Hello and welcome back to our weekly wrap of music industry shenanigans that have happened around Australia (and the world). It’s been a few sleepy weeks with Santa bringing all kinds of things for everyone. Everyone seems to now be busily making tunes or wheeling’ deals again, so let’s get into the thick of things.

This week: ARIA action for 2012 and in the last week, more Australian acts announced for SXSW, and a new crowd-funding site specifically for musicians to fund albums, projects and videos.

Critics corner returns with the track "Retarded Fren", which sees Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and DOOM collaborate. We have two AU reviewers here to give us their feedback on the track, which was quite divided. Have a listen to it yourself to make up your own mind!

Review by James O'Doherty: