Apple Wants to Own the Record Business, WMG’s First Quarter Earnings Up, and More in This Week's Labels Digest

TOP STORIES Starbucks to Stop Selling CDs  The compact disc clean-out will start at the end of March. Corner Office: Capitol Music Group Chairman/CEO Steve Barnett on Sam Smith and Beck's Grammy Sweep and Why Kanye West 'Needs a Therapist'  Capitol Music Group chairman/CEO Steve Barnett talks about Beck and Sam Smith's Grammy triumphs, plus he gives his thoughts on Kanye West ("he needs a therapist") and the challenges ahead for his label. Baz Luhrmann, RCA To Launch Bazmark Label  After a long stint with Interscope, the "Great Gatsby" director -- and his lucrative musical instincts -- find a new home. UMG Head Lucian Grainge: Music Business Is on the Mend  Universal Music Group chairman Lucian Grainge projected positivity during his appearance at the Code Media conference in Dana Point, Calif., on Wednesday (Feb. 18). Barry Weiss To Join Forces With SONGS Publishing On New Label  Former Jive/Zomba CEO Barry Weiss will team up with SONGS Music Publishing to launch a new record label, sources tell Billboard. Indie Execs Voice Concern Over iTunes Store Changes  The changes appear to benefit the major labels at the expense of indies, leaving the indie label sector in a diminished showing compared to where they were previously inside the store. iTunes didn't respond to a request for comment. Oscar Sales Boost for Best Original Song Winners: Here's What It Looks Like  A best original song nomination doesn't hurt, but the winning songs really reap the benefits. We went through the last five years of best original song Oscar winners to see how winning the Academy Award affected that song's digital sales. Gabe Tesoriero Named EVP of Media, Publicity at Def Jam  Def Jam has named longtime staffer Gabe Tesoriero as its new executive vice president, media and artist relations, CEO Steve Bartels announced today (Feb. 19). RCA's John Fleckenstein on the Shifting Record Business, D'Angelo's Mysterious Release  John Fleckenstein hasn't just been around the block -- he's been around the world (and yes, that's also a reference to Daft Punk, whose Random Access Memories he marketed to international success). Executive Turntable: Airgo Expands, Rdio Partners With AEG, Of Monsters and Men & Manager Join Mick  Airgo Music expands into a multi-service music company Airgo Entertainment, Sony Music announces a string of executive promotions, Cooking Vinyl launches a standalone management arm called Black Gold Music Management, and more.