Fly Moon Royalty, Wonderkiss, Nneka, Knxwledge x Black Spade, Sonnymoon, Boog Brown

MIXTAPES & PODCASTS:

Tensei, Cris Cab, Ali Coleman & Tom Glide, K.Burns, Bassnectar, SL Jones & DJ DiBiase, J57, Slacker Radio, Funke, Chocolate Soul presents DJ Smoove, Brainfeeder, DJ Sour Milk, DJ Mark Flava & more

FREE DOWNLOAD: Fly Moon Royalty, “Back To You”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Wonderkiss (TK Wonder & Kissey), “Get Down & Dirty”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Nneka, “My Home (Coki of Digital Mystikz Remix)”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Knxwledge x Black Spade, “Spand (Revisited)”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Sonnymoon, “Goddess”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Boog Brown, “Baby Girl”

PODCAST: Tensei, “ONE EP”

PODCAST: Cris Cab, “Echo Boom”

PODCAST: Ali Coleman & Tom Glide, “105th & Amsterdam: (Re-Touch)”

PODCAST: K.Burns, “Brooklyn State Of Mind”

PODCAST: Bassnectar, “Amorphous Music Mixtape Vol.7″

PODCAST: SL Jones & DJ DiBiase, “The Number 23: S.L.A.B. Edition (Chopped x Screwed)”

PODCAST: J57, “The J57 Collection“

PODCAST: Slacker Radio, “Old School R&B”

PODCAST: Funke, “Mumbo Jumbo Volume 2″

PODCAST: Chocolate Soul presents DJ Smoove, “L.U.S.H.”

PODCAST: Brainfeeder, “12-Track Sampler”

PODCAST: DJ Sour Milk, “Hip Hop Yearbook (1989)”

PODCAST: DJ Mark Flava, “Soulquarian Compilation”

We are proud to announce the official re-launch of  BrooklynBodega.com

We have a simpler look and streamlined content and presentation.  This new infrastructure will also make it easier for us to update the site which means our ramblings will be bigger and deffer.

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The new BrooklynBodega.com will feature News, Events, Interviews, Editorial and Opinion, Video, Giveaways, Best of The Bodega and our New Artist Spotlight “The Get Fresh Crew”.

We will also keep you informed about our various ventures including The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, our marketing firm The Bodega Agency, our retail collaboration with the legendary Fat Beats- Brooklyn Beats, our various media outlets including Bodega TV and Bodega Radio as well as educational initiatives and speaking engagements of our President Wes Jackson.

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Our aim is for BrooklynBodega.com to continue to be the home for Hip-Hop cultural education as well as artist empowerment.

You can come to BrooklynBodega.com for more than just the link to the latest mixtape.  You can visit every day and get information about life in and outside of Hip-Hop culture.

Our Bodega Fam has and always will be a complicated monster.  We are into sneakers, politics, fashion, gaming, music, theater, film and more. We are fans of A Tribe Called Quest, Wayne, Maroon 5, DMX, The Grateful Dead, Lisa Lisa and Thelonious Monk. You can catch us at an art show, giving a lecture or at the local bar.

We are Hip-Hop in all its splendor and diversity.

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BrooklynBodega.com will represent that for our team as well as the thousands who have attended our events, read our pieces, watched our videos and listened to us on the radio.

Enjoy.

Top Digital Music Event Unites More Than 1,000 Music and Technology Trail-Blazers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Jan 30, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) — On Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, at the Hotel Kabuki in San Francisco, more than 1,000 influential thought-leaders will gather at the 10th SF MusicTech Summit, the world’s leading business-to-business idea marketplace on the confluence of Internet, technology and music.

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Currently, more than 75 high-profile speakers will share their thoughts on the quickly growing convergence of the music and technology industries, including:

        --  David Ring, Universal Music Group
        --  Jan D'Alessandro, Yahoo!
        --  Ethan Kaplan, Live Nation Labs
        --  David Lowery, Camper Van Beethoven
        --  Andrew Mager, Spotify
        --  Erik Martin, Reddit.com
        --  Jack Conte & Nataly Dawn, Pomplamoose
        --  J. Sider, RootMusic
        --  Amaechi Uzoigwe, Offical.fm
        --  Melissa Adair, Spinlet
        --  Nic Adler, The Roxy Theater
        --  Henrik Lenberg, SoundCloud
        --  Josh Mendelsohn, Engine Advocacy
        --  Kevin Arnold, IODA
        --  Bram Cohen, BitTorrent
        --  Martin Atkins, Musician
        --  Darryl Ballantyne, LyricFind
        --  Antony Bruno, Digitalmusic.org
        --  Larry Marcus, Walden Venture Capital
        --  Ann Chaitovitz, US Patent & Trademark Office
        --  Ryan Chisholm, Bill Silva Entertainment
        --  David Dufresne, Bandzoogle
        --  Mary Ku, PayPal
        --  Brenden Mulligan, Onesheet

The SF MusicTech Summit is the premier B2B marketplace for the Internet, music and technology spaces. It will feature live cutting-edge demonstrations, panel discussions, engaging speaking sessions, networking opportunities and multiple cocktail parties. The agenda will focus on such relevant topics as: Digital Strategy, Partnerships, The Licensing Landscape, Music Collaboration, APIs, Location-Based Services, and an Elevator Pitch Session during which attendees can pitch their product and services. As well, the SF MusicTech Summit has been approved for one hour of Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit by the State Bar of California.

“Now in its 10th edition, the SF MusicTech Summit has grown into the world’s leading marketplace that focuses on doing business at the convergence of music and technology. We are thrilled that so many of the leading innovators and thought leaders from the San Francisco Bay Area and around the rest of the world will be joining us,” said Brian Zisk, creator of the SF MusicTech Summit. “It is because the world’s leading experts choose to participate that the SF MusicTech Summit keeps getting better and better each time.”

Attendees can register at www.sfmusictech.com ; press passes are available for qualified reporters and journalists at brian@sfmusictech.com.

Special thanks to event sponsors, including: LyricFind, Google, Live Nation Labs, Official.fm, PayPal, YouTube, Digital Realty, EMI, Spinlet, Engine Advocacy, Mashery, Songster, The Orchard, Walden Venture Capital, Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Rovi, TuneWiki, TuneCore, Thrillcall, Monstro, RootMusic, BMI, Headliner.fm, BAMM.TV, Mobile Backstage, Gracenote, Bandzoogle, SoundHound, Digitalmusic.org, IODA, TuneUp Media, SoundExchange, Jakprints, Eventbrite, SF MusicTech Fund, Onesheet, Jammit, Cred.fm, ABB Records, Future of Music Coalition, Sonic.net, Electronic Frontier Foundation, GigaOM, Social Media Club, Digital Music News, Fusicology and Hypebot.

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Ottawa Ensemble Plays Ten US Dates In February

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM SOUL TRAIN CEO KENARD GIBBS AND MAGIC JOHNSON, CHAIRMAN OF SOUL TRAIN HOLDINGS

“We are overwhelmed with the news regarding the passing of Don Cornelius. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with his family at this time. He was a true television visionary and his contributions to African American culture, music, and entertainment are incomparable. The outpouring of affection and tributes to his legacy are a true testament to the profound impact that his life’s work had on many generations.” -Kenard Gibbs, CEO of Soul Train Holdings

“Don Cornelius was a pioneer, an innovator, and a trailblazer. He was the first African-American to create, produce, host and more importantly OWN his own television show. Soul Train was a nationally syndicated show that paved the way for singers, musicians and dancers, giving them the ultimate platform to showcase their talents when no one else would. Every Saturday morning I looked forward to watching Soul Train, as did millions of other people. Soul Train taught the world how to dance! Don’s contribution to us all is immeasurable. He will truly be missed. I thank him for trusting me with his Soul Train brand and I will carry on his legacy through it. My condolences to his son and my good friend Tony Cornelius and the entire Cornelius family.” -Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Soul Train Holdings Chairman

“Don Cornelius and his creation of ‘Soul Train’ and its legacy had a great impact on American culture. Don’s vision allowed for African-American artists to be exposed to people all over the world through the power of television. We were glad to help Don Cornelius fulfill his dream and legacy by creating the theme song for his hit show. The ‘Soul Train’ and TSOP brands will forever be inseparable. We thank Don Cornelius for his tremendous contributions to the entertainment world.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Don’s family and everyone he touched.”

