Michael Jackson and Sony search for unsigned acts online

[b] Michael Jackson and Sony search for unsigned acts online[/b] 20 September 2006 Sony ATV, a partnership between Michael Jackson and Sony have partnered with Sony’s phone company, Sony Ericsonn to create a new promotional space for breaking new and developing artists called ‘M-BUZZ’. Is the ‘M’ for Michael? who recently travelled around Kinsale in Ireland, potentially house-hunting in an area famous for it’s reclusive celebrity residents. Even more interesting is the shift from “signed” artists towards “un-signed” artists. More and more audience are shifting from what they are told to like by the industry to what they truly like, recommended by friends or found online. “Sony/ATV Music Publishing is always looking for new and compelling ways to promote our artists and song writers,” said David Hockman, Chairman and CEO of Sony/ATV Music Publishing. NewsCorps MySpace, BT’s Digital Music Awards, Coca-Cola iTunes and others are also looking at new and emerging entertainment artists. What will this mean for the future of the music industry? Has it finally woken up to the fact its audience has moved on, even if they havent? Will Robbie Williams need to get a mortgage?