1. go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
the first wikipedia article you get is the name of your band

2. go to random quotes: http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
the last four words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your
first album.

3. go to flickr’s “explore the last seven days”
http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days/
third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

From Vicki at Planetary Group

“If you buy into the notion that the internet is good not only for consuming content but also for two-way dialogue and interactivity, then it logically follows that the most successful communications won’t stand in the way of that dialogue.” -Tom Hespos

The video about whats wrong with the biz and what needs to be done is what’s taking up most of my mindshare today. Well worth the time for anyone involved in the entertainment biz.

Update: Seth took the video down due to quality issues, but since the content is so amazing, I have it mirrored here locally:
Now the video works again!

Get the latest Flash Player to see this player.

Since I am a music geek, I am also a Rhapsody subscriber, and find it totally invaluable. Their new tagline “Think It, Hear It” is quite accurate to describe the experience. They recently launched a new Facebook application that has similar functionality to other FB music apps, except it now allows LEGAL FULL-TRACK STREAMING of their entire library. I can’t wait to see what else these guys are up to in 08!

BusinessWeek seems to agree with me. Check out their article: Stars Are Aligning for Subscription Music

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

Accidental iTunes Music Store abbreviation of the day…