JOINT STATEMENT FROM LEGENDARY ‘SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA’ PRODUCERS AND PIONEERS KENNETH GAMBLE & LEON HUFF

Gamble & Huff wrote and produced the #1 smash hit ‘TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia),” best known as the “Theme from Soul Train.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

The place was  6th and Gladys Ave. right in the heart of LA’s Skid Row. The historic “Operation Skid Row Music Festival” took place the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, the 20th anniversary year of the Rodney King riots and the 25th anniversary year of Public Enemy’s existence.

Making the event possible were Pete White and LA CAN, Chuck D from Public Enemy and Skid Row’s General Jeff. The goal of the free show was for hip-hop artists to perform gratis for skid row residents, and to spotlight the economic and political plight of L.A.’s homeless.

Participants included Public Enemy, Kurupt, King T, Egyptian Lover, Nipsey Hussle, Mellow Man Ace and Zzyzzx, Sir Jinx and General Population, Yo-Yo, OG Kid Frost, Lady of Rage, LA Posse, Breeze, Rapper’s Rapp Group, Ronnie Hudson, X-Clan, Freestyle Fellowship, Stylistik Jones, Medusa, M*A*S*K featuring Money-B from Digital Underground, Knowledge and more.

Skid Row artists included Twin- Skid Row Flowing, Unkal Bean, the Skid Row Players aka the Skid Row drummers, Skid Row Unit, College Division and Crushow! Check out photos from the event and short video featuring Public Enemy, Egyptian Lover, and M*A*S*K.

SKID ROW MUSIC FESTIVAL 2012

For more, go here.

Film festival responses are coming in and we’re proud to say that our highly anticipated movie, “FunkJazz Kafé: Diary Of A Decade (The Story Of A Movement)” has been selected for the 2012 Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, CA. We will be screening the movie at Rave Cinemas 15 at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza on February 17, 2012. The PAFF is February 9-20, 2012. More info to come. We may even have a panel of the cast following the screening just as we did at the sneak preview screening during this years National Black Arts Festival (SEE IT HERE).

Aaron Evo, Chels featuring Ace Boogie, Mansions on the Moon, Los Rakas featuring E-40, Carmen Lundy, Conya Doss, Sha Stimuli, Mike Snow featuring Lykee Li

MIXTAPES & PODCASTS:

DJ Rahdu, Future Soul Records, Don Rogall, DJ Muro, Stones Throw Podcast 70, DJ Chicus, Joe Kay, Gensu Dean Mixed By DJ Chief-One

FREE DOWNLOAD: Aaron Evo, “Logbook Teaser”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Chels featuring Ace Boogie, “The Lesson”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Mansions on the Moon, “Athens”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Los Rakas featuring E-40, “Pimpin’ Smokin’ Dro”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Carmen Lundy, “So Beautiful”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Conya Doss, “Don’t Change”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Sha Stimuli, “The Calling”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Mike Snow featuring Lykee Li, “Black Tin Box”

PODCAST: DJ Rahdu, “A Tribe Called Quest Mix”

PODCAST: Future Soul Records, “Episode 11″

PODCAST: Don Rogall, “Jimmy Castor: Luther The Anthropoid Tribute Mix”

PODCAST: DJ Muro, “Tribe Vibes Side B: Love Side”

PODCAST: Stones Throw Podcast 70, “JRocc Mixes Stones Throw 2012″

PODCAST: DJ Chicus, “After Hours Aerobics”

PODCAST: Joe Kay, “Deep Thoughts”

PODCAST: Gensu Dean Mixed By DJ Chief-One, “Jointz”

Stones Throw has partnered with Drip.fm to launch the Stones Throw Digital Discography, a subscription music service where we share every new Stones Throw release, delivered right to your inbox. Members get every new Stones Throw album, single and EP as they are released, select music from the catalog, and exclusive advance material.  The subscription price is $10 a month.

