Sony is top of global music production after buying EMI

So today it would appear that the European Union (a.k.a. the EU) gave their approval for the purchase of EMI, a music publishing business, by a group headed by Sony.

"Sony and Mubadala have offered to divest valuable and attractive catalogues containing bestselling titles as well as works of successful and promising authors," announces the European commissioner for competition issues, Joaquin Almunia. "I am therefore satisfied that the competitive dynamics in the online music publishing business will be maintained so as to ensure consumer choice and cultural diversity."

This deal puts Sony at the top of music production, which means we should effectively see more of the company pervading the market (though it already stretches over a vast range of music-related productions).

What does this mean for the average college Joe, just wanting to enjoy a bit of music? Well, it shouldn't actually mean much at all, since the Sony group will likely continue much of what is already going when they purchase EMI. So, no worries, your music should be safe.

Taylor Swift invites cancer patient to awards show

Kevin McGuire has cancer. He is eighteen years old, very athletic, and keeping his chin up regardless -- and for this, everyone can be a bit inspired. So how does this adolescent factor into the music industry? Well, his sister thought he deserved to meet his idol, and so she spread the word that Kevin wanted to ask Taylor Swift to the prom. That's right, Taylor Swift.

...and she said no.

Swift didn't leave it at that, though; she added that she would like it if he came with her to something a little bigger, though: the Academy of Country Music Awards in April.

"Kevin is the kindest, most noble 18 year old a person could even fathom meeting," his sister Tori wrote on the Facebook page she created for Kevin's wish, "and throughout his ups and downs Kevin never even questioned 'why me?' Nothing, and I mean NOTHING brightens Kevin's day more than Taylor Swift."

Pretty awesome, eh?