IT’S NOT just bankers and politicians who are ingenious when it comes to topping-up pension plans. This weekend, Black Eyed Peas (“the most corporate band in America,” according to the Wall Street Journal) play two shows at Dublin’s O2.

When those shows end, the band – well, “at least two members of Black Eyed Peas”, according to the press release – will head to Tripod for the official aftershow party, where more cash will be bagged. The band could then do an R Kelly and invite clubbers to bring the party back to the hotel lobby. Such aftershow parties have become a regular add-on, especially for visiting r’n’b and hip-hop acts.

They charge handsomely for their presence. According to two different Dublin-based promoters, the Black Eyed Peas were looking for €50,000 for their aftershow parties at the outset. And main Pea Will.I.Am is also scheduled to turn up at the Academy on Sunday night to guest with Felix Da Housecat.

You can’t blame the acts. To paraphrase Big Poppa, their reign on the top is usually short like leprechauns, so they should make hay while they can.

Hip-hop’s entrepreneurial spirit in this regard has long been saluted, or at least tolerated, via 50 Cent and P Diddy’s exploits.

Yet there is something unseemly about watching Chris Brown’s people pimp pre-show meet-and-greet opportunities with the star for $200 a go. That, however, pales in comparison to hard rockers Kiss, who are flogging the VIP experience at the O2 next week for €1,000 a skull.

Once upon a time, it used to be about the music, right? One more time from Biggie: “mo’ money, mo’ problems”.

NEW MUSIC

MEMORYHOUSE

Slow-motion bittersweet symphonies and wistful layers of spooky sound from the Ontario duo who take their name from a Max Richter album. Check out the free-to-download The Years EP for a taste of their evocative dream-pop. Myspace.com/ wearememoryhouse

THE NEAT

2009/10 may have been a desperate season for Hull City fans, but there are other reasons to be cheerful on Humberside. The Neat’s debut single In Youth Is Pleasure is a brash, sharp-as-a-tack tune with a bit of a snarl. It’s on Chewing Gum, a new label from a few Kaiser Chiefs.

myspace.com/uptheneat

DEADBOY

Taking over where Burial left off, London producer Deadboy’s releases to date have demonstrated his skills when it comes to soulful, futuristic electronic grooves. Both the If U Want Me single and the U Cheated EP for are next-generation beauties.

myspace.com/ deadboysoundboy

NOW PLAYING

Renee Fleming

Intervention (Decca)

New York Metropolitan Opera diva Renee Fleming’s striking version of the Arcade Fire classic.

The Gaslight Anthem American Slang (Side One Dummy) Proof that there’s more to the Garden State than Jersey Shore. Title track from The Gaslight Anthe’s new album sees them back in the eye of the hurricane.

New Amusement

My Captain (Any Other City)

Robust, likable debut album from the Dublin band whose apprenticeship has produced a clutch of strong EPs.

M.I.A. Born Free (XL)

Bracing blast of Suicide- sampling punk rock taken from everyone’s favourite rabble-rouser’s imminent third album. Warning: the video may cause offence to red-heads.

Jeru Da Damaja

The Sun Rises in the East (PayDay)

“Incredible production from DJ Premier, and Jeru’s style is refreshingly free of hip-hop cliches.” – Selected by Yanni Philippakis from Foals.

Listen to #NOW PLAYING at irishtimes.com/blogs/ontherecord