HMV BOSS TO DEPART
The boss of flagging entertainment retailer HMV is to step down, it has been announced.

Simon Fox has had a rocky ride at the top of the last surviving nationwide high street music seller. He began with bold plans to expand the HMV brand into other areas of music and entertainment, but cash issues and money-lender pressure forced that strategy to be more or less abandoned in favour of renewed concentration of the firm's high street stores, even though it's hard to see how mainstream entertainment retail on the high street has any long term future.

Nevertheless, Fox did manage to placate bankers enough to secure solid funding, albeit in the short-term, and he insists that after some streamlining the company could be back in profit by next year. We'll see. By then the future of HMV will be the problem of former Jessops boss Trevor Moore, who will take over as CEO next month.

Confirming his departure, Fox said today: "I am proud to be leaving HMV with a profitable future secured. The appointment of Trevor Moore means that I will be leaving the company in safe hands".

Meanwhile HMV Chairman Philip Rowley said: "I want to thank Simon for his contribution to HMV. He has led the company through a turbulent period for the entertainment retailing industry and has played an invaluable part in securing HMV's future".

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SECRETSUNDAZE GO BANG! MOVES FROM LONDON PLEASURE GARDENS
The organisers of one-day electronic music festival Secretsundaze Go Bang! have announced that they are moving to a new venue, to be decided, with just weeks to go before the event later this month. It had been due to take place at the new London Pleasure Gardens venue complex, where the ill-fated Bloc Festival took place last month.

As previously reported, Bloc was shut down by police on its first night due to overcrowding, causing the rest of the event to be cancelled and the company behind it to go into administration. Although no official answers as to what exactly led to the problems have been forthcoming - and there have been various theories circulating as to what went wrong - some involved in the Bloc debacle were critical of the newly opened London Pleasure Gardens site.

In a statement yesterday, Secretsundaze co-founders Giles Smith and James Priestley didn't go into any detail about the decision to change locations, saying: "For our first Secretsundaze Go Bang! mini-festival we need to be absolutely sure that our fans get the event they deserve. As part of this, after much consideration, we have decided that an alternative venue is the best choice".

They continued: "In our ten years, Secretsundaze has provided some of London's best parties, and we need to ensure we have the perfect venue to cater to our needs. We are looking at three very exciting London venues for this spectacular event, and will announce as soon as we have made our choice. We want this to be the ultimate Secretsundaze experience, and so we feel that a move is the best option at this time".

Meanwhile a spokesperson for the London Pleasure Gardens said: "Demand for Secretsundaze has meant is has outgrown its original venue of the Dome at LPG. There has unfortunately been a delay on completing construction of the larger Hub venue at LPG so we're regrettably no longer able to host the Secretsundaze event".

All Secretsundaze tickets will remain valid for the new venue, which will be announced in due course.

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BEYOND OBLIVION SETTLE WITH MAJORS
Beyond Oblivion v2, the company that emerged out of the collapse of the ambitious digital non-start-up Beyond Oblivion earlier this year, and headed up by the original company's founder Adam Kidron, has reached deals with Sony Music and Warner Music over the millions the labels said the digital firm owed them.

As previously reported, Beyond Oblivion planned to launch a subscription-based download and streaming service under the terrible name Boinc, where the subscriptions would be bundled into the cost of digital devices, masking the cost to the consumer. It was a similar model to Nokia's ill fated Comes With Music service. And while Boinc insisted it had overcome all of the Nokia platform's many problems, that didn't stop the whole thing collapsing before it had even launched late last year.

The company then went into bankruptcy, but was bought back by a new entity led by Kidron, called Gee Beyond, which seems to want to have another go at getting the Boinc service live - certainly users are being invited to take part in a beta test via the firm's website and a new iPhone app.

But there were some contractual issues hanging over from the old company. First, the maker of the digital rights management technology used by Boinc initially said that the contracts transferred over from the old to the new Beyond entity were no longer valid, though Kidron managed to negotiate new arrangements. Then Sony and Warner, who had both signed up to the original Beyond Oblivion venture, arrived saying that their contracts were very much still valid, and therefore they'd gladly take the circa $50 million advances they had both been promised.

The new Beyond company seemingly argued that the wording of the original Boinc contracts meant that label partners were only due their advances if and when a commercial launch took place. The labels, though, did not concur, and threatened to sue, a move that would have hindered greatly the new Boinc company's bid to move beyond the bankruptcy of the old entity.

But then on Monday it was announced a deal had been reached, which should see each major get up to $2 million from the monies created by the sale of the old bankrupt firm to Kidron's new entity.

A lot less than what they had been due under their original agreements with the old company though. So why settle? Possibly because the majors realise there simply isn't any money available to pay that kind of advance (as it was the original Boinc was relying on its own advances from technology partners to meet those promises). Or possibly because Kidron has convinced then that the second generation Boinc is something worth being involved in.

