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February 15, 2005
Universal Music, ITunes Team Up To Bring Chinese Artists To The World Online
China Sings! Chinese pop music gets its props
Chinese-language pop music by some of Asia's biggest stars will be available online for the first time in North America and Europe from tomorrow (8), as the result of a ground-breaking partnership between Universal Music South East Asia and Apple's iTunes Music Store (iTMS).In a campaign launched to coincide with the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, the best of Cantonese ("Canto-pop") and Mandarin ("Mando-pop") hits by Jacky Cheung, Kelly Chen, Hacken Lee, Alan Tam and many other top artists will be available from iTunes stores in 15 countries, including the U.S., the U.K. and Canada.
Consumers will be able to choose from more than 1,000 tracks by Universal Music's roster of Chinese artists, in a campaign which represents an industry milestone - the first time that this volume of Chinese repertoire will become available online legally outside its region of origin.
Aimed in particular at the large overseas-Chinese population, the offering allows consumers who live far from the countries where the recordings were originally released to buy them quickly and conveniently. In the past, such music has usually been available only in physical form through a limited number of specialist retailers.
"The new deal is a fantastic development for everyone," said Kelly Chen, one of Universal Music's most popular artists in Asia, whose music will be now available through iTMS. "Fans everywhere can keep up-to-date with our music, while artists are respected and protected on a copyright level," she added.
The tracks will be available for download from February 8. In addition to the performers named above, music by Sam Hui, Andy Lau, Faye Wong, Grasshopper, Leon Lai, Tat Ming Pair and Michael Kwan, among others, will be available. The repertoire will be permanently available on iTMS, and will be augmented in the future by new Chinese releases and select catalogue titles.
Harry Hui, President of Universal Music South East Asia, said, "The consumption of music going forward will be digital, mobile, virtual and personal. I can't think of a better partner to catapult the consumption of our Chinese catalogue than this alliance with Apple iTunes. Also, this new outlet for digital music is a perfect promotional avenue for our younger stars."
Top Chinese Pop Music Artists
[ Jacky Cheung | Kelly Chen | Faye Wong | Leon Lai ] [ Various Artists - International - Far East - China ]Posted by BIGBAER at 12:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Former Deputy Chief Of Staff And Counselor To The Attorney General David M. Israelite Named President And CEO Of National Music Publishers' Association
Irwin Z. Robinson, Chairman of the National Music Publisher's Association (NMPA) Board of Directors, announced that David M. Israelite has been named President and CEO of the NMPA, America's leading music publishing industry trade association. For the past four years Israelite served in the Bush Administration as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to the Attorney General of the United States, and as the Chairman of the Department's Task Force on Intellectual Property. Israelite succeeds Edward P. Murphy.The NMPA will relocate its headquarters from New York to DC to facilitate increased interaction with Congress, the Administration, the federal judiciary and other intellectual property trade groups. The Association remains focused on copyright legislation and regulation in the digital and physical arenas, and in the coming year, the NMPA will continue its support of the publisher and songwriter plaintiffs in the U.S. Supreme Court hearing of the Grokster case. NMPA subsidiary, The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. will continue operations in New York under President and CEO Gary Churgin.
"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the NMPA, I am excited to announce that David Israelite will be at the helm of the NMPA," said Irwin Z. Robinson, Chairman of the NMPA Board of Directors and Chairman and CEO of Famous Music Publishing. "David's outstanding legislative and political background combined with his tremendous knowledge of the issues surrounding intellectual property made him the obvious choice for this role, as the U.S. music publishing industry moves forward to confront the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century."
"Music publishing in the U.S. is a multi-billion dollar industry and constitutes one of the most valuable exports from this country, both culturally and financially," said David Israelite. "I'm honored the NMPA Board of Directors selected me for the position of President and CEO. I look forward to working with them and the many publisher, songwriter, performing rights, and copyright organizations in the U.S. and around the world to protect, promote, and advance the interests of music's creators."
Prior to his appointment to the Department of Justice in 2001, Israelite served as the Director of Political and Governmental Affairs for the Republican National Committee. As a senior advisor to the Chairman, he was responsible for the Republican Party's Campaign Operations, Government Affairs, Research, and Presidential Liaison Divisions. From 1997 through 1998, Israelite became the youngest Administrative Assistant in the US Senate when he served under Missouri Senator Kit Bond, taking the reigns as the Senator's Campaign Manager during his successful re-election campaign in 1998.
From '94 to '97, Israelite practiced law in the Commercial Litigation Department at the firm of Bryan Cave, LLP in Kansas City, Missouri. Israelite earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri in 1994 and received a B.A. in a double major of Political Science and Communications from William Jewell College in 1990. While in college, Israelite was named Top Speaker by the National Cross Examination Debate Association, recognizing him as the nation's top collegiate debater. Israelite has been recognized as one of "Politics Fabulous Fifty" by Roll Call newspaper, a "Rising Star of Politics" by Campaigns and Elections Magazine, and one of Details Magazine's "50 Most Powerful Men under 38".
[press release | music publishing | music business]
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February 14, 2005
Monica A. Coates named Director of A&R for Verity Records
Jazzy Jordan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Verity Records and Senior Vice President of Black Music Marketing, Jive Records has appointed Monica A. Coates to Director of A&R for Verity Records. Coates will oversee all of Verity’s daily functions of the A&R Department and serve as the A&R point person for the album and video projects for Verity Artists which include Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond and Vickie Winans. Coates will be based in New York.Coates recently served as Associate Director of A&R for Verity Records and was responsible for top-selling releases from Vickie Winans, Fred Hammond and WOW Gospel 2005. Prior to working at Verity, Coates worked at EMI Gospel where she worked with Aaron Neville, Bishop TD Jakes among others and was the Chief Administrator for Face 2 Face Productions. Coates also served as Fred Hammond’s Personal Manager.
