Sony Program To Test How Singles Sales Affect Albums

Sony Music Distribution is testing a program to determine if sales of singles cannibalize sales of their respective albums. The program, expected to begin in April or May and end in July, will also test various price points for the configuration, ranging from 99 cents to $3.49 or more. "We want to get across to retail that we believe in a healthy singles business," Sony Music Distribution chairman Danny Yarbrough told Bulletin at the NARM convention in Las Vegas. "We've got commitments from our labels to release more singles going forward."

The test--conducted in conjunction with retail accounts and SoundScan--will likely involve eight to 10 singles in multiple genres, with sales tallied at U.S. mall stores, free-standing outlets, and mass merchants.

Incoming NARM chairman Stan Goman told the convention yesterday that a top priority for the coming year is "to keep the single alive at an affordable price." Meanwhile, Atlantic Group co-chairman/co-CEO Val Azzoli said during a panel that Atlantic puts out more singles now than a year ago. But he warned retailers about demands for discounts and other favorable terms on the configuration. "We're not giving away four for every one you buy," he said. "We'll continue to put out singles if we're assured of breaking even."

--Don Jeffrey, Las Vegas

In other news from NARM:

* The major distributors are continuing talks with two manufacturers of source-tagging technology, according to sources. Although Sony and WEA have announced plans to ship CDs with electronic anti-theft tags by Sensormatic Electronics (Bulletin, March 4), they are said to be talking to Checkpoint Systems in an effort to accomodate its competing technology. Checkpoint tags are used on CDs sold by such major accounts as Target and Circuit City. The record companies decline comment, but they have said they do not want to put two tags on a single piece of product or tag different batches of product with different technologies.

--Don Jeffrey, Las Vegas

* In the closing session, Tommy Boy CEO Tom Silverman said the industry needs to promote record release dates the same way movie studios promote their release dates. He told the crowd that every Tuesday should be "super Tuesday."

--Michael Amicone, Las Vegas

* NARM announced last night the winners of its merchandiser and supplier of the year awards; each category has three winners, for small, medium, and large divisions, respectively. Retail winners were Magic Platter CD, Compact Disc World Inc., and Newbury Comics; wholesalers were Super Discount CD's, Fresh Picks Inc., and Valley Media Inc.; distributors were Big Easy Distributing Co., Ryko Distribution Partners, and Sony Music Distribution; entertainment software suppliers were Gospo Centric, Rykodisc USA, and Arista Records; and related products and services suppliers were Macey Lipman Marketing, Billboard, and Case Logic Inc.


Sony Discos Closing Distribution Facilities

Sony Discos, the last self-distributed U.S. Latino imprint, is closing its Miami warehouse and shifting distribution to Sony Music, effective June 1. Sony Discos will continue to oversee sales, retail marketing, and customer service. Label president Oscar Llord says Sony Music's distribution centers in California, Illinois, New Jersey, and Georgia will offer "greater reach and much faster delivery service."

The Sony Discos warehouse, which began operations 20 years ago, has a staff of 33. Frank Welzer, president of Latin America for Sony Music International, says, "We will do our best to relocate the warehouse staff."

--John Lannert


Warner Int'l To Name Ames President In April?

Warner Music International appears likely to appoint former PolyGram Music Group president Roger Ames as president next month, Bulletin has learned. His move to the Warner Music Group's $2 billion international division, headed by chairman/CEO Ramon Lopez, has been expected (Bulletin, Jan. 18), although it is a complex deal that includes London Records.

Ames and Lopez have professional links dating back more than 20 years. Neither was available for comment on the plan, which must be approved by the Time Warner board. If the appointment occurs, it is thought that WMI president Stephen Shrimpton will advance to vice chairman/COO, reporting to Lopez.

Links between London Records, in which Ames holds a controlling interest, and Warner are already taking shape. New albums by two London acts, Orbital and Echo & the Bunnymen, are due for release through WMI next month; short-term licensing deals are said to have been made for the titles. Talks are also under way to link London with Warner's Sire Records Group in the U.S. (Bulletin, March 11).