For full info, go here.

For more on Homeboy Sandman‘s new release, Jonwayne getting signed to Stones Throw & other news, go here.

MTV2 will honor hip-hop’s past, present and future with a special night of programming on Sunday, February 19^th, kicking off at 10pm ET/PT with the next installment of “MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts.” Immediately following, MTV News will reveal its highly-anticipated crowning of the “Hottest MCs In The Game VII” at10:30pm ET/PT. The night will close out with a special “Sucker Free Countdown” that will name five “Sucker Free Certified” up-and-coming artists to watch beginning at 11pm ET/PT.

“MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps”  (Premiere: Sunday, February 19^th at 10pm ET/PT):

The return of one of hip-hop’s most-celebrated and influential music shows ever continues with the second installment of “MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts.” Hosted by Sway Calloway, the 30-minute retrospective will feature three new classic tracks that will take viewers back to the era that helped shape and define hip-hop as the dominant music form that is today.

“Hottest MC’s In The Game VII” (Premiere: Sunday,  February 19^th at 10:30pm ET/PT):

MTV News presents the next installment of its popular, provocative and controversial series, “Hottest MCs In the Game VII.” Hosted by MTV News Correspondent Sway Calloway, the Hottest MCs Hip-Hop Brain trust will convene once again to debate, dissect and ultimately declare the MCs who are making the greatest impact in hip-hop today.

“Sucker Free Certified” (Premiere: Sunday, February 19^th at 11pm ET/PT):

“Sucker Free Countdown,” the #1 hip-hop authority, is set to launch its brand new “Sucker Free Certified” franchise, featuring a list of the hottest new artists set to make big noise in the coming year. During this special episode, five of the most talented and buzz-worthy artists gearing up to take over the game will be unveiled.

RIP Etta James: A Playlist Tribute c/o rhapsody.com

At Last

In The Basement, Part One (Single Version)

My Mother-In-Law

842-3089 (Call My Name)

Pushover

Do I Make Myself Clear featuring Sugar Pie DeSanto (Single Version)

Back In The U.S.A. (Single Version)

Seven Day Fool

The Wallflower (aka Roll With Me Henry) (Single Version)

A Sunday Kind Of Love

What’d I Say

Almost Persuaded

Two Sides To Every Story

Something’s Got A Hold On Me

Let Me Down Easy

Let’s Burn Down The Cornfield

REST IN POWER | January 25, 1938 – January 20, 2012

Cypress Hill & Guerilla Union In Association with Live Nation Present

CYPRESS HILL SMOKEOUT FESTIVAL 2012

March 3 at NOS Events Center In Southern California

Thievery Corporation and Rusko To Headline The Massive Stoned Garden Stage

Low End Theory (Daddy Kev, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, D-Styles, Nocando),

DJ Muggs, Curren$y and Daedelus Also Added To Line-up

Joining Previously Announced Performers

Headliners Sublime with Rome and Korn, Wiz Khalifa, Cypress Hill, Café Tacuba, The Dirty Heads

Also Features The Medical Marijuana Expo And Patient Consumption Area;

Topics for the 2012 Expert Panels Announced

Thievery Corporation, Rusko, Low End Theory (Daddy Kev, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, D-Styles, Nocando), DJ Muggs,Curren$y and Daedelus have been added to the performers at CYPRESS HILL SMOKEOUT FESTIVAL—taking place March 3 at the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino, CA. They are set to join previously announced artists Sublime With Rome, Cypress Hill, Korn, Wiz Khalifa, Café Tacuba and The Dirty Heads

The CYPRESS HILL SMOKEOUT FESTIVAL is presented by Cypress Hill and Guerilla Union–the independent live events company behind world-class platforms including ROCK THE BELLS and PAID DUES. Headlining the dance music-focused Massive Stoned Garden Stage is Thievery Corporation–one of the most influential and respected names on the electronic/dance music scene–and UK dubstep producer and deejay Rusko. Cypress Hill’s DJ Muggs–who is set to release new solo album Bass For Your Face–notes: “I am extremely proud to present the 2012 Smoke Out Massive Stoned Garden Stage and I’m very, very excited about this year’s line up. We have the Low End Theory and myself joined under a tent by the one and only Rusko and Thievery Corporation, bringing the energy like no one else. It’s going be a high energy night full of surprises and special guests.”

