musicians, the higher audio fidelity of CDs compared to MP3s, and better prices for entire albums on disc compared to individual digital tracks.
User kargatron explains thusly:
Neko Case got me to do this a couple years back, when more of her stuff was here. I downloaded Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and Blacklisted from eMusic before falling completely head over heels and buying all of her discography I could find on CD, including those two albums.
Feb
2
Koch Entertainment Distribution now E1 Entertainment Distribution
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E1 Entertainment
In news you’ll absolutely have to write home about, Koch has re-branded itself under the name of its parent company, E1 Entertainment. For some reason.
So it isn’t just Koch Distribution with the new moniker, but Koch Records is now E1 Music, and Koch Publishing is now E1 Music Publishing. To round everything out, the video arm Koch Vision is now E1 Entertainment US.
The re-naming party will be at my place, Friday, 9pm. BYOB. See you there!
Feb
2
Packaging and Branding: Together Forever
Filed Under CD Packaging, DVD Packaging, Music Retail News, Vinyl Packaging | Leave a Comment
The Dieline has a comprehensive report on the importance of packaging and design when creating a brand identity for a product. This is the kind of concept anyone in the music and entertainment industry can relate to.
Consumers identify with the brands that match the perceptions of their lifestyles. The role of package designer has expanded from being a researcher, marketer and communicator to that of also being an image maker.
Think of it. Packaging makes products and their brands tangible to consumers. Shoppers can actually pick a product from the shelf, hold it, read the front or back panel, shake it, sniff it, and make a purchase decision. Since packaging is the ultimate touch point after the product itself, shouldn’t it project the brand image in a meaningful way?
There’s no question that digital music is an important factor in the way fans receive entertainment, but that doesn’t mean the physical medium is going anywhere. People like owning things they can see, touch, and store somewhere. For example, it’s no surprise that the vinyl industry–while different today than it was 30 years ago–is still going strong.
As this article shows, a smart way to market is to use physical products as a way to create and enhance a brand image.
