Topic: Emi

Associate Executive Producer Melissa Talon, a composer and musician from Australia, shares her experience transitioning to homeschooling her children. She discusses her move from major labels like EMI and Universal to becoming an independent artist. The hosts praise her independence and the "Value for Value" model, while Talon promises to send a copy of her upcoming album.

A new report confirms a long-held observation that music piracy actually correlates with higher record sales. Data shows that CD sales peaked during the height of Napster and plummeted only after the service was shut down, suggesting that "pirates" are often a music label's best customers.

The death of singer Amy Winehouse is discussed in the context of the "27 Club." The hosts lament the media's focus on celebrity tragedy while ignoring casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, and note the financial benefit to Universal Music.

Adam Curry recounts a phone call from a CNN producer seeking an interview about "nerd culture" at MTV. Curry expresses frustration with the producer's lack of research and the "idiotic" question regarding the difference between a nerd and a geek. He notes that No Agenda's monthly audience likely exceeds that of CNN's Piers Morgan.

The Rolling Stones have announced their departure from EMI to join Universal Music Group, taking their post-1971 back catalog with them. This move is seen as a major blow to EMI and its owner, the hedge fund Terra Firma, which purchased the label for 4 billion pounds. The loss of such a high-profile act is interpreted as a sign of the ongoing decline of the traditional mainstream music industry.