In addition to the two stages of music, some of the unique attractions at the CYPRESS HILL SMOKEOUT FESTIVAL include the Medical Marijuana Expo featuring the leading hemp industry exhibits and expert panel discussions, and the Patient Consumption Area providing private and peaceful area for registered California medical marijuana patients. There will also be a Massive Munchie Garden, interactive vendor village and more.

The expert discussion panels at the festival will feature educational and informative conversations led by the most influential and dedicated speakers on the topic. Audience Q&A sessions will follow each panel. This year’s panel topics include:

• Cannabis Activism: With elections approaching and cannabis being in the media limelight more and more each day, it is imperative we represent ourselves as professional cannabis connoisseurs.
• Cannabis as Medicine: Young medical cannabis patients and their parents come together to tell incredible stories of how cannabis is saving their lives. Joining them will be an Expert Patient Consultant from an LA Collective and the President of a Cannabis Testing Laboratory.
• Does Prohibition Work?: Cannabis experts discuss the devastating effects of prohibition and how it might be doing more harm than good.
• Artist Panel: Medicine and music create a powerful force of influence when combined.

Tickets for the Smokeout Festival are available now via www.ticketfly.com. Guerilla Union advises fans to sign up for the official mailing list on www.smokeoutfestival.com to receive the most up-to-date festival information and new announcements.

Smokeout 2012 Line-up

Sublime with Rome

Korn

Wiz Khalifa

Cypress Hill

Thievery Corporation

Rusko

Café Tacuba

The Dirty Heads

Low End Theory (Daddy Kev, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, D-Styles, Nocando)

DJ Muggs

Curren$y

Daedelus

+Additional Acts to be announced

Computer Jay, Robert Glasper featuring Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele
Johnny Popcorn, Parable vs. Mac Soto, B.O.B featuring Andre 3000, ¡Mayday! featuring M1 & Reks, Boog Brown, The Funk League featuring Large Professor

FREE DOWNLOAD: Computer Jay, “Whip”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Robert Glasper featuring Musiq Soulchild & Chrisette Michele, “Ah Yeah”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Johnny Popcorn, “Hello To The Bad Guy!”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Parable vs. Mac Soto, “Soul”

FREE DOWNLOAD: B.O.B featuring Andre 3000, “Play The Guitar”

FREE DOWNLOAD: ¡Mayday! featuring M1 & Reks, “Internal Wars”

FREE DOWNLOAD: Boog Brown, “Detroit”

FREE DOWNLOAD: The Funk League featuring Large Professor, “Through Good & Bad (45 Remix)”

PODCAST: Himanshu Suri of Das Racist, “Nehru Jackets”

PODCAST: DJ Sake One & Blvck Scale, “White is the Lightest Shade of Black”

PODCAST: DJ Life, “Baby Powder XIV”

PODCAST: Conspiracy Worldwide Radio, “Slaughterhouse with Eminem, Crooked I & more”

PODCAST: Classified, “The Joint Effort”

PODCAST: Sonnymoon, “2012 EP”

PODCAST: The Practice Room, “Forward Listening 21″

PODCAST: Chocolate Soul, “Sophisticated S.O.U.L.”

PODCAST: First Serve, “The Goon Time Mixtape”

« I wait for the day that music will be the food of love, I wait for the day that I will sleep without laws.»