Says Jordan, “Coates impressive experience and wealth of knowledge of the Gospel marketplace and its artists has made her a leader in the genre. Her vision, talent and tenacity have contributed to Verity’s overall success and have been instrumental in the development of some of the label’s top artists.”
Says Coates, “It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with the top artistry and executive talent in the Gospel marketplace. I’m looking forward to the next level of excellence in service to our artists and their creative visions.”
Posted by BIGBAER at 04:34 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 13, 2005
Consumers Not Receptive to Music Subscriptions
Only 8% of MP3 Owners are interested in a Portable Music Service
Dallas, Texas February 10, 2005 – Portable music services will not have a big impact this year, according to Parks Associates’ new report Digital Music: Analysis and Forecasts. Respondents in the recent Parks Associates survey Global Digital Living strongly favored the single-track purchase model over a subscription when presented with both options. Roughly 40% said they were likely to buy songs one at a time, but only 8% were likely to use a subscription service. “The market has a long way to go in promoting subscription models,” said John Barrett, director of research at Parks Associates. “There is hope Microsoft’s Janus technology will boost the digital music market by enabling portability and greater integration of hardware and content. However, our data show the industry needs to translate these solutions into something more tangible and desirable to consumers. At present, consumers either do not fully grasp the value of a subscription ‘all-you-can-eat’ service, or they simply don’t want it.”According to Digital Music: Analysis and Forecasts, the industry is beginning to promote “buffet” music plans, which allow users unlimited downloads for a flat monthly fee, to compete with a la carte models such as iTunes. Technologies such as Microsoft’s Janus promote this paradigm of use, although few MP3 players save for some very expensive models currently support these solutions. The report, citing both limited availability and limited enthusiasm from consumers, predicts sluggish growth for these solutions this year, but it is more bullish on the long-term prospects because hardware could be subsidized under a subscription model.
Digital Music: Analysis and Forecasts provides an in-depth look at the significant issues, technologies, and players in the digital music industry. It examines the consumers using digital music and portable MP3 players, how these files and devices are being used, and who is likely to buy over the next year. Moreover, the report profiles households with PC-to-stereo connections and online music providers. The report also features data from Global Digital Living, a multinational research program that surveys customers in thirteen countries spanning four continents.
For additional information on Digital Music: Analysis and Forecasts or Global Digital Living, visit http://www.parksassociates.com or contact 972-490-1113 or sales@parksassociates.com.About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm focused on all product and service segments that are “digital” or provide connectivity within the home. The company’s expertise includes home networks, digital entertainment, consumer electronics, broadband and Internet services, and home systems.
Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions. Parks Associates also hosts Fall Focus and co-hosts CONNECTIONS™ (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association) each year. [ http://www.parksassociates.com ]
Contact: Jenny Barrett
Parks Associates
972-490-1113
Email: sales@parksassociates.com
Posted by BIGBAER at 03:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 12, 2005
6th ANNUAL LATIN ALTERNATIVE MUSIC CONFERENCE (LAMC) SET TO RETURN TO NEW YORK CITY AUGUST 3rd - 6th
Latin Alternative Music Conference: LAMC - Building on Success
With a Warm Welcome From New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the LAMC Makes a Triumphant Return to New York City and Will Once Again Feature Free Concerts in Central Park and Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park, As Well As Industry Panels and Numerous Artist Showcases
With a warm welcome from New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the biggest event in the world for alternative Latin music will return to New York August 3rd-6th. Featuring leading artists as well as many of the music industry's most prominent decision-makers, the sixth annual LAMC's daytime events will be held at Manhattan's Puck Building in SoHo. "It is my pleasure to welcome back to New York City the Latin Alternative Music Conference," said Mayor Bloomberg. "This one of a kind event has become the ultimate industry event for movers and shakers in this exciting and growing genre of Latin music. I also would like to commend the Latin Media & Entertainment Commission for attracting an event that will generate approximately 3 million dollars in economic impact to our City."After a three-year run in Los Angeles, the LAMC is returning to New York at the invitation of Mayor Bloomberg's newly-created Latin Media & Entertainment Commission, which aims to make the Big Apple the new Latin entertainment industry capital. "By supporting the City's already existing Latin media sector and recruiting globally recognized Latin entertainment events, like the Latin Alternative Music Conference, the City and its Latin Media and Entertainment Commission invites the world to experience first-hand the spirit and rich diversity of New York City's Latin cultural entertainment sector," said Latin Media and Entertainment Commission's Executive Director, Elizabeth Caldas.
Among the events planned for LAMC 2005 are free concerts at Central Park Summerstage and Celebrate Brooklyn at Prospect Park, as well as numerous showcases and industry panels for LAMC registrants. With past conferences averaging more than 1000 music industry attendees and 18,000 concert fans each year, LAMC 2005 promises to be an exciting year. This three-day conference providing networking opportunities with the genre's leading artists, label executives, journalists, marketers, managers, retailers and programmers, is the most extensive to be offered by a music conference to date. LAMC was conceived in 2000 by artist manager Tomas Cookman and publicist Josh Norek with the goal to gain wider acceptance for Latin music.