--Adam White, London


Sabbath On Ozzfest; Euro Dates Planned

Following a successful reunion tour that grossed more than $15 million from only 20 dates, Black Sabbath will headline the 1999 Ozzfest, an SFX production that begins May 28. Also on the bill for the 25-date U.S. tour are Primus, Rob Zombie, Deftones, Slayer, Godsmack, and System Of A Down. Second-stage acts include Judas Priest, Pushmonkey, Nashville Pussy, Puya, and Buckcherry, along with unsigned acts Flashpoint, Apartment 26, and Slipknot. The tour is scheduled to play Europe in July and August. Last year's Ozzfest grossed more than $13.6 million from just 19 U.S. dates.

--Ray Waddell, Amusement Business


PolyGram's Maynard MD At Brazilian Label

Marcos Maynard, former Miami-based president of PolyGram Latino, has taken the reins of Brazil's Abril Music. He is the first managing director for the year-old, Sao Paulo-based label, a division of Brazilian media conglomerate Grupo Abril. Until now, the label has been overseen by a team of three managers, heading marketing, A&R, and sales.

--John Lannert


ARTISTdirect Retail Site For Rob Zombie

Rob Zombie is the latest artist to have an exclusive retail site created by Encino, Calif.-based ARTISTdirect. The site, at www.robzombiedirect.com, will sell albums, tour merchandise, sportswear, tickets, memorabilia, and exclusive autographed products. Other acts with ARTISTdirect retail sites include the Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, Korn, Beck, and Marilyn Manson.


Indigo Girls, Laura Love On Dusty Tribute Album On Dusty Tribute Album

An array of rock and acoustic-pop artists have teamed for a tribute to the late Dusty Springfield. "Forever Dusty: An Homage To An Icon" is due June 22 from Durham, N.C., indie R&D Records. Springfield died last week of breast cancer (Bulletin, March 4). Performing Springfield's songs on the set are Indigo Girls, Laura Love, Michelle Malone, Gretchen Phillips, Kate Pierson of the B-52's, Marti Jones, the Butchies, and others.

Meanwhile, a four-CD Springfield boxed set, which has long been in preparation, is likely to be released internationally in September or October from Mercury U.K., according to catalog product manager Paul Reidy.

--Larry Flick, N.Y.


Hank Williams Jr./ Skynyrd Tour Nixed

Hank Williams Jr. and Lynyrd Skynyrd have called off their 50-date tour due to throat problems experienced by Skynyrd front man Johnny Van Zant. The tour had been fully routed and was scheduled to play mostly sheds beginning in the spring. Handlers for both acts say the previously successful pairing will happen again. "We fully intend to do it, if not this year, then next," says Skynyrd co-manager Charlie Brusco. Meanwhile, Williams has completed an album for Curb and is in talks to join Charlie Daniels' Volunteer Jam package with Marshall Tucker Band and Molly Hatchet.

--Ray Waddell, Amusement Business


Singer Bryan Quits U.K. Act Eternal

Vocalist Kelle Bryan has quit U.K. R&B/crossover act Eternal, leaving the band as the duo of sisters Easther and Vernie Bennett, it was confirmed yesterday. The pair are currently in New York recording a fourth album with producers including Stevie J, the Characters, and Emilio Estefan. The act remains signed to EMI, according to a spokeswoman.

Oliver Smallman, managing director of First Avenue Management, which represents Bryan, says the singer is in talks for a solo record deal.

--Mark Solomons, London


BET, Virgin Team For Album Series

BET and Fully Loaded/Virgin Records America have teamed for the album "Best Of Planet Groove," due March 23 in the U.S. The 15-track set, named for the BET series, features Janet Jackson, Brian McKnight, Mary J. Blige, and Boyz II Men. "Best Of Planet Groove" is the first in a planned series of BET and Fully Loaded/Virgin joint albums.

--Carla Hay. N.Y.


New Management Client For Curt Smith

Former Tears For Fears member Curt Smith has a new management client: British band Mulu, which used to be on Dedicated and is seeking a new label deal. Smith, who also manages Angelique, continues to record under the name Mayfield.

--Melinda Newman, L.A.