Asa -lyrics from “Total Chaos”

As a committed sound activist for the past twenty-five years, DOCTOR L moves through musical galaxies like an incandescent comet, ceaselessly fusing. From 80s punk rock to French hip hop, from the start of electronica to the rebirth of international afro-beat…

In 2000 – already on the label Comet Records – he managed to bring Lagos´ afro-beat into the third millennium with album “Black Voices” by Tony Allen, and even send it orbiting around the moon with record Psyco on Da Bus.

For the past ten years, Doctor L has been making music continuously in his home studio in Saint Ouen (Paris) and collaborated with many artists from around the world: New York, Paris, London, Lagos, Berlin, Bamako, Marseille…

THE GREAT DEPRESSION is the first piece of an album trilogy featuring among others Tony Allen, Martin Perna and Antibalas, Asa and more.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For more, go here.

Dysfunctional Friends stars Stacey Dash, Reagan Gomez-Preston, Wesley Jonathan, Jason Weaver, Persia White, Stacy Keibler, Datari Turner, Hosea Chanchez, Christian Keyes, Tatyana Ali, Vanessa Simmons, Terrell Owens and Meagan Good.

Click here to view the embedded video.

First thing is first; THANK YOU for your ongoing LOVE and SUPPORT…

WE are truly GRATEFUL.

We wouldn’t be making the following announcement without YOU.

We are excited to announce that this year has begun with a lot of new upcoming opportunities to create and collaborate with other creative minds.

If you would like to participate or recommend anyone, please pass this along.

Or, if you have come across anything interesting,

send us the information and we will follow up.

Here’s what we are looking for

Artists (film, painters, sculptors, experimental)

Autobiographers & Documentarists

Dancers & Instructors (House, Latin, Afro, Free-style, etc.)

Designers (Graphic, Set, Costume, etc.)

MCs

Musicians (vocalists and all instruments)

Performance Artists

Photographers

Space for Events, Classes, Art Exhibitions, Screenings, Outdoor Parties

Videographers

Thank you all in advance for your time and participation.

We look forward to building a relationship of

community, love, creativity and prosperity for all.

Pa’Lante,

For more info, go to www.wepanyc.com

“Good Music Will Prevail,” that is the motto we have been championing here at FILTER Magazine headquarters for 10 years. That’s right, FILTER, the independently-owned avant-garde music magazine, has now entered its 10th year in print, a pretty massive milestone indeed.

Over the past ten years (2002 – 2012) FILTER Magazine has stayed true to its roots. The publication was founded on the philosophy of printing quality content about quality music, helping fans to discover artists and their stories. From the first issue, On The Dark Side of The Moon with Weezer, which hit newsstands in July 2002, to the upcoming issue 47, on-sale Feb. 17, the magazine’s unwavering dedication to guide people towards good music discovery has kept its readership growing and FILTER readers coming back for more.

So what does this mean for you, the FILTER reader? As the year rolls out, we will be revisiting certain features from every single FILTER Issue ever published including covers stories from David Bowie, Lou Reed & The Strokes, Tom Waits, Bjork and more and we will also look at where all of our Getting To Know artists are now.

FILTER Front Flashback: Issue 1: On The Dark Side Of The Moon With Weezer

Getting To Know Revisited: Issue #1, July 2002

2012 will also feature FILTER’s 50th Magazine issue, new content on the FILTER Magazine iPad App, 2012 SXSW Rainey St. takeover with four venue showcases, new Good Music Guides, Coachella Kick Off Party, Official Lollapalooza after parties, and the grandaddy of them all, the third annual Culture Collide Festival.

So be on the lookout everyone. 2012 will be an exciting year for FILTER Magazine.

Good Music Will Prevail.

