Thursday's Music 2.0 Briefing: Free Label Launch, Net Radio Jumps, Neil Young & More

HYPEBOT FEATURES:

• Microsoft Zune has sent indies unexpected bonus checks
• WMG has dropped its stock dividend as it reports mounting losses
• Coverage from Digital NARM Day 2: A Panel Round-Up and some quotable quotes.

> Backed by a former hedge fund manager, SOS Records has launched at WeLoveFreeMusic.com with a business model that gives it away free on the net but sells physical version. Interesting concept but cheesy presentation on the site...and haven't the majors been in the free online but still try to sell CD's business for a few years now without realizing it?

> A new study from Arbitron and Edison Media Research found that at work radio listeners have jumped from 12% to 20%. (FMQB)

> TorrentSpy, a torrent tracker that lost a copyright infringement suit from the Motion Picture Association of America has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $110 million in damages. (DMW)

> Today, Laurence Trifon will be covering The SanFran MusicTech Summit for Hypebot. The one day event brings together developers in the Music/Technology Space along with the musicians, businesses and organizations who work with them "at the convergence of culture and commerce".

> MusicIP adds a board member, former Microsoft corporate vice president, Lindsay Sparks. Scott Lehr has also joined the company as vice president of sales, strategy & business development. (press release)

> Video of Neil Young on the release of his archives on Blu-Ray disc and the state of the music industry. (OurDigitalMusic)