Either way, a judge must now rule on the proposed agreement.

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FUTURE OF MUSIC COALITION REAFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO UNIVERSAL'S EMI BID
Following that statement from the American Association Of Independent Music earlier this week, in which the indie label trade body reaffirmed its opposition to Universal's bid to buy EMI, while also arguing that the mega-major should have to make radical concessions in the US, as in Europe, if regulators there are planning on giving the deal the go-ahead, now US artists lobby group the Future Of Music Coalition has said something very similar.

As previously reported, despite initially saying concessions would not be necessary to win regulator approval, Universal Music has now proposed the divestment of some key EMI divisions in Europe - including Parlophone and EMI/Chrysalis in the UK - in order to win approval for their big EMI deal from European Commission officials. But similar concessions have not, as yet, been discussed in the US, where the Federal Trade Commission is considering the deal.

A2IM and FMC reckon that similar concessions are now needed Stateside, though officially both remain opposed to the Universal/EMI deal outright. FMC Deputy Director Casey Rae told CMU: "It is never a comfortable thing to see musicians herded around like livestock by massive companies with a demonstrated lack of concern over how their business decisions impact the very people who make their businesses possible".

"Allowing a single label to dominate the market to such an extent will inevitably lead to a lack of legitimate options for consumers, set artificial limits on emerging music services and diminish access and compensation opportunities for musicians and independent labels. There is no reason to believe that the remedies proposed by EMI [so far] will have any effect on these outcomes, especially considering that they do not apply to the US market. If the merger is approved on either side of the pond, it can only be seen as a step backwards in the establishment of a viable 21st century music ecosystem".

"Historically, independent artists and labels have lacked the leverage to compete against the biggest corporate entities. More power in the hands of fewer companies means that any influence they do have will be greatly hampered. This is a betrayal of the promise of a digital marketplace where creators are compensated and fans can find the music they want. The goal of regulators in the US and abroad should be to preserve and promote competition at this crucial level".

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PUSSY RIOT THREE BEING MISTREATED, SAYS LAWYER
Violetta Volkova, the lawyer acting on behalf of three members of Russian punk band Pussy Riot - Maria Alyokhina, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina Samutsevich - has said that the women are being deliberately mistreated during their trial. As previously reported, they are accused of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred or hostility", after their ten-strong band performed a "punk prayer" that was critical of president Vladimir Putin on the altar of Moscow's Russian Orthodox cathedral.

Accusing authorities of waking the women up at 5am and keeping them in a tiny room without food until they are transported to court, Reuters reports that Volkova said: "The trial is being conducted in an outrageous way. The court sessions are lasting eleven hours a day, and our clients are not being allowed to eat or sleep adequately".

The case is widely seen as an attempt by Putin to silence critical voices against him. If the Pussy Riot members are convicted (as it is expected they will be) they face up to seven years in prison.

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AIM INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AND PIONEER AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
The Association Of Independent Music's Independent Music Awards aren't due to take place until the end of October, but everyone over there's so excited about it that they've already announced two of the night's winners - musician Edwyn Collins will take the Outstanding Contribution trophy, while Mute's Daniel Miller has been named the winner of this year's Pioneer Award.

Collins told CMU: "How gracious of AIM to consider me, I'm most flattered. 30 years of rock n roll independence! It's where I started and I'm there yet. I think it's the future, young people".

Of his win, Miller said: "I am very flattered and honoured to receive this award. It's particularly special to be acknowledged by fellow independents".

Meanwhile, AIM boss Alison Wenham added: "I have such admiration for both Daniel and Edwyn and congratulate them on winning our most coveted awards. They are survivors, they never give up, they are ridiculously talented, and they set a standard for others to follow".

The second Independent Music Awards will take place at The Brewery in Clerkenwell on 29 Oct. More information at www.musicindie.com/awards

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RUN-DMC BRING FORWARD REUNION
Run-DMC announced last month that they would reunite for a one-off performance at this year's Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, Texas in November. However, some fans will now have an opportunity to see the rap duo (minus, of course, deceased third member Jam Master Jay) at Jay-Z's Made In America music festival in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in September.

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FEIST AND MASTODON SHARE INTERACTIVE VIDEO
After meeting on an edition of 'Later... With Jools Holland' earlier this year, Leslie Feist suggested that she and Mastodon might work together in some way. And then they only went and did it, releasing a split single featuring covers of each others' songs on seven-inch for this year's Record Store Day. Now, to mark the digital release of both covers, they've released an interactive video for Mastodon's cover of Feist's 'A Commotion'.

Continuing the theme of collaborating without actually directly working together, the video allows viewers to crossfade between Feist's original and Mastodon's cover of the song - merging the two versions or just listening to one - over Vice Cooler's video for the track.

