• It's not just Doug Morris who has a beef with YouTube. Indie labels are reportedly angry over YouTube's attitude and terms offered. Said Simon Wheeler, head of digital at Beggars Group, "We fully expect to be compensated fairly and on par with the larger companies, we will not accept second rate terms because we are smaller companies. If we have to take legal measures to protect our rights we will do so." A post at Hypebot says some indies have delivered cease and desist letters to YouTube. Billboard's article makes it clear that Merlin, the new indie label trade group, is not behind the cease and desist letters. (Read article at Billboard.biz)

• XM Radio is moving online. The satellite radio company announced yesterday that XM Radio will be included with the new Windows Vista operating system. Web users will be able to sign up for a free, three-day trial. The regular rate for unlimited listening is $7.99 per month. Current satellite subscribers will receive XM Online at no charge. Why would anybody pay for Internet radio when so many free streams and podcasts are available? Programming and branding. (Read press release)

• Billboard asks which artists will jump to larger venues in 2007. The short list: Gym Class Heros, Mute Math, Joanna Newsom and Paolo Nutini. (Read article at Billboard.biz)

• Controversal online music store Burnlounge is preparing to launch the next version of its software. (Read press release)

• Warner Music Group will release earnings its fiscal first quarter ending December 31, 2006 on February 8, 2007. With so much pain felt over the holidays, I'm curious to see how WMG fared. (Read details at press release)

[music jobs] Brand and Online Marketing Manager at The Ascot Club/Am Only; Brooklyn, NY.