Rock Band sells $1 Billion dollars worth of music

According to a new press release, popular video game Rock Band 2 has officially hit $1 billion dollars in revenue and sold 40 million tracks via the game. The success of the game pays credence to the many who predicted that the game would become a significant source of new revenue for artists and the game, and it’s competitor – Guitar Hero: World Tour – have been embraced by musicians like Mission of Burma, Metallica, Rise Against, Dead Kennedys, Pixies, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and many others.

Unlike the popular iTunes music store however, there appears to be less opportunity for small or independent bands to make their music available through downloads in the game. It remains to be seen if more acts than the current 269 different artists will be appearing soon.
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Dinosaur Jr. give details on new album

Dinosaur Jr. have set a title and release date for their forthcoming debut for Jagjaguwar. The record is titled Farm and is due out June 23, 2009. It is their second post-reunion album and follow up to 2007’s Beyond.

The album will feature original members, J Mascis, Lou Barlow and Murph. It was produced by Mascis and recorded in his Bisquiteen studio in Amherst, Massachusetts. You can check out the art on the release page.
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Relient K sign to Mono vs. Stereo

Relient K have signed to Mono vs. Stereo according to a report from Jesus Freak Hide Out. The band noted:

We started recording the new record today! Right now we’re working at Dark Horse Recording with our favorite producer, Mark Lee Townsend, and after we get some tracks recorded, we’re going to travel back to CA to make some tunes with John Feldmann at the helm.

After we turned in The Bird And The Bee Sides, we fulfilled our first record deal (six albums) with Gotee Records. This made us free agents. Our plan? Matt Hoopes and I just signed up to begin positions as A&R for the soon to be resurrected Mono Vs. Stereo records. We’ll sign a few bands a year, and also release Relient K’s material through the label.

The band released The Bird and the Bee Sides in 2008.
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Guitar Hero World Tour plans Pixies, Nirvana, Motorhead packs

Pixies Guitar Hero: World Tour has announced a number of new downloadable tracks set for release in the next few weeks. On April 2nd, Pixies will contribute “Debaser,” “Monkey Gone to Heaven” and “The Sad Punk.” On April 23rd.
Motörhead will add “Jailbait,” “Love Me Like a Reptile” and “Iron First.” Finally, on April 30th, Nirvana will have “Very Ape,” “Sappy” and “Stay Away” available in the game.

You can check out the full list of upcoming releases which includes Silversun Pickups, Steely Dan and others here.
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