MP3 vs RIAA: On April 28th a federal judge found in favor of the RIAA and its claim that MP3.com's My.MP3.com website pirates copyrighted recordings without the artist's (re: the label's) permission. MP3.com's policy allows users access to commercial recordings posted on thier site, provided they can prove that they own a hard copy (CD, cassette). The RIAA cried foul. Other services let the user upload the files themselves, absolving them of any responsibility; MyMP3.com just skipped a step to give people access to their own music.
Ofcourse, MP3.com is appealing the ruling, making this just the end of round one. But If the ruling holds, the website could be liable for billions (with a "b") of dollars in damages. "We do not believe that's even a possibility," says Robin Richards, MP3.com's president. "This is a legitimate technical dispute dealing with people who have already purchased their own CDs."
Meanwhile, websites like Napster.com that continue to let people upload all the "pirated" files they want may be safe for now, but may be next. The RIAA claims they are doing this for all of the industry, but if their injunction is granted it would apply only to the major labels represented in the RIAA's lawsuit. Asks MusicDish.com's Eric de Fontenay: "...if I was to upload my personally copied MP3s and other important digital files, could the RIAA sue the data storage company although I would be the only person able to access the music?"
My opinion? From the beginning this was all positioning and an example of a game of corporate chicken. MP3.com probably did this deliberately, since they not only have the money to ride the lawyers for a while, but because it's good, free press. The RIAA, goaded on by the major labels, needed to challenge the big guy (when in a fight, try to take out the biggest and the others will run), and also needs to justify it's existence. In the end they'll work something out outside of court, and end up in bed together. If anyone loses, it will be music listeners. Stay tuned...
Speaking of Napster: Rapper Chuck D has posted a Pro-Napster instrumental track at Napster.com (of course), and has created an interesting interactive contest. Entrants download the MP3 track, record their own rap over it, then upload it back to the site. The track, which Chuck named "Power To The People And The Beats," requests lyrics that reflect their support of freely shared music. The winning song is to be selected by online voting on the site throughout the week of May 15th. Sez Chuck, "The contest is an example of how an independent artist can be heard and can develop their career all on their own, all through the power of the Internet. A musical career can now belong to everyone, not just the small handful of acts that a major label decides to promote."
Hollywood Bowl Online: The Hollywood Bowl's new, updated and redesigned site features complete info on the upcoming season, the artists involved, and online ticket purchasing (ofcourse). Cherry pick the shows you want to attend, and find out all there is to know about the artists involved. It also includes the important info on park-and-ride and shuttle locations, parking lots and directions (go to www.hollywoodbowl.com).
NetThisTV: This Burbank-based site features local artists in interviews, reviews and streaming video/music shows. Check it out, and if you think you should be included, email them at music@netthis.com and let them know (I did).
amuZnet: A lot of music, a little "Flash", good discounts on major and indie CD's, and good features on indie artists (including online chats) make amuZnet.com a good source for music and movie info. Up and coming artists including Steve la Cerra, Watsonville Patio and Debra Davis are amongst the featured discussions in May.
International Distribution: The Global Pipeline is a distribution network which provides independent artists and labels withonline and retail distribution in Germany, Holland, France, Australia, the UK and Spain. To register go to http://mi2n.com/global_top.html. The online registration process is very specific (be prepared to have audio and images already online in very specific formats and sizes, or you have to pay fees to have them do it), but it looks very complete, and it looks like a pretty good opportunity to get into some major European retailers.
Film Music Rates Going Down: Film Music magazine (http://www.filmmusicmag.com) has announced the release of a landmark survey which provides a comprehensive look at detailed rate and salary information for the film and television music industry. The survey lists detailed breakdowns of rates and payment policies for a comprehensive list of occupations within the industry including composers, music supervisors, orchestrators, conductors, musicians, agents and managers, music editors, contractors and scoring mixers. Mailed to subscribers of Film Music magazine, the survey can also be purchased online at The Film Music Store at http://www.filmmusicstore.com. The survey results show that in some areas, especially in film and television composing, the industry has witnessed a decline in rates as an increase in people and inexpensive technology have combined to create an oversupply of those looking for work as film and television composers. "As painful as it may be, this survey confronts the pragmatic reality of the music business in LA... This survey is a wake-up call to the industry," comments Don B. Ray, founder of the UCLA Extension Film Scoring Program and a former Music Supervisor at CBS.
Medium4Music.com: Starting out as a foreign TV internet broadcast site, Medium4.com has grown into a huge site with large subsections, including ForeignTV.com, StreamingUSA.com, Niche.com and Medium4Music.com. Medium4Music features channels like ClassicRockTV, OldSchoolRapTV, ClubMusicTV and AllClassicalMusicTV, with content steaming for modem and broadband users in both Real and media Player formats. The president of the company is quoted as saying "We look for original content or develop our own, depending on the channel. Content needs to cater to our ultra-niche audience. This is true for the music network as well as the others - a mix of developing artists and superstars. One can get superstars through other outlets, however, so we do work with labels of all kinds to break into new niches and work with emerging artists". Does this mean indie artists with good videos have a shot? I have emailed them with the question, and will keep you posted.
TomsMusic.com: Designed and maintained by Tom Orsillo & Corinne Hammett, TomsMusic.com featues Tom's original music, including his CD and MP3 samples. But the site also features a great database of live concerts and gigs worldwide, and anyone can enter their gig info into the calendar, which is immediately updated. This could turn out to be a great resource if lots of people used it to find out where their favorite bands - or possible new favorites - are playing next.
316 Compilation: Redefining The Rockstar is the name of MIKEsos's compilation CD series. Any good music (of good recorded and mastered quality) can be included - the enry fee is $100, but you get 35 copies of the finished CD (including about 18 tracks). Mike's 316 productions distributes the CDs to radio, industry and retailers, as does each of the sartists involved. MIKEsos also writes review of material for Univercity, Skratch Zine, Unsealed e-zine, The Gauntlet, Sounds420.com, and The Queens College Quad. Send your CDs to 316 PRODUCTIONS, 119-33 6TH AVE #1, COLLEGE POINT, NY 11356 (ATT:MIKESOS), or email MIKEsos1@aol.com for more info.
© 2000 Music Connection Magazine.