Mariah Carey Signs With Epic Records, Resurgence of Vinyl in Seven Graphics, and more in This Week’s Labels Digest

TOP STORIES It's Official: Mariah Carey Signs with Epic Records  The singer returns to the Sony fold and reunites with Antonio "L.A." Reid. Pharrell Williams Lawyer: We're Entering the Bottom of the Sixth Inning (Guest Column)  My clients and I are understandably disappointed in the jury's verdict, especially given their absolute conviction that "Blurred Lines" came from the hearts and souls of Pharrell Williams, Robin Thicke and T.I., and no other place. Should the verdict be allowed to stand, a terrible precedent will have been established that will deter the record labels that fund new music from getting involved with creations built on the shoulders of other composers. No longer will it be safe to create music in the same style or genre of a prior song. Spotify's Leaked Email Projects $1 Billion in Royalties for Universal, But Does It Square?  A report in the New York Post says Spotify told Universal Music Group in an email it would pay the music company $1 billion in royalties over the next year years. The Resurgence of Vinyl in Seven Graphics: A Breakdown  Did you know: Vinyl was up 52% last year, while digital album sales dropped by almost 10%; Jack White outsold the Arctic Monkeys by over $300,000 on the format -- and much more. Music Row Bids Farewell to Billboard's Wade Jessen: 'He Loved This Community So Much'  Billboard senior chart director Wade Jessen was remembered as an exacting chart manager, a devoted family man and a deeply spiritual soul with a quick humor during a March 9 memorial in Nashville that honored his kindness and his passion for music. Executive Turntable: Moves at Capitol, Verve, Warner, ASCAP & More  A list of moves and shakes across the music business, including Warner Music Group, Sony/ATV, Verve, ASCAP and more! The Orchard Acquires Blind Pig Records Catalog  The deal includes five new albums to be released in 2015 from Albert Cummings; the Cash Box Kings; Victor Wainright; Zac Harmon; and Andy T & Nick Nixon. Allen Kovac-Backed Better Noise Label Launches With Metal Cellists Apocalyptica  Who says rock is dead? The 10th Street Entertainment/Eleven Seven Music Group founder/CEO gives the middle finger to naysayers with new venture. Record Store Day Brings St. Vincent, B-52's, Todd Barry and More to Brooklyn for a Vinyl Chat  To coincide with the announcement, RSD held a press conference at Brooklyn's Rough Trade with founder Michael Kurtz, the B-52s' Fred Schneider and Kate Pierson and Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent. From Every Angle: Music Industry Testifies Before Senate Committee in Copyright Debate  Few outside a small music industry and copyright community were likely to watch the live stream of Tuesday's hearing about the 74-year-old Department of Justice consent decrees that govern ASCAP and BMI. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Readying Country Album, Set to Sign With Big Machine  The rocker recently relocated to Nashville and has begun collaborating with local songwriters.