Ne-Yo Signs Artist During Gig

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Industry News, Performances, Hip-Hop & Rap, R&B / Soul,

Ne-Yo surprised new artist Sonna Rele by signing her to Motown Records Thursday night.

The "Closer" star invited the London-born singer - whom he discovered on Facebook - on stage with him at Under the Bridge venue in Chelsea where he offered her to opportunity to join the iconic label, which has been home to Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and the Temptations.

Speaking about Ne-Yo - who is Vice President of A& R at Motown - Sonna exclusively told BANG Showbiz, "I have a lot of respect for him, he's an amazing artist, an amazing songwriter. I feel like I've got a really good team around me where I can kind of grow as a songwriter and an artist. I'm smiling from ear-to-ear right now. I'm really, really excited."

The 25- year old has already worked with Fugees star Wyclef Jean and music producer Dallas Austin, who between them have worked with likes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, TLC, Boys II Men and Gwen Stefani.

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The Killers’ Record Company Revenge

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Awards, Editorials, Industry News, Pop, Rock,

The Killers were turned down by every major record label in the US.

The "Somebody Told Me" band found it hard to get a deal in their home country at the start of their career, but a good review and radio play in Britain helped kick started their career.

"Every major label in America turned us down, then we got a glowing review in NME magazine and every single one of those labels offered us a record deal. So I will always be thankful to the NME," frontman Brandon Flowers said.

The band were awarded the Best International Band trophy at the recent NME Awards, and said they were amazed to be at the ceremony alongside their hero, guitar player Johnny Marr. Referencing two of Johnny's bands, Brandon added to NME magazine, "It's a big honor just to be here with Johnny Marr. I mean have you ever heard Electronic? But The Smiths were a staple for so many of us that were in that room. It's incredible, the influence they had."

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Spotify Launches Free Music Service

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Corporate News, Hot Deals, Internet, Music,

Speaking of EMI, the new music service Spotify launched this week. Other companies they are dealing with include UMG, Sony BMG, WMG, Merlin and the Orchard. Already in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Norway and Sweden, it will make their way elsewhere by next year. Download and installing is simple for access to millions of tracks, and you can create and share playlists with your buds. The streaming is free since it is financed by advertising.

Read More | Spotify

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SanDisk SlotMusic

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Music, Portable Audio / Video,

SanDisk has announced that they are releasing SlotMusic, apparently in an effort to boost sagging CD sales. Teaming up with Sony BMG, Universal, Warner, and EMI, the company will be selling their microSDs to the record labels who will then create the 1GB cards. Each is only 0.6 x 0.4-inches and can hold 320kbps MP3, DRM-free music. Best Buy and Wally World plan on selling the cards, if they can find them in their stockrooms.

Read More | Inventor Spot

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