See that receipt there on the left?

That’s PAYOLA.

Microsoft and Epic Records to Offer Ongoing Exclusive Entertainment Content on Xbox Live
The online entertainment network features Natasha Bedingfield as first Artist of the Month, and offers music videos and Game with Fame sessions.

REDMOND, Wash., and NEW YORK — March 16, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. and music giant Epic Records today announced an agreement to make available a full year of exclusive artist content and high-definition music video downloads free for all Xbox 360™ gamers. Over the next year, Xbox 360 and Epic Records will showcase 12 up-and-coming artists through the Artist of the Month (AOM) program via the Xbox Live® service, the first and only unified global online entertainment network. Through the alliance, millions of Xbox Live members can enter a monthly sweepstakes with a prize of gaming against some of the hottest musicians through the Xbox Live Game with Fame™ program.

“This program really taps into the passion and excitement that surround both video gaming and music,” said Cory Llewellyn, vice president of Epic Records Digital Marketing and Promotion. “We are excited to bring our strong roster of developing artists together with Xbox Live for a variety of great experiences for consumers.”

Read more about why my friend Cory is so good at his job at microsoft.com.

As of this week, I’ll also be posting over at the Synthesis Magazine blog!

Twice the Jeremy, twice the fun!

So, a few of you might know this (and even fewer might care), but the terrestrial radio market is soon to make a push into what they call “digital radio”. It’s not quite satellite and not quite regular radio, and yes you’ll have to buy another piece of proprietary hardware in order to listen to the same Clearchannel garbage in higher fidelity.

Now, it appears that your friend and mine the RIAA would like to create some kind of copy protection scheme.

Hey guys, way to bring your consumer base back to your side.

*bangs head against wall* we…sue…our customers…we…sue…our…customers.

(an oldie but goodie from the email inbox)

A BIG FAT THANKS TO RECORD EXECS
Thank you for fighting the good fight against Internet MP3 file-swapping. Because of you, millions of kids will stop wasting time listening to new music and seeking out new bands. No more spreading the word to complete strangers about your artists. No more harmful exposure to thousands of bands via Internet radio, either. With any luck, they won’t talk about music at all. You probably knew you’d make millions embracing the technology. After all, the kids swapping were like ten times more likely to buy CD’s, making your
cause all the more admirable. It must have cost a bundle in future revenue, but don’t worry – computers are just a fad anyway, and the Internet is just plain stupid.

-Rolling Stone Magazine’s ad in the New York Times

We know its true, but you’re not supposed to SAY it…