Have a play for yourself here.

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BIFFY CLYRO RE-NAME DOUBLE LP, PREMIERE SINGLE
Despite implying back in May that the two halves of their new double LP would bear the separate legends 'The Land At The End Of Our Toes' and 'The Sand At The Core Of Our Bones', Biffy Clyro have now said that the record will have one overall title - 'Opposites'.

Discussing the band's sixth studio record yesterday via Zane Lowe's Radio 1 evening slot, Biffy frontman Simon Neil said: "It's a strange situation when you're revealing what you've been working on for the past couple of years - it doesn't get any easier, but it's still exciting... we're definitely a bit nervous but we're very excited".

Phoning in to premiere 'Stingin Belle', the first single to be taken from the dual long-player, Neil said of the track: "It was one of the first songs that really clicked when we were recording it... it represents the record... It shows how over-the-top the record is. It might be our last really over the top record".

He added: "I think we've gone as far as we can. We're still keeping things musical, still being as weird as we've always been".

Listen to 'Stingin Belle', as will surely feature amid the band's set-list when they play iTunes festival on 22 Sep, via this link.

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MAJOR LAZER UNVEIL LP GUESTLIST... SHAGGY, BRUNO MARS, WYCLEF ALL PRESENT
Officially a two-man collaboration no more, notes on the sophomore LP from dancehall project Major Lazer have just been published on behalf of its "sole executive producer" Diplo (sorry, Switch).

So we know that the record - the successor to ML's 2009 debut 'Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do' - carries the title 'Free The Universe' and will be released on 5 Nov via Diplo's Mad Decent label imprint.

Oh, and a Major Lazer LP wouldn't be much of a Major Lazer LP without a ridiculous list of guest stars. Being no exception to that rule, 'Free The Universe' features Bruno Mars (!), Wyclef Jean (!!), Shaggy (!!!) and less ridiculous contributors in Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig, Tyga, Flux Pavilion, Wynter Gordon and Dev. Oh, and Dirty Projectors' Amber Coffman, who appears on previously released single 'Get Free', obviously.

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AMON TOBIN TO RELEASE LP AS TWO FINGERS
Amon Tobin, who released an eponymous debut under his bass alias Two Fingers in 2009, has since completed a sequel under that moniker in new LP 'Stunt Rhythms'.

Described in PR speak as Tobin's "love letter to hip hop", this more conventional alternative to Tobin's abstract 'ISAM' project is out via Big Dada on 1 Oct.

Tracklisting:

Stripe Rhythm
Snap
Defender Rhythm
Fools Rhythm
Magoo
Sweden
Lock86
101 South
Razorback
Elmer Rhythm
Little Brat
Crunch Rhythm
Deep Jinx

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COHEED & CAMBRIA DETAIL DUAL LP, TOUR DATES
Biffy Clyro aren't the only band releasing a double LP with conceptual leanings, oh no, because prog metal-ites Coheed & Cambria have also just announced their own two-part studio set.

'The Afterman', as it's titled, will comprise two volumes; 'Ascension' and 'Decension'. 'Ascension' will be available first via 2 Recordings/Everything Evil on 8 Oct, while 'Decension' (which I'm fairly sure isn't an actual word), is slated for release in February 2013.

In lieu of an audio preview, here are four forthcoming C&C tour dates, plus an official 'Afterman' trailer:

8 Nov: London, Koko
9 Nov: Glasgow, ABC
11 Nov: Birmingham, Academy
12 Nov: Manchester, Ritz Ballroom

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TOY TO TOUR
Auspicious alt-rock tykes Toy have attached a number of headline dates to the campaign for their eponymous first LP, as is released via Heavenly Recordings on 10 Sep. The band's new single, a seven-inch comprising 'Lose My Way' and its non LP-featuring B-side 'Bright White Shimmering Sun', will precede its full-length cousin on 3 Sep.

Behold details of those live listings, plus a trailer for 'Toy' the long player, here:

19 Oct Sheffield, Plug
20 Oct Birmingham, HMV Temple
23 Oct Norwich, Waterfront Studio
24 Oct London, Heaven
25 Oct Southampton, Talking Heads
27 Oct Brighton, Green Door Store
28 Oct Manchester, Ruby Lounge
29 Oct Newcastle, Cluny
30 Oct Glasgow, Sleazy's

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OM LIST LIVE DATES
Born of the remnants of seminal doom metallers Sleep, drone-prone psych band Om have just released their fifth studio LP (and first with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe) 'Advaitic Songs'. With this still to promote, they've pre-dated a previously announced London show with five extra stops.