Early Bird Registration details will be announced shortly. For the latest LAMC info, please visit www.LatinAlternative.com
The LAMC in the News
"The LAMC has emerged as the top showcase for up-and-coming Latin acts." -ASSOCIATED PRESS"The Latin Alternative Music Conference confirmed its status as the ultimate meeting place for the edgier side of Latin music." -BILLBOARD
"LAMC is pushing listeners to pay attention to music made within and beyond the United States. This year's lineup included not just American and Latin American bands, but a contingent from Spain. With the Hispanic population in the U.S. growing, Latin alternative music is getting ready for its historical moment." -NEW YORK TIMES
Posted by BIGBAER at 04:34 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
RIAA Submits Report To Federal Government Outlining Piracy Problems In More Than 60 Countries
[The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), together with associations representing other sectors of the U.S. copyright industry, who collectively constitute the International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA), today filed a report with United States Trade Representative (USTR) identifying copyright problems more than 60 countries. The report was submitted under a provision of trade law known as "Special 301" through which USTR identifies countries whose performance in the protection of intellectual property is inadequate. Identification under Special 301 can have a number of ramifications, and can lead to the imposition of sanctions (for countries identified as Priority Foreign Countries), the suspension of trade benefits under programs such as General System of Preferences, the initiation of disputes in the World Trade Organization or under other regional and/or bilateral agreements. For a copy of the report, please see www.iipa.com]The following is a statement from Neil Turkewitz, Executive Vice President, International of RIAA:
"America's cultural industries represent the social and economic vanguard of our nation, and are at the heart of America's present and future global competitiveness. The importance of our industries, and consequently of effective copyright protection, has been increasingly recognized by all branches of the U.S. government. Today, even as we identify the many problems that we confront in foreign markets, we salute the tremendous efforts of USTR and the entire Administration and Congress in pressing for reform. Their efforts have been truly remarkable.
"Today's filing reinforces a submission made earlier this week by the same coalition of copyright industries proposing that USTR initiate consultations with China in the WTO. We also propose that USTR identify Russia as a Priority Foreign Country, and immediately suspend its eligibility to participate in the Generalized System of Preferences program (GSP) under which many of its goods receive favorable treatment when entering the United States. A nation whose de facto policy permits the unchecked activity of commercial pirates should not be granted favorable treatment, and we hope that Russia will soon take steps to address a problem that has lingered for far too long. We also call on USTR to maintain the Priority Foreign Country status of neighboring Ukraine, a country that has failed to fulfill all of its commitments on copyright enforcement. We are, however, encouraged by the arrival of a new and pro-active government, which raises hope for a rapid solution of our outstanding problems in Ukraine"
"In other highlights of the report, we reiterate our concerns about rampant piracy in Brazil, and renew our recommendation to USTR that they remove Brazil's eligibility under GSP for that country's failure to take effective action against a piracy situation that is decimating their own and U.S. copyright industries. The Brazilian Government's refusal to take meaningful action is hard to understand, particularly in light of the impact on its local creators, and the fact that the Brazilian Congress communicated a detailed report to the Lula Administration more than six months ago highlighting the negative impact of piracy on the Brazilian economy, and recommending a number of specific actions. We also propose that Pakistan be identified as a Priority Foreign Country for its failure to adequately address the mass production and export of pirate discs. Pakistan has emerged as one of the world's leading exporters of pirate product, and it, and we, can simply not afford to permit such continued lawlessness."
"Our report also highlights some positive developments in a number of key territories, including Mexico, Spain and Paraguay. In each of these countries, however, piracy continues to greatly prejudice the vitality of the record industry, and we urge these governments to build on present efforts and expand their reach and effectiveness. In Mexico, the Office of the Attorney General has really stepped up activity, but the system as a whole still fails to provide deterrence, and more resources are needed. In Spain, the government has also enhanced its enforcement efforts, but the situation remains dire for the record industry, and we hope that plans recently announced by the government will fully integrate all agencies that can play a role in effecting meaningful and systematic change. In Paraguay, President Duarte-Frutos has launched an impressive campaign against corruption, and Minister of Industry and Commerce Bergen has directed an initiative aimed at rooting out criminal enterprises involved in copyright piracy. While much remains to be accomplished, the political will of this Government to significantly alter the situation in Paraguay is palpable, and the future looks bright." [press release]
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
RIAA And Other Intellectual Property Groups Seek World Trade Organization Help In Cracking Down On Piracy In China
The nation's leading intellectual property trade organizations, including the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), dramatically stepped up their calls for greater anti-piracy enforcement by the Chinese government.Responding to a request from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for public comments on the adequacy of China's enforcement of intellectual property laws, the International Intellectual Property Alliance, which includes copyright groups like the RIAA, submitted a report that outlined the magnitude of the harm that America's copyright industries suffer because of China's failure to comply with it's international obligations. The intellectual property rights groups' submission requests that China's failure to crack down on intellectual property theft be brought before the World Trade Organization (WTO) and that China be placed on the U.S. government's Special 301 "priority watch list" – countries that USTR determines present significant piracy problems for U.S. rightholders.
This would be the first time ever that China's intellectual property enforcement issues would be raised with the WTO, the international body formed to resolve trade disputes.
"Despite a number of sometimes encouraging commitments, and notwithstanding the tremendous efforts of Ambassador Zoellick, Secretary Evans and entire Administration, China has failed to follow through on meaningful copyright protection and enforcement against the widespread piracy of our industry's products," said Neil Turkewitz, Executive Vice President, International, RIAA. "Our report to the trade representative describes in detail the magnitude of the problems that the nation's copyright industries continue to face in China. This is primarily due to China's failure to comply with multiple agreements that would have greatly strengthened the enforcement of intellectual property laws. The situation in China is further exacerbated by China's failure to provide greater access to its markets, thus limiting the supply of legitimate materials—a demand that is currently primarily met by Chinese pirates."
"Piracy rates for copyrighted material continue to hover around 90 percent," Turkewitz added. "Given the enormity of the problem, we believe that these issues deserve to be elevated to consideration by the WTO."
