Prince could claim Official Chart double No.1
Early sales figures from the Official Charts Company indicate that Prince may be on course to claim a double No.1 this week, with classics from the late icon’s catalogue flooding early versions of the Official Singles and Albums Charts after 24 hours. News broke on Thursday evening of the untimely passing of 57-year-old music legend Prince Rogers Nelson at his Paisley Park estate in Minneapolis, and since then music fans of Britain have paid tribute to the star by purchasing a host of his classic hit singles, albums and Best Of collections. Based on one day's data (comprising Friday sales up to midnight last night, but with no streams yet counted), Prince’s 1984 signature anthem, Purple Rain, has claimed a strong early lead in the Official Singles Chart race. The early rankings show Prince occupying four of the Top 5 slots with When Doves Cry (No.2), Kiss (No.4) and 1999 (No.5). Current chart topper Drake’s One Dance ft. Wizkid & Kyla is at No.3 in the early rundown.
Nikki Sixx and band Sixx:AM pen open letter to YouTube
Nikki Sixx's band Sixx:AM have penned an open letter calling on YouTube to ensure that artists are paid fairly: "We recently completed our fourth album called Prayers For The Damned, in our singer/producer James Michael’s recording studio. We are a lucky band, grateful to have all had success prior to the creation of Sixx:A.M. Nikki came from Mötley Crue, DJ played guitar in Guns N Roses for the past seven years and James has had a successful career as a writer and producer. Releasing an album and being part of a tour going on sale, allows us to use the promoters marketing money to create a larger platform to get our message out, and having a record company that generates publicity gives us an opportunity to speak up about issues we think are important—specifically the crisis with the music business and YouTube."
Midem 2016 artist accelerator finalists revealed
Midem has revealed the finalists of the Midem Artist Accelerator (MAA), the exclusive programme designed to fast-track emerging musical talent on the global marketplace. Now in its second year, the MAA is enjoying growing success, with more than 500 submissions representing some 60 nationalities. Chosen by the Midem Artistic Committee, the 12 finalists will perform live during Midem and will benefit from a tailored programme during the tradeshow. The artists will also compete in a Midem online community vote and the three winners will play at Midem’s Opening Party, Friday June 3 at the Carlton Palace. Multi-platinum producer and performer Timbaland is the 2016 Ambassador of the MAA, and will also be keynoting at Midem. Timbaland will hold an exclusive conversation with the finalists, during which he will set out his vision of musical success and share his expertise. “I am thrilled to join the Midem Artist Accelerator and help the selected artists take their careers to the next level,” said Timbaland.
New Beyonce album to remain Tidal streaming exclusive - report
Beyonce's sixth studio album Lemonade was showcased in a one-hour HBO special on Saturday, April 23 and it looks like it will only be available to stream on Tidal. The album was made available to download exclusively on the service yesterday afternoon via Beyonce.Tidal.com. Priced at $17.99, it includes 12 songs and videos and the full version of the HBO show. While the album may only be available to stream on Tidal, it is expected to be made available to download from other stores this week. (Billboard)
This week's Music Week out now
This week's issue of Music Week includes coverage from last week's MUSEXPO conference in LA and a special report on anti-piracy. Also in this week's issue is a profile on Wembley Arena, while Jazz FM's managing director takes the big interview slot. Click here to subscribe.
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