Random Music News for Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Three weeks til spring. Three weeks til spring. Three weeks til spring. Music news now.

1. So how does the money work in today’s music business? Like this.
2. HMV is closing its store on Bloor Street West in Toronto. That strip has the highest rents in all of Canada, so it’s not surprising that a record store would be forced out. HMV maintains five stores in Toronto, including the big flagship at 333 Yonge.
3. If you’re into narrations and voiceovers, watch this.
4. Cream’s Ginger Baker has been diagnosed with serious heart problems. People who know him replied “He has a heart?”
5. Calgary just lost an alternative station. The Peak went country yesterday.
6. Charlie Tuna, one of my old-school radio heroes, is dead at 71. Me and my old radio buddies used to listen to airchecks like this.
7. Meanwhile, a live DJ has added slander to his suit against Taylor Swift
8. Here’s a collection of songs written about three of the leading US presidential candidates. Yes, there’s a Trump song. (Via Ray)
9. Tidal has its own royalty lawsuit now. And it lost its CFO and COO in 24 hours. This is a serious implosion.
10. Wow. Michael Stipe has changed his look. (Via Larry)
11. The Rolling Stones want to play in Cuba.
12. So far, so good for Adele’s world tour.
13. Scott Russo of Unwritten Law has had surgery. No one is saying why.
14. Another view of the Apple vs. FBI situation: this could set a dangerous precedent.
15. Is karaoke good for bonding with co-workers? I’d never do it, but some people are big advocates.