Keynotes from Ericsson, Ford, Verizon, Xerox, eBay, YouTube, Facebook  Are Mid-Week Highlights of 2012 International CES

CEA’s Shapiro Discusses Policy with FCC Chairman Genachowski and the Global Retail Climate with Best Buy’s Brian Dunn

Las Vegas, Nevada, January 12, 2012 – The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® announced today that the 2012 International CES® is the largest in the show’s 44 year history, with 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space. The previous record was 1.857 million net square feet of space at the 2008 International CES. Owned and produced by CEA, the 2012 International CES, the world’s largest tradeshow for consumer technology, runs through Friday, January 13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In other show news, a keynote address by Ericsson‘s Hans Vestberg, the Innovation Power Panel with leaders from Ford, Verizon and Xerox, a Brand keynote from executives from AT&T, Walmart, Facebook and GE, an LIT keynote from eBay‘s John Donohue and a keynote from YouTube‘s Robert Kyncl were mid-week highlights of the 2012 International CES®.

The Innovation Power Panel on Wednesday morning featured Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula Burns and Verizon Enterprise Solutions President John Stratton. The panelists discussed how innovation must be a strategy for their respective companies and for the United States. The conversation centered on how to stimulate innovation through investment and employment.

In his 2012 CES keynote, Hans Vestberg, President and CEO of Ericsson, discussed “The Networked Society” connecting everyone and everything through mobility. “We have a responsibility to build networks that can carry innovation,” said Vestberg. Ericsson predicts there will be 50 billion connected devices worldwide by 2020.

The CES Brand keynote panel featured the marketing minds of the world’s top brands. The retail and branding effects of social media, healthcare-related technologies, connectivity and the explosion of wireless were all discussed during the session. The panelists agreed that people are becoming more connected to their devices, and because of this, to each other. “Our core belief is that the entire web is being rebuilt around people,” said Facebook’s Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions Carolyn Everson.

In an afternoon SuperSession with CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski stressed the importance of broadband, particularly wireless, in the future of consumer electronics. “The demand for spectrum has grown because people love these products,” said Genachowski, stressing the need for Congress to pass incentive spectrum auction legislation. “We need to get it done now.”

After touring the show floor, Genachowski noted the “endless rows of innovative new products,” addressing fitness, education and healthcare, among other purposes. The session also covered net neutrality, antitrust issues and Genachowski’s broadband-driven agenda at the FCC.

Wednesday’s SuperSession with Brian Dunn, CEO of Best Buy, and CEA’s Shapiro talked about hot selling products this holiday season and the retailer’s strategy. “We’ll have more doors and less square footage,” Dunn told Shapiro in a question and answer session. “Stores have an important place in the ecosystem.” When it comes to product trends, Dunn expects tablets and smartphones to stay hot while he opined that it was the “best time in the history of man to buy a TV.”

Bringing the digital lifestyle safely into the car was the main topic at Wednesday SuperSession, “Connect2Car: Connecting Automotive and Consumer Electronics Lifestyles.” Several main trends were discussed including, driving green, driving connected, driving safe and driving cool. The panel agreed that collaboration is the key, when integrating apps and other technology into the car.

The Verge‘s Joshua Topolsky moderated an “Argue the Future” SuperSession on Wednesday that featured Drew Bamford of  HTC, Ryan Bidan of Samsung, Nilay Patel of The Verge and Aaron Woodman of Microsoft. The participants debated the challenges of differentiation versus commodization, the goal of launching less phones but more consumer choice, perhaps by offering hardware customization options, and the best ways to curate and deliver personal content to the cloud.

On Wednesday evening, John Donahoe, president and CEO of eBay, delivered the keynote address at the Leaders in Technology (LIT) dinner. Donahoe discussed how the intersection of technology and retail is having a profound impact on consumers’ shopping experience and predicted that the next three years of “shopping and paying” will see more profound change then what we’ve seen over the past 10-15 years.

Thursday morning featured a keynote from Robert Kyncl, Vice President of Global Content Partnerships, YouTube. Kyncl described how content, distribution and marketing of video have come together to make it a transformative and accessible viewing option around the world. According to Kyncl, by 2020, 75 percent of all channels will be transmitted or born on the Internet, due to closed systems that have no opened up.

In other 2012 International CES news, Lytro won the Last Gadget Standing SuperSession competition, beating nine other finalists, including the Playstation Vita, Autom Robot, Cotton Candy, WIMM, Origami, Svivl, Basis Body Band, Lenovo Yoga and Samsung Note.