Kraftwerk co-founder Florian Schneider leaves band
Kraftwerk co-founder Florian Schneider has announced that he is no longer part of the band. Schneider, one of just two remaining original members, has announced the end of his 40-year partnership with co-founder Ralf Hütter. No reason for the departure was given, but it is likely that Schneider will now focus on solo projects. The band originally started off as a two-piece band in the early 1970’s, but expanded to four members over the years.

Robyn to feature on new Royksopp album Junior
Norwegian duo Royksopp's new album "Junior" will be out March 23 internationally and one day later the US. The follow-up to 2005's "The Understanding" features guest appearances from Robyn, amongst others. First single off the album is "Happy Up Here," which is released on March 9.

Ohio Players founder Robert Ward dies
Robert Ward, who played with some of Motown's biggest artists, has died on December 25, aged 70. Ward had suffered a stroke in 2001 and never fully recovered. Robert Ward, a Georgia native, moved to Ohio and founded the Ohio Untouchables, which later became the Ohio Players. Ward however left the group well before its biggest successes in the mid-1970s when they scored number one hits with songs like "Fire" and "Love Rollercoaster." In the 1970s, he moved to Detroit where he performed with the Temptations, Wilson Pickett and other Motown artists.

Prince planning to release three new albums in 2009
Prince is planning to release no less than three new albums in 2009. The singer has almost completed two solo albums, tentatively titled “MPLSOUND” and “Lotus Flower,” as well as an album with his protégé Bria Valente titled “Elixir.” All three albums are likely to be released by Prince independently. 'MPLSOUND' is said to feature a guest appearance by Q-Tip, and Prince has said that it will be an electro-tinged. “Lotus Plant” is said to be a more guitar-basedalbum.