New MusIc Industry Briefing For Monday July 10, 2006

– More details are emerging re:Microsoft’s iPod killer with wireless and a better video screen cornerstones of the device. (NewsFactor)

– National Air Guitar tour grows in popularity.  Signs with William Morris. (Billboard)

– Orchestras are turning it alt-rock acts to broaden their audience. (LA City Beat)

– Musical instrument sales were up 6.9% last year to $7.8 billion incluind 3.3 million guitars. "What we’re witnessing is a shift from passive listening to active playing." – (Wired)

– Some commentary from the UK’s Telegraph on the latest WMG bid to buy EMI and the ongoing dance between the two companies:

"Warner’s bid does not just put a price on EMI; it also puts a price on its own business. Using the same approach as above, Warner’s offer for EMI is worth about $32.50 a share to the US company’s investors. It is even higher if Warner believes it can do better than £1.5bn in cost savings. Beat that, Warner is effectively saying, and maybe we can talk."  (more)