Music industry news from Hypebot:

Apple announced an upgraded iPod line and a new version of iTune’s this week. Watch the new Apple TV spots.

Apple’s new social network Ping is getting mixed reviews. An Apple spokesperson tells Hypebot that says Ping artist profiles are invite only causing blow back from the indie artists community. Another riff with Apple widen as Facebook shut connections with Ping off. 

Google Music is expected to launch before Christmas. Who should be CEO? We have 4 picks and a dark horse candidate to become the new Google Music chief. 

Sony Music says it will launch its own music service in the coming months.

According to the latest half-year report, revenues fell again at Universal Music Group. But that didn’t stop them from spending $840,000 in just 3 months lobbying Washington.

How To Launch a Music Startup: Establishing Key Metrics by Brenden Mulligan of ArtistData / Sonicbids.

Interview: Rob MacArthur of crowdfunding site IOUmusic: Part1 and Part 2

Why Stevie Nicks is still wrong.

Paste Magazine will suspend print publication.

It’s not too late to participate in Hypebot’s online networking party. Shameless plugs are allowed. P.S. – We finally decided to walk our talk and got a Facebook page. Please friend us. We get lonely.

See ProHipHop’s Hypebot Industry News category for past roundups.