In addition to the submission by the U.S. intellectual property groups, the record industry's international trade organization, IFPI, has also recently highlighted the reoccurring problem of intellectual property theft in China. Jay Berman, the former Chairman of IFPI, testified before the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission on February 4. Berman emphasized two key priorities for the recording industry in China: first, the serious problem of enforcement in a market that is dominated by pirate recordings, despite increased raids undertaken and discs seized; and second, the market access barriers that continue to prevent entry for international recordings despite an increase in the number of titles officially sanctioned for release. [press release]
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
MP3tunes Online Music Service Opens With 300,000 Songs
MP3tunes, a new digital music store started by Michael Robertson, founder and former CEO of MP3.com, opened for business on the Internet at www.mp3tunes.com. Robertson, CEO of MP3tunes, unveiled his new venture at the Desktop Summit in San Diego this week. Songs are available for download from the MP3tunes site for $0.88 per song or $8.88 per album.All music sold at MP3tunes will work on any computer and with any portable player including popular models like the Apple iPod, Dell DJ and Creative Nomad. At www.mp3tunes.com, consumers never run the risk of losing their music - songs that have been purchased are permanently stored in a "music locker" and accessible from any Web browser. Even if a computer crashes or a user switches machines, the music is saved and can be accessed without repurchasing.
"Digital music sales make up less than two percent of the total music business because many consumers know they aren't really buying the music - they're renting it from a big corporation that controls what software, computer and portable devices they can use," Robertson said. "A consumer-friendly digital music store that provides true music ownership to paying customers can triple the digital music business almost overnight. MP3tunes gives the consumers more value because they can use the music on all their computers and MP3 players - whatever brand they may have. And it's permanently stored in their music locker, so they never lose the music they paid for."MP3tunes only offers songs for purchase and download that are legally licensed for distribution from the copyright holders. More than 22,000 artists are participating in the launch of MP3tunes, and 300,000 songs representing nearly 30,000 complete CDs are now available for immediate purchase in high-quality 192k MP3 format at www.mp3tunes.com. No special software is required to sample the music and make purchases and virtually any Web browser will work.
MP3tunes differs from other online music services such as Apple's iTunes and Microsoft's MSN Music Store because it does not use digital restrictions management (DRM) technology, which restricts how a buyer can use the music. DRM restrictions limit what software or computer can be used to listen to the music and also limit what types of portable players will work. Songs in the open MP3 format, like those found at www.mp3tunes.com, are the most flexible for consumers because the songs work with a wide array of software players such as iTunes and Windows Media Player and are also compatible with virtually all digital players or computers, including the iPod series.
Major features of MP3tunes:
Affordable music - Only 88¢ per song and $8.88 per CD
Free Music Locker with permanent storage for all purchased songs
Songs will play on all portable MP3 players
Songs will play from any computer (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Unlimited CD burning and downloads for personal use
Super-high-quality sound - 192k MP3s (most sites offer 128 KB)
Discover great new music with chart-driven Web site
Sample song clips before you buy
You own the music - it never times out or refuses to play or be copied
The design of www.mp3tunes.com makes finding new music simple. Charts, featured artists, user reviews, similar artist recommendations, and other features encourage visitors to browse, sample and discover new music."All new trends in music start with emerging artists and progressive-thinking labels who are most willing to try new approaches, which is where MP3tunes is focusing initially," Robertson said. "MP3.com started with complete songs in MP3 format from promising young artists like Linkin Park and Maroon 5. Then it expanded to include new artists from major labels, and eventually it grew to be a key promotional vehicle for all the major record labels. I'm confident MP3tunes will follow the same path - if music buyers come to MP3tunes, then ultimately forward-thinking labels will too."
[related: Michael Robertson to Launch New Digital Music Venture, MP3tunes]
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Jazz World Mourns Jimmy Smith, Hammond B3 Organist Dead at 76
The jazz world lost one of its legends: Jimmy Smith, Jazz Legend Dies at 76. Rest in peace Jimmy.
Posted by BIGBAER at 03:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 11, 2005
By the People, For the People: The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA)
In years past, artists, musicians and songwriters looked to the major labels with an uncontainable sense of awe and respect and yes, perhaps even a little fear. Certainly there was a sense of an "unspoken truth," a music-business gospel that implied if an artist, musician, or band did not have the support of a major record label and its network of distribution and marketing, there would be little hope for success. Fame and fortune could not even be considered.
That was before the Internet, and certainly before grassroots organizations such as the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) began to pursue avenues of music marketing and promotion that broke free of perceived prior constraints.
Raising the Curtain on Washington, DC Music! WAMA
From the WAMA Web site: "WAMA is an umbrella organization of Washington area musicians, concert promoters, lawyers, recording engineers, managers, graphic artists, and related businesses working together to address areas of common concern."
Just to be certain that you absorb the implications of the WAMA self-description, read it again. Note that it is not just musicians, not just concert promoters, nor only lawyers or recording engineers, but the WAMA is comprised of a full range of music industry individuals and organizations. And, note the money-line: "working together to address areas of common concern." Exactly! Working together.
No doubt "major labels" will retain the lion's share of the music industry's annual sales and related revenues, but as self-determined individuals pursue alternate tracks whether through grassroots movements, Internet promotions or mutually supportive organizations, the music industry revenue pie is likely to be sliced in an ever increasingly fair fashion. There are no limits to self-promotion. Power to the people!
RELATED: JENNIFER CUTTING WINS FIVE WAMMY AWARDS FOR OCEAN CD | The Washington Area Music Association (WAMA)
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February 09, 2005
Keeping the Future of CD Sales in the Digital Age in Proper Perspective
US sees growth in CD sales market
US CD sales rose by 2.3% in 2004 - the first rise in four years - despite the growing popularity of legal digital music downloads.
The CD format still accounts for 98% of the 666 million albums sold, according to research company Nielsen Soundscan. A total of 140 million digital tracks were legally downloaded last year, equivalent to 14 million albums.
