Bob Marley may have passed away in 1981 but his work of spreading Reggae music and the message of Rastafari was far from dead. Still today, millions of people enjoy the ska Jamaican beat that was so pronounced in the Wailer’s music that was so unique in its day. Rita Marley, Bob’s Widow and superb singer in her own rights, will join up with Bunny Wailer who first formed the band as well as the two remaining members of the backing singers the I-Threes. Rita Marley has enjoyed a long life of musical success. As well as singing with the I-Threes she also enjoyed fame with the Soulettes prior to this. Marcia Griffiths gained worldwide recognition with the song “Young, Gifted and Black” while the remaining member of the I-Threes, Judy Mowatt, first sang with the Gaylettes. All of the Wailers will be making the monumental journey to Hunter Mountain outside Woodstock. Fans will be privileged to hear some of the classic tracks as well as modern songs. Both the style and the underlying message still offer a unique and valid point. Rita Marley will be making the journey from her home in Ghana especially to be part of this monumental musical occasion that will make history and please thousands of adoring fans. Bunny Wailer will host the event on June 25th.

To many of us, the use of this type of malicious software is far from breaking news but the decision that Sony should pay compensation to all those affected should have given consumers cause for concern over Sony’s original action. Any other company found responsible for this kind of thing would expect to face hefty fines and possible further action. Sony, though, were ordered to replace the affected disks, provide software to remove the program and pay $7.50 compensation and one free album download.

There was an interesting story in the New York Post a few days ago. It basically looked at how dwindling CD sales are driving a wedge between record labels and publishers. Previously they had enjoyed a stable and often close relationship, but apparently as more avenues for production are opening up for musicians and bands the producers are taking action to ensure they still receive their slice of the financial pie.

Publishers have realised, perhaps a little later than most, that CDs just aren’t selling as well as they used to. MP3 downloads are increasing in popularity and as they do so even fewer CDs are being sold. This leaves them with no option but attempt to find other ways to make their “hard earned” money.

Publishers are sending out talent spotters, or A&R people, to find the potential stars. They’re also offering recording opportunities and space to their own bands, essentially cutting out the labels almost entirely. While many see it as heartening that the labels are finally getting the poetic justice they have spent years earning, it is likely to mean that publishers will simply step up to the fold and take over.

While the labels will clearly suffer to some extent, it could create more damage to the current state of musical affairs. Labels want hit records more than ever and in order to produce these hits they don’t dare to stray away from what they believe to be a winning formula. This means more of the same redundant tracks that sound the same now as the hit records of the nineties.

Independent publishers with any marketing knowledge will be set to take advantage by offering a greater level of service and a much more musician friendly relationship and environment. There’s never been a better time to be indipendent.

I know this is a little late, but I felt it would be a really good way to start off our new blog. The Canadian Music Week indie music awards were handed out way back in the beginning of March but, if nothing else, the reel of winners may give a few pointers to bands that are worth looking out for. Full details on the CMW can be seen on their webpage at http://www.cmw.net/ including information about the CMW2007 awards.

2006 INDIE AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED

XM SATELLITE RADIO FAVOURITE ALBUM The Arcade Fire – Funeral FAVOURITE SINGLE Bedouin Soundclash – When The Night Feels My Song FAVOURITE SOLO ARTIST City and Colour feat. Dallas Green CHART MAGAZINE FAVOURITE GROUP/DUO Death From Above 1979 FAVOURITE VIDEO The Arcade Fire – Neighbourhood #3 (Power Out) FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/GROUP Franz Ferdinand FAVOURITE INTERNATIONAL ALBUM Bloc Party – Silent Alarm FAVOURITE NEW INTERNATIONAL ARTIST/GROUP Rumble In Rhodos SYMPATICO.MSN FAVOURITE ARTIST WEBSITE Neverending White Lights – http://www.neverendingwhitelights.com FAVOURITE BLUES ARTIST/GROUP Garrett Mason FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S ARTIST/GROUP Mike Whitla FAVOURITE CLASSICAL ARTIST/GROUP James Ehnes FAVOURITE COUNTRY ARTIST/GROUP Brad Johner FAVOURITE ELECTRONICA ARTIST/GROUP The Hermit FAVOURITE FOLK ARTIST/GROUP Corb Lund XM SATELLITE RADIO FAVOURITE FRANCOPHONE ARTIST/GROUP Annie Villeneuve FAVOURITE JAZZ ARTIST/GROUP Sandro Dominelli FAVOURITE LATIN ALTERNATIVE ARTIST/GROUP CACHE FAVOURITE METAL/HARDCORE ARTIST/GROUP Cryptopsy FAVOURITE POP ARTIST/GROUP Rosette CBC RADIO 3 FAVOURITE ROCK ARTIST/GROUP Boys Night Out CBC RADIO 3 FAVOURITE URBAN ARTIST/GROUP Divine Brown FAVOURITE WORLD ARTIST/GROUP Muna Mingole GALAXIE RISING STARS AWARD OF THE CBC Elliott Brood "Ambassador" (Six Shooter)

In March, 7,000 bands and musicians were nominated for the impressive award. Myspace members were asked to give details of their favorite independent musician and their best track. A panel of judges that included top music and video game executives then decided on a list of 20 finalists. The winners were then voted for by the MySpace community. First place went to Kazy and the song Choke. As winners, they will join top rock band Wolfmother on the soundtrack for the game. Kazy will also be the opening act for Wolfmother at a gig in Hollywood. Runners up No Bare Feet and R-Mean will also perform at the event that will be witnessed by music industry insiders and video game executives as well as the public. Obviously, this represents not only a huge achievement for Kayz but also massive potential to get his name and, more importantly, his music heard by the general public. To beat 7,000 other contenders, finish in top spot, and feature on a video game that is set to be a huge release is one hell of a top prize in anyone’s books. The principle behind the competition was also a really good one. Vivendi took quite a plunge in guaranteeing a place on the soundtrack for the winner. It’s also another sign of just how influential MySpace has become in so many different circles. On this occasion it brought music fans, independent musicians and the video game industry together in one competition.