iTunes Radio Hits 2 billion Streams & 20 million Users
Apple’s iTunes Radio has yet to land in Australia, but just over a month from its launch on 18th September, the music streaming service has already generated some huge figures. iTunes Radio users have already listened to more than 2 billion songs, while more than 20 million people have used Apple’s new iTunes-integrated platform. A new statistics report from Apple shows that iTunes has now delivered 60 billion cumulative downloads, as well as $3 billion in revenue to developers. The IT giant also recently revealed a new line of lighter, slimmer iPads and Macs (but no iPods), following on from the company’s biggest iPhone launch in history where 9 million units of the new 5c and 5s were shifted over one weekend. (via HypeBot)
Bands And Music Industry Set To Clash In Charity Soccer Match
Representatives from Stereosonic, the Mushroom Group, Modular, Future Classic, Ministry of Sound, Sweat It Out, Channel [V], FBi Radio, and InTheMix are set to go head to head in the name of charity at the inaugural Música Copa, a 5-a-side soccer tournament. Officially partnered with ARIA Week and the Electronic Music Conference (EMC), Música Copa will take place on Thursday 5th December – in between the two weekends of Stereosonic at Marrickville’s industrial KIKOFF complex. The tournament will see touring artists, TV and radio personalities, label representatives and industry legends fire up old rivalries on and off the pitch for the chance to win a bumper cash prize for their charity of choice. After-party celebrations will be soundtracked by some of the many DJs on hand, plus special guests. A host of notable musicians have already been confirmed for the team-sheets, featuring members of Van She, Canyons, What So Not, RUFUS, Movement, Dan Single, and Yolanda Be Cool. For further player announcements, latest news and event day info visit www.musicacopa.com
Joshua James Signs Deal With Cooking Vinyl Australia
Cooking Vinyl Australia has signed Nebraska-born, Utah-based rock and folk singer Joshua James in a new deal for the release of his latest album, From The Top of Willamette Mountain. The record, preceded by lead single ‘Queen of the City’, will be issued on 15th November in a deluxe package to introduce James to Australia ahead of him releasing a brand new album next year. From The Top of Willamette Mountain has already earned a lot of international buzz for Joshua James thanks to his aching brand of Americana, mixing soulful grunge rock and sweetly hoarse melancholy side-by-side in the presentation of traditional folk.
UNFD Expand Roster, Give Away Free Music
UNFD is pleased to announce the signing of two new acts to their growing roster, which includes such hardcore heroes as The Amity Affliction, Northlane, and In Hearts Wake. First up is five-piece grime/metalcore UK act Hacktivist. Formed in 2011 the band are known for their unusual mix of downtuned, djent style music with aggressive grime rapping. Coinciding with the band’s addition to the UNFD roster, Hacktivist are giving away their single ‘Elevate’ as a free download here ahead of the release of their new EP. Likewise West Australian six-piece Make Believe Me, who are commemorating their addition to UNFD by giving away their track ‘Home’ here. The band will also have a song from their five-track EP “Where The Heart Is” available daily for streaming on the site. (via UNFD)
Diafrix Join Niche Agency
Niche Agency has announced that Melbourne-based hip hop twosome Diafrix have joined their books. All bookings for the duo will now be handled by Niche’s Huw Araniego-Ellis. The news caps a successful 12 months for Diafrix in the wake of their latest LP Pocket Full Of Dreams. The album saw the hip hop pair of Momo and Azmarino, signed to Mushroom subsidy Illusive, enjoying a support slot with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, while their song ‘Running It’ was used as the official theme song for the Western Bulldogs. (via The Music)