R&B star Usher was the biggest-selling artist with his album Confessions selling eight million copies alone. Other top sellers of the year were Norah Jones, Eminem and country stars Kenny Chesney and Gretchen Wilson.
The US recording industry has attempted to tackle music piracy by suing those it believes are the worst offenders and closing down websites which offer music without permission. Although it was slow to react to the problem the launch of services such as iTunes and the relaunched Napster has persuaded many to use the legal sites.
The end of the year saw downloads reach a weekly high of 6.7 million tracks, up from 300,000 in mid-2003. [FULL ARTICLE]
All is not grim. Read the entire BBC article for a glimmer of hope and this bit of editorial dressing-down Pressing Issues in the Music Industry Today (or How I Learned to Adapt and Make Lots of Money!) for a call to a fresh perspective.
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Pavlo, Wal-Mart and the New World Order
World Music Guitarist Pavlo Teams With Wal-Mart For Promo Tour
World music guitarist Pavlo is selling records the old fashioned way: he's earning each and every sale. His instrumental music isn't played on the radio. He doesn't have a music video airing on television. He's not dating a Hollywood starlet. Instead Pavlo and his band have teamed with retail giant Wal-Mart for sixteen in-store performances in Central and Southern California, which kicked off in Bakersfield on January 22nd. Playing anywhere from two to four sets per night and signing CDs for fans in between sets, Pavlo has managed to sell enough copies of his U.S. debut album, FantasiaFantasia, to enter Billboard's New Age chart this week at #11. It's expensive to keep a band on the road and to fund the tour, Pavlo is using funds that he won in a 2003 legal settlement against R. Kelly, who used a guitar riff without permission from Pavlo's song, "Fantasia," as the basis of the hit pop single, "Fiesta." Pavlo now owns 25% of the song.
In Canada, Pavlo is already a two-time gold-selling artist who has been nominated for a Juno Award (Canada's Grammy equivalent) and was named World Music Artist of the Year last year by the Canadian Independent Music Awards. Now his sights are set on breaking through in the U.S. Stylistically, Pavlo describes his sound as "Mediterranean music," a passionate, often energetic blend of jazz, classical, Latin, flamenco and Greek bouzouki music for dance, romance, adventure, celebration and relaxation infused with a sensual hint of gypsy mystery.
Originally Pavlo was expected to perform two sets a night, but he plays as long as the audience demands and he leaves no new fan without a signed CD. The barnstorming retail marketing effort is advanced in stores with posters, flyers and a video clip. Driving with his band up to six hours each way from store to store, Pavlo has noticed some of the same faces in the audience city after city.
"People are actually having so much fun at our performances that they are coming back the next night in another city, but bringing their family and friends," said Pavlo. "Instead of focusing on how to get people into record stores to buy our CDs, we decided to focus on selling records to the people already in the stores. And it's working." In fact, Wal-Mart store managers and Anderson Merchandisers, the record distributor that sells CDs to approximately 2,000 Wal-Mart stores, are so pleased with the results of the initial campaign that plans are underway for Pavlo to do a more extensive slate of promotional shows in Wal-Marts across the U.S. this spring after he completes an upcoming U.K. concert tour.
Jean-Pierre Leduc of Justin Time Records, the Montreal-based label that released Pavlo's Fantasia album in the U.S. last September, stated, "It's refreshing to work with an artist who truly understands the current marketplace and who is willing to do whatever it takes to sell records. Pavlo has got it all. He's a dynamic and captivating performer who knows how to engage audiences. His sound is unique yet accessible. In addition to his vast musical talents, Pavlo's warmth and charisma literally charms people into buying his records. All he needs is the platform and his magic will do the rest."
Pavlo and Wal-Mart understand the New World Order.
Posted by BIGBAER at 02:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
February 08, 2005
Anti-Indecency Czar for the FCC?
In a letter delivered to the White House, President Bush is being urged by more than thirty House Republicans to appoint a new FCC chairman who will take a tough stance on indecent material they feel is permeating the American airwaves. Additionlly, Pro-family and media watchdog organizations are urging President Bush to appoint a new chairman to the Federal Communications Commission who "is committed to enforcing indecency laws."
Can you say "repercussions?" [Op-Ed]
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A music industry case study
So you want to be a rock 'n roll star?
There is little doubt that there is money to be made in the muic business, the real issue is made by whom? The following is an excerpt from a New York Times article addressing this very question. Read the article in full. It's reality check time.
A look at a mythical rock band's earnings, with actual figures compiled from industry sources:New York City's hottest new band is Grunthead, a four-piece hard rock group from Maspeth. Because they've got buzz, the band gets a 15% royalty rate, a few points above the usual amount for a new artist.
Its debut, "Gruntastic," goes gold – only 128 of more than 30,000 records reached that level in 2002.
The Gold Record Gross: 500,000 albums sell at $16.98 = $8,490,000 The Grunts' royalty is 15% of retail. That's $1,273,500… [ARTICLE]
Attention artists, bands and performers: get your paper straight. It is all about the paper.
Posted by BIGBAER at 12:13 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Clear Channel Entertainment Music And Andrew Hewitt To Team Up In National Touring Agreement
Michael Rapino, President/CEO of Clear Channel Entertainment, Global Music today announced that an agreement has been reached with Andrew Hewitt. Hewitt will work with Clear Channel's TNA International to secure national tours and will also work with the company to produce arena shows in Las Vegas. "We are very pleased with our agreement with Andy," said Rapino. "His success in driving business to the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, as well as his long history and relationships will be an asset to the Music Division."Hewitt began his career at Avalon Attractions in the early 80's. He then moved to the Nederlander Organization where he booked amphitheaters and helped start the Nederlander concert company. In 1987 Hewitt joined the Arnold Stiefel Company, where he worked in management while continuing to promote concerts. In 1990 Hewitt partnered with Bill Silva to produce the pop and rock shows at The Hollywood Bowl. "I am thrilled by the prospect of working on a national touring level," said Hewitt. "I have spent my career developing relationships with artists and their representatives and am looking forward to utilizing them."