And they are:

25 Sep: Birmingham, Rainbow Warehouse
26 Sep: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
27 Sep: Ireland, Dublin, Twisted Pepper
28 Sep: Glasgow, Stereo
29 Sep: Bristol, Cooler
30 Sep: London, Scala

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THE VACCINES, MYSTERY JETS PLAYING WHISKEY PARTY UP DEVIL'S ARSE
So, Mystery Jets, The Vaccines and Camden quartet Tribes will all pay their respects to the Ronald McDonald of sour mash Tennessee whiskies, Mr Jack Daniel, as part of his posthumous birthday celebrations, which apparently take place every September, all September.

The three bands will play live in Castleton cavern The Devil's Arse on 6 Oct, it boasting Great Britain's largest cave opening. By the way, the party's taking place in a cave because Jack Daniel's whiskey is made using iron-free Tennessee cave water, so it all makes sense.

If you'd like to spend time with The Vaccines in The Devil's Arse, look for tickets via the Jack Daniel's Facebook Page from 1 Sep.

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FESTIVAL LINE-UP ADDITIONS

MELTDOWN, Southbank Centre, London, 1-12 Aug: Boy George. www.southbankcentre.co.uk/meltdown

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STREAMING PAYS BETTER THAN RADIO, SAYS BEGGARS' MARTIN MILLS
Martin Mills has said that some Beggars Group artists are now receiving significantly higher revenues from streaming services than traditional radio, reports Music Week.

Speaking at UKTI's Global Business Summit On Creative Content, where Spotify's Ken Parks also revealed that the company now has four million paying subscribers, Beggars chief Mills said: "I'm finding that some of our artists, particularly the more catalogue artists, are opening their royalty statements and earning more [from streaming] than from any other source on some individual tracks. [For Beggars] it pays many, many more times than radio play. We're big supporters".

Sony Music UK chief Nick Gatfield added: "It's a hot debate for a number of artists and I think it's largely down to ignorance - and I have to say, ignorance from some of the rights holders and major record companies as well. We're all familiar with headlines about Lady Gaga getting streamed x million times and getting a cheque for £3.60, but the reality is that, when you look at the model, the life-span of a piece of music tends to be much more on Spotify - you can monetise it over a longer period of time and ultimately that will benefit us".

Meanwhile, Parks said: "To date we've paid back over a quarter of a billion dollars to rights holders - 180 million dollars in the last year alone. We're probably pacing about twice that in the next twelve months. We've paid a lot of money back to the industry and in some cases we're paying half a million dollars a quarter to rights holders, so the money is real. As we scale the business, it's only going to get better".

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UNSIGNED GUIDE APPOINTS NEW PARTNERSHIP MANAGER
The Unsigned Guide has announced the appointment of Dean Taylor, formerly with label Memphis Industries and music PR company Some Friendly PR, to the newly-created role of Brand Partnerships & Licensing Manager. He will help with the business development of the now online music industry directory.

Confirming the appointment, Unsigned Guide Editor Louise Dodgson told CMU: "We're very pleased to have Dean join our team and have no doubt he will be a great asset to The Unsigned Guide during a particularly thrilling time when we have many new developments in the pipeline. We're looking forward to unleashing lots of new features to The Unsigned Guide service over the coming months and beyond, and Dean will be an integral part of this".

Taylor himself added: "I am extremely excited about joining The Unsigned Guide, I have known the team for many years and have always had the utmost of respect for the business. Having the opportunity to become a key part of this team and help orchestrate the expansion of the TUG brand is a great challenge and I am looking forward to helping implement new ideas and strategies that will further cement our position as the online 'go to' place for bands and musicians, artist managers, music students and independent music businesses navigating the UK music industry".

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CONOR MAYNARD WOULD LIKE TO LICK CELEBS' FACES
The alleged 'new Justin Bieber', Brit YouTube phenom Conor Maynard, has confessed to liking the taste of a famous face or two. Or rather, what he's really said is that, so star struck was he upon collaborating with the many celeb guests on his first LP, 'Contrast', that he had to suppress that most primal of teen popstar urges, to "lick their faces".

Speaking to MTV, the nineteen year-old Brightonian - who studio partners to date include Rita Ora, Pharrell Williams and his own personal R&B mentor Ne-Yo - has gushed thus: "It's been crazy. I had to get very used to meeting my idols very quickly. I got to work with some incredible people. There's some amazing, amazing names I'm honoured to have on this album and I had to get used to meeting these people before I even released a track".

But wait, what of the licking thing? Says Conor: "I had to control myself and not want to run in there and lick their faces. I had to control that. I had to be normal at the same time".

Fortunately for Frank Ocean, who for some reason gifted a track titled 'Pictures' to the 'Contrast' cache, he and Conor never came within licking range.

Says Maynard of his Odd Future benefactor: "Well, I mean, with Frank Ocean, funny enough, I never got to meet him. It was one of those sessions where a song is put out there, where someone writes it, and someone else hears it and I end up with a song on my album. For me, it's kind of annoying I never got to meet him, but at the same time it's an incredible song".

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