GrindEFX

Round up of this week’s news:

• Terry takes a look at Recommendation Systems and uncovers how independent musicians can use them to attract new fans [READ].

• Following his tragic passing; MJ takes over the charts with over 20 songs in the iTunes Pop Chart top 100 [READ].

• Jerry Del Colliano explains why the King of Pop’s death proved that radio (along with other traditional media outlets) just doesn’t work anymore [READ].

• The Pirate Bay is bought by a Swedish software company, Global Gaming Factory, for $7.8 million.

• John Legend and Cherry Lane Publishing extend their relationship with an exclusive joint venture named “HomeSchool Music” [READ].

• Everybody’s favourite new artist, Drake, has signed to Young Money with distribution from Universal Republic [READ].

• Jay-Z has inked a distribution deal with Sony for his new label Roc Nation [READ].

• Live Nation and Microsoft have entered into a sponsorship deal where users who download customised versions of Internet Explorer 8 will have access to exclusive music content [READ].

• Sony Music have partnered with independent digital music distributor IODA in an effort to tap into the ever growing indie music sector [READ].

• Jammie Thomas’ lawyers have confirmed that she will appeal the $1.92 million fine she was handed for file-sharing. This comes after rumours that she had snubbed an out of court settlement offer from the RIAA [READ].

• AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips sat down with media outlets to discuss the ticket refunds for the Michael Jackson concerts [READ].

• Why it’s never been a better time to be an independent musician. [READ].