Hewitt's extensive experience includes a 10 year relationship with The Joint at Peter Morton's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. This unique venue, with a history of producing stadium and arena shows in its small space has hosted such music icons as The Rolling Stones, The Who, Billy Joel, Sting, David Bowie, and Metallica. Peter Morton commented, "Andy has helped me to achieve our goal of bringing arena and stadium rock to my venue. With his help, this all-ages room has revolutionized the Las Vegas music scene by bringing significant & cutting edge music to a major entertainment market that was once ignored by such acts. We are now proudly the home to the best artists from around the world." [PRESS RELEASE]
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Media Alert: Digimarc Participates in Amicus Brief to U.S. Supreme Court Considering Landmark Copyright Infringement Case
Digital watermarking can address P2P piracy risks while enabling new business models that benefit artists, rights holders, consumers, and P2P suppliers
Digimarc Corporation (NASDAQ: DMRCE) has contributed to a friend-of-the-court brief filed on Monday with the U.S. Supreme Court, which is preparing to consider a landmark copyright infringement case, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios vs. Grokster.
The brief was submitted "to make the Court aware of readily available technologies that can separate infringing from non-infringing content. These innovative technologies – which are deployed around the world today in various analogous commercial settings – show that the protection of copyrighted works and the development of technology and the marketplace for content can go hand-in-hand."
Why: Digital watermarking provides a promising solution to the piracy concerns raised by peer-to-peer (P2P) content distribution. According to the brief, "There are various aspects to inhibiting piracy of copyrighted works on a P2P system, including (1) identifying digital files correctly, (2) handling the files in a manner appropriate to their identification, and (3) enabling illegitimate files to be forensically tracked to their source. There are many proven technologies available for each."
Digital watermarking is a proven technology used by major TV broadcasters, movie studios, record labels, stock photo agencies, and governments around the world. The technology has been deployed in billions of content objects, including audio, video, digital images and printed materials. Digital watermarking is widely used to track, monitor, and manage use of content as it is distributed. Management of content can include linking to additional system or network information and metadata (e.g., rights management information) as well as enforcement of usage rules in local devices. The technology allows its customers to track – and, where appropriate, inhibit – the dissemination of "digitally watermarked" content.
Employing technologies such as outlined in the brief helps enable all members of the value chain innovate new solutions and approaches to "create a broader method of distribution for copyright owners, a larger potential market of online purchasers (as opposed to infringers), a safer distribution system for consumers of content, and a more attractive and profitable marketplace for P2P service providers." [PRESS RELEASE]
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Radio Tops $20 Billion in 2004 Revenue Marking Its Biggest Year Ever
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - February 1, 2005 - Radio revenues topped the $20 billion mark in 2004 with a total increase in spot and non-spot dollars of 2% over last year. Local ad sales were the most robust, growing 3% over 2003. National ad dollars remained stable, coming in flat for the year. Network ad figures grew 5% this year over last. The total combined local, national, and network ad sales revenue for 2004 was up 2% compared to 2003. Non-spot revenue climbed 11% in 2004.Fourth-quarter 2004 figures also showed healthy signs of recovery for the industry, particularly in the national sector, which rose 3% when compared to 4th quarter of 2003. Local ad sales remained flat in 4th quarter of 2004 compared to 4th quarter of 2003. Total combined local and national ad revenue for the last three months of the year grew 1% over that same time period from last year. Non-spot revenue was up 10% in 4th quarter of this year compared to last year. Total spot and non-spot Radio revenue for the last three months of 2004 climbed 1% compared to that same time period from a year ago.
While 4th quarter of 2004 was strong, the month of December was less than vigorous. Total spot and non-spot dollars dipped 1% when compared to December of 2003. Local ad sales were down 1% this December compared to last December. National ad sales figures also dropped 5% in December 2004 compared to December 2003. Total combined local and national ad sales for the month of December 2004 declined 2% compared to December 2003. Non-spot dollars for the month increased 12% over last December.
"Radio continues to be attractive to advertisers because it continues to grow its audience and deliver consumers," noted Gary Fries, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB). "In the past year alone, the number of listeners to terrestrial Radio has grown by over 3.5 million consumers nationwide (RADAR 83, fall 2004 vs. RADAR 79, fall 2003). Moreover, terrestrial Radio's audience has grown an astounding 10.7 million listeners in just the past four years (RADAR 67, fall 2000)."
These monthly totals are based on the RAB Radio Revenue Index of more than 150 markets. The accounting firm of Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. provides the local and national revenue data on the more than 150 markets RAB uses to calculate its Revenue Index. Non-Spot data has been collected and audited since January of 2002, and reported since September of 2004.
The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) is the sales and marketing arm of the Radio industry with nearly 7,000 members including close to 6,000 stations in the U.S., and over 1,000 associate members in networks, representative firms, sales, and international organizations. [PRESS RELEASE]
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February 07, 2005
EMI profit warning after CDs delay
Gorillaz, Coldplay Delayed
LONDON, England (Reuters) -- Britain's EMI, the world's third-largest music group, warned on profits Monday following delays in releasing two of its major albums.Its shares fell 15 percent in pre-trade after it said music sales would be 8 to 9 percent lower than last year. At 0930 GMT in trading in London after they were 14.3 percent down.
Profit before tax, amortization and exceptional items for the year ending March 31 will be about £138 million pounds ($259.8m), it said in a trading update -- about 17 percent lower than analyst forecasts.
"Two major albums, one by Cold Play and one by Gorillaz, originally scheduled for this financial year will now be released in the first half of the next financial year," EMI said in a statement.
