By Ramona Mark

Beatles, Jackson Honored at Japan’s Gold Disc Awards

“The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has handed out its
Gold Disc Awards, with boy band Arashi and the Beatles among the
winners. The Feb. 24 awards, the 24th edition of the ceremony,
celebrated the artists that have sold the most in sales categories
including singles, downloads, albums and total sales.” (via Billboard.biz)

Promoter Defends Whitney Houston’s Australian Comeback

“The Australian promoter of Whitney Houston’s comeback tour down under
has come out in full support of the diva whose opening date was savaged
by fans and local critics. Following her Monday (Feb. 22) night Australian tour
curtain-raiser at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, questions have been
raised about Houston’s abilities to still cut it on the biggest stage.
And some disappointed ticket-holders are demanding a refund.” (via Billboard.biz) 

Watch: First Song from Jack White’s Model Wife

“The first time Jack White started rocking out with his spouse, he formed the White Stripes. Now, he’s attempting to craft some new marital music with his wife of four years, supermodel Karen Elson. Watch her debut solo video below!”

(via Spin)

Yeasayer Talk ‘Poppier’ New Album

“wo months before the release of Yeasayer’s new album, I get a sign that the band’s world has changed. I’m sitting in a jury selection room at the Brooklyn Supreme Court on a warm day in early December. An Orthodox Jewish woman is arguing with a defense lawyer about the details of the traffic accident we’re being asked to consider when someone taps me on the shoulder.”

(via Spin)

Outlook for All Points West Festival in Jersey City This Summer Is in Doubt

“It may be only February, but for the concert industry the summer is already here, with artists completing their tour schedules and festivals releasing their lineups. Bonnaroo, in Tennessee in June, has announced most of its 100-plus acts, and blogs have been buzzing for weeks about who is expected for Lollapalooza in Chicago in August.”

(via The New York Times)

Tune Tribe And 3rd Space Team For Ad Supported Mobile Video

“TuneTribe is partnering with  with mobile entertainment marketer 3RD SPACE to launch an ad funded mobile music videos service. Users of the new mobile video channels will get free entertainment content in exchange for watching an embedded advert, with TuneTribe and 3RD SPACE pooling resources to attract sponsors and advertisers.” (via Hypebot)

Liz Rosenberg Exits Warners To Launch New Co.

“Public relations vet Liz Rosenberg is leaving her longtime position at Warner Bros. Records to launch her own PR shop, Liz Rosenberg Media. Rosenberg will represent her own clients and will also represent several of the label’s artists as part of an ongoing consultancy with the company.” (via Hypebot)

Beck, Julian Casablancas, Grizzly Bear, Many More Contribute to Hear to Help Haiti Album

“Filter and American Eagle Outfitters have teamed up to raise funds for the ongoing Haitian relief effort. The magazine and clothing company brought together a long list of artists for a compilation album entitled Hear to Help, available exclusively at AE stores and at AE.com.”

(via Paste)

Abbey Road Studios Declared Historic

“In yet another news update in the Abbey Road Studios saga, the iconic British space has been officially deemed a historic building by the UK government. Since EMI Group Ltd. announced that it would put the studio on the market, English Heritage (among several other organizations and individuals) has been advocating that the British government step in. And it appears their efforts haven’t been in vain.” (via Paste)

New LCD Soundsystem Album on the Way

“James Murphy’s upcoming album may be his last as LCD Soundsystem, so it’s good to know the project is in good hands. “Mixing last song right now to send to the amazing Bob Weston to master,” his Twitter read late last night. “Meaning, record DONE.”’

(via Paste)

Roanoke, VA: Where Music Is Made Matters

“I’ve written before about how where music is made matters. Not only can music add flavor to a city as it does in Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans; but musicians can also be harbingers of future growth as we’ve seen in places like Austin and Brooklyn Heights, New York.”

(via Hypebot)