"EMI Music's sales, particularly re-orders, in January have also been lower than anticipated and this is expected to continue through February and March," it added.
Paul Richards, an analyst at Numis Securities, said the market would be focusing on the slump in music sales rather than the timing of the two albums.
"It's unusual to see this much of a downgrade just because of phasing," he said.
Shares in EMI dropped 15 percent in pre-trade, with a line of 250,000 shares going through at 240 pence, down 15 percent from the stock's closing price of 281-1/4p on Friday.
At 0930 GMT they were 40.25 points down (14.3 percent) at 241.00.
Alain Levy, chairman and chief executive of EMI Music, said: "Creating and marketing music is not an exact science and cannot always coincide with our reporting periods.."
"While this rescheduling and recent softness is disappointing, it does not change my views of the improving health of the global recorded music industry," he added. [NEWS]
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'Suge' Knight Arrested In California
Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight was booked on suspicion of violating his parole after police found marijuana in his truck during a traffic stop. Knight was arrested last night (Feb. 5) in Barstow, Calif., and held by sheriff's officials pending his transfer next week to state prison, said sheriff's Cpl. Lorraine Riser.State officials would then review his case to determine if he should be held or released, Riser said. Police searched Knight's Ford pickup and found marijuana after pulling him over for making an unsafe U-turn. He was also cited for not having insurance. [ARTICLE]
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Michael Robertson to Launch New Digital Music Venture, MP3tunes
After Three-Year Hiatus, MP3.com Founder to Announce His Return to Music Business at Desktop SummitSAN DIEGO, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Robertson, the founder and former CEO of MP3.com, will announce next week that he is starting a new digital music company called MP3tunes. The company will focus on music products and services with an emphasis on the MP3 format to maximize interoperability and consumer choice. Over the coming months, MP3tunes will make several new products available online including a hardware device, software products and an online music store. Robertson will officially announce the new company at the Desktop Summit, February 9-11 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego (www.desktopsummit.com).
"When I started MP3.com, the term 'MP3' was an obscure acronym recognizable only by geeks," Robertson said. "Back then, we had to battle for the legality of MP3 players. But because of those early efforts, consumers now have a spectacular array of portable players to choose from.
"Today, certain market forces are trying to drive consumers away from MP3 towards proprietary systems, which lock out some consumers and force everyone to buy a particular company's player or software program. I wanted consumers to have more options, so I felt compelled to reenter the music space to bring the limelight back to MP3."
Robertson will unveil MP3tune's first service -- an online music store focusing on high-quality music downloads -- at the Desktop Summit. Unlike other popular music stores, MP3tunes will offer all tracks without digital rights management (DRM). This ensures that paying customers can use the music they purchase on any player or computer, as well as make unlimited copies of their songs and burn their music onto CDs.
The founding of MP3tunes comes three years after Robertson stepped down as the CEO of MP3.com. San Diego-based MP3.com was founded in 1997 and grew to nearly 300 employees, becoming the largest digital music site on the Web with more than 1,000,000 songs from 250,000 artists and hundreds of thousands of unique daily visitors. Vivendi Universal purchased the profitable company in 2001 for $372 million in stock and cash.
MP3tunes is the third venture for Robertson since he sold MP3.com. In 2001, Robertson founded Linspire, Inc. (www.linspire.com), a company that produces the Linspire desktop Linux operating system, which has been gaining market share from the popular Microsoft Windows. In 2003, he founded SIPphone, Inc. (www.sipphone.com), a VoIP technology company that competes with traditional phone systems.
For further information please contact: Heather MacKenzie, Public Relations, +1-858-587-6700 ext. 263, pr@linspireinc.com, for MP3tunes. [article]
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Synergy Media Group To Digitally Distribute Warner Music Group's Catalog Through TouchstandTM Multimedia Kiosks
In-Store CD Burning is on the way!
Innovative Interactive Retail Display Unit Provides New Platform To Deliver On-Demand CD Burning In Brick-And-Mortar Entertainment Media StoresSynergy Media Group (SMG) and Warner Music Group (WMG) today announced an agreement to provide consumers access to music from WMG's world-renowned labels and artists for in-store CD burning through SMG's TouchStandTM Multimedia Kiosk. On-demand content from the WMG catalog for both consumer-selected compilations and full albums will be deployed through the TouchStand platform in more than 100 retail locations throughout the U.S.
"We've proven how TouchStands increase retailers' sales of stocked products and special order products by allowing consumers to discover and preview titles from a huge digital music catalog," said SMG President and CEO Michael Fitts. "Our expansion into on-demand CD burning offers consumers greater selection, better service and even more convenience. We're delighted to offer WMG's music to entertainment retailers as part of the TouchStand platform and look forward to adding content from other major and independent labels to our digital music catalog soon."
"We are excited to be working with TouchStand and our retail partners to offer consumers innovative ways to purchase music," said John Esposito, president and CEO of WEA Corp., WMG's U.S. sales and retail marketing company. "With TouchStand, consumers will have the confidence of knowing they can easily access virtually our entire catalog."
The TouchStand Multimedia Kiosk allows today's consumers to sample a broad range of music, exposing them to new content, which encourages purchase while decreasing returns of both store and special order product. SMG is scheduled to deploy CD burning in the second quarter of 2005.
TouchStands can currently be found in more than 100 retail outlets across the U.S. including Altitunes, Bull Moose Music, Independent Music, Tower Records, Value Music, and Zia Record Exchange, among others locations. The multi-media kiosks currently offers a platform of more than 307,000 titles and 3.9 million song previews - the largest music catalog available to brick and mortar retailers today.
About Synergy Media Group (SMG)
Founded in 1991 and based in Denver, CO, Synergy Media Group is an integrated family of companies that applies technological innovation and a commitment to the creation, promotion, and distribution of content to address the evolving needs of today's entertainment market. Synergy Media Group companies - INDIEgo, Synergy Music, Synergy Distribution and TouchStand - provide the media and entertainment industry with innovative approaches to promotion, marketing, distribution and retail technology. To learn more about Synergy Media Group, visit www.SynergyMediaGroup.com.About Warner Music Group
Warner Music Group, with its broad roster of new stars and legendary artists, is the world's largest privately held independent music company. The company is home to a collection of the best-known record labels in the music industry including Atlantic, Elektra, Lava, Maverick, Nonesuch, Reprise, Rhino, Sire, Warner Bros. and Word. Warner Music International, a leading company in national and international repertoire operates through 37 affiliates and numerous licensees in more than 50 countries. Warner Music Group also includes Warner/Chappell Music, one of the world's leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than one million copyrights worldwide. For more information about Warner Music Group, visit our corporate web site at www.wmg.com. [article]
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Daniel Glass Named CEO of ARTEMIS RECORDS
Daniel Glass has an impressive track record in developing new talent. Now he has the opportunity to work with a wider range of artists and bring his influence, insights and pioneering instincts to Artemis Records.
DANIEL GLASS NAMED CEO OF ARTEMIS RECORDS
Artemis President Daniel Glass was today named CEO of the indie giant. A former President of both Universal Records and EMI Records, Glass has been instrumental in developing the careers of such artists as Billy Idol, Wilson Phillips, Sinead O'Connor, Jon Secada, Warren Zevon, Erykah Badu, Khia, Baha Men, Sugarcult and Susan Tedeschi.
Profiled as one of Crain's New York Business "40 Under 40" success stories, Glass is the co-founder of LIFEbeat, the music industry's AIDS organization. He is also a Founding Board Member of the newly formed Dance Music Hall of Fame.
Glass takes over from Artemis Records founder Danny Goldberg, who will remain as a consultant. "Working with Danny Goldberg has been a tremendously creative and rewarding experience both personally and professionally. I am looking forward to making Artemis one of the world's greatest cutting edge independent labels." says Glass, who will be both President and CEO.
Named by Billboard Magazine as the #1 Independent Record Label in the US (2000, 2001), Artemis Records is a privately held, New York-based company owned by Sheridan Square Entertainment and headed by industry veterans Joe Bianco and Anil Narang. The company recently acquired a number of new labels including: Compendia (Gospel), Tone Cool (blues), Triloka (world music), and Vanguard (Classical). In his new role, Glass will also be Chief Creative Officer of Sheridan Square Entertainment, overseeing all marketing and AandR decisions relating to its catalog and label operations.
Its stable of artists include the late Warren Zevon, Steve Earle, Pretenders; later this spring Artemis has key releases including Ruff Ryders Vol.4, Black Label Society (featuring legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde), Better Than Ezra and Little Barrie.
Brooklyn-born Glass lives in Manhattan with his wife Deborah and their three children. They will be honored on March 6th by The TJ Martell Foundation in a family day event at the new Cipriani Restaurant at The Toy Building. [PRESS RELEASE]
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Online Radio Traffic Explodes
comScore/Arbitron-Rated Online Radio Networks Approach Five Million Listeners Per Week In December 2004
In midday more than 650,000 people listen during an Average Quarter-Hour to America Online's AOL® Radio Network, Yahoo!®’s LAUNCHcast, Microsoft’s MSN Radio and WindowsMedia.com
NEW YORK, February 3, 2005 – Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) and comScore Media Metrix, a division of comScore Networks, Inc., announced today that the Monday - Sunday 6AM-Midnight audience for the three measured networks increased 16 percent from an estimated 4.2 million people per week, age 12 and older, in November 2004 to almost 4.9 million for the December 2004 survey period.
The midday daypart of Monday-Friday 10AM-3PM is the heart of the working day. Listening to the online radio networks measured by comScore/Arbitron peaks during midday, with 655,000 people age 12 and older listening during an Average Quarter-Hour Monday-Friday 10am-3pm. Average Quarter-Hour (AQH) is the estimated number of people who listen during an average 15-minute period of time during a given daypart.
The December report of the comScore Arbitron Online Radio Ratings service rated the three charter subscribers–America Online's AOL® Radio Network; Yahoo!®’s LAUNCHcast; and Microsoft’s MSN Radio and WindowsMedia.com–during an average broadcast week in the month of December. Read it.
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IFPI welcomes first court decision in France against illegal file-sharing
File sharing issues are now being addressed in international courts. The following lists the first French prosecution of an individual accused of illegal file-sharing.
IFPI welcomes the landmark decision by the Tribunal of Pontoise to fine one of the heaviest uploaders of music in France. This is the first time that an individual has been sentenced for illegal file-sharing on a P2P network in the country.The decision sets an important precedent and confirms the illegal nature of sharing music files without the permission of the rights holders.
"Alexis B", a school teacher, was fined 10,200 euros after being found guilty of illegally downloading and making available 30GB of files, or a massive 10,000 songs/614 albums. In addition, he was ordered to cover the costs of publishing the judgement in two French broadsheets Liberation and Le Parisien. The publication of the ads will act as a reminder and deterrent to all those who are exposing themselves to the same risks of legal action.
John Kennedy, Chairman and CEO of IFPI said: "We take no pleasure in resorting to lawsuits against illegal file-sharing, but we are encouraged by this French judgement. This sends out a clear message to all those who think they can get away with the illegal mass distribution of music files on a P2P network: you are not immune, you are not anonymous and there are consequences. Music is widely available to buy legitimately online – if you want to avoid the risk of a fine it’s easy, download legally."
Has the damn broke? Will other countries act to protect artist's copyrights? Developing…
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