December 9, 2011

Is the record industry hurting? What is their attitude?

With the recording industry already reeling from plummeting sales, termination rights claims could be another serious financial blow.  Sales plunged from $14.6 billion to about $6.3 billion over the decade ending in 2009, in large part because of unauthorized downloading of music on the Internet.  This has affected new releases especially, which has left record labels disproportionately dependent on sales of older recordings in their catalogs.
“This is a life-threatening change for them, the legal equivalent of Internet technology,” said Kenneth J. Abdo, a lawyer who leads a termination rights working group for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and has filed claims for some of his clients, who include Kool and the Gang.  As a result the four major record companies — Universal, Sony BMG, EMI and Warner — have made it clear that they will not relinquish recordings they consider their property without a fight.
“We believe the termination right doesn’t apply to most sound recordings,” said Steven Marks, general counsel for the Recording Industry Association of America, a lobbying group in Washington that represents the interests of record labels.  As the record companies see it, the master recordings belong to them in perpetuity, rather than to the artists who wrote and recorded the songs, because, the labels argue, the records are “works for hire,” compilations created not by independent performers but by musicians who are, in essence, their employees.  Here again, greed rules the music industry!

A songwriters need to know!!!!!


COPYRIGHT ACT AND COPYRIGHT TERMINATION

Member Services's picture
The Recording Academy was recently referenced in a New York Times article about the looming issues related to copyright termination.  Since its testimony at a Congressional hearing in 1999, The Academy has been active in protecting music creators’ rights to regain ownership of their copyrights.  Because 2011 is an important year for filing termination notices for some works, it is important that Academy members understand this critical issue.

Under the Copyright Act, authors (and their statutory heirs) may terminate certain transfers of copyrights that were effected in 1978 and after on the 35th anniversary of the transfer (although in some circumstances, different time frames may be applicable).  Transfers of sound recordings and musical compositions are among the classes of copyright transfers that may be terminable.  An author's right to reclaim ownership of his or her copyright(s) is optional and must be exercised in accordance with strict notice provisions and within strict time limits.  If you are the author of sound recording(s) and/or musical composition(s) that were transferred to third parties, it would be advisable to  contact your attorney or other advisors to learn more about this important topic.

November 28, 2011

Why do so many Artists fail on iTunes?

So you got your new CD and you're ready to get it out. The first move most people make is to get their songs on iTunes. Guess what, you and everyone else who has a project is doing the same. There are over 6 million songs on iTunes.  Here's some more random facts:
- 65,000+ podcasts (USA)
- 10,000+ music videos (USA)
- 350+ TV shows (USA)
- 20,000+ audiobooks (USA)
- 14 iPod games (USA)
- 500+ movies (USA
 Do you get it? If you're trying to sell your song, the odds are 6 million to one. Whoa!!!! The reason most people fail is simply this. They put their songs up and wait for the checks to start coming in. What a fairy tale! Another reason people fail is, they're so emotionally attached to their music they believe the world is going to fall at their feet. The truth is, there is more junk than music on iTunes. So what do I do? I'm glad you asked!
   First have a plan. No plan no money! No Money no way! So what if I have no money? Then you need to make up the difference in passion and hard work. The degree of your passion and hard work will determine how successful you will be. There are many ways to promote your product, I wish I could get to them on this blog. I just don't have enough ink!
  For now use Google to research marketing techniques. Enlist those who believe in you to become part of your team and work work work! If you have no funds that's about it. Try to raise funds. If you already have funding good for you. Most don't.

Here's a few suggestions. 
1. Check out the free sites
2. Work on a fan base
3. Play your music for everyone you can
4. network network network
Remember you are your number one fan and promoter
Get to work!!!!

CALLING ALL DIVA'S

NOT REALLY

DIVA'S ARE ABOUT TO BE AS EXTINCT 

AS THE DODO BIRD!!!!!!

October 27, 2011

There are snakes in the grass!! Writer producer alert!!!!!!!!

It has come to our attention that satellite broadcaster Sirius/XM is seeking to bypass the standard system of paying royalties.  If they are allowed to do so, it will likely result in substantially reduced payments to artists and producers, a lowering of the value of performance royalties, and unnecessary conflict between artists and their labels.

What’s the issue:

Currently, satellite radio pays sound recording performance royalties to the nonprofit collective SoundExchange, which in turn pays 50% to the artists on the recording and 50% to the copyright owner (usually a record label).  SoundExchange pays the artists the full 50%, even if the artist has unrecouped royalty balances, and also pays producers their share as directed by the artist.  The system has resulted in an important new income stream for creators.

Sirius is now seeking to use the option of direct licensing with certain independent labels instead of using the system created by Congress that ensures fair payment to all parties.  Artists should be concerned about direct licensing; 100% of the royalties would be paid to the record label which in turn may pay artists at a lower rate, subject to recoupment.  And labels should be concerned as well; the lower rate being offered could have the effect of lowering the value of performance royalties to all parties.

What you can do:

If you are an artist signed to the independent label…
You can call your label today and request that it not direct license your recordings.  In the interest of fairness and transparency, your label should continue to license through SoundExchange.

If you own or manage an independent label…
It is in your interest to refrain from direct licensing.  While Sirius may be offering positive terms, the long-term effect of accepting a rate lower than the compulsory rate could be to reduce rates overall in the future.  Creating downward pressure on the value of music may be good for Sirius/XM, but it’s bad for artists and labels.  Please see the following statement from the American Association of Independent Music:

October 24, 2011

AMP TV OCT. 14th review

   Can it get any better? I say that every month. This months lineup once again was off the chain! Beginning with Co - Host David Huff of David and the Giants with 17 albums to their credit and David with 5 solo projects. David's sincerity and talent blew us all off the stage. He ended the night with a song he wrote for his son that had us in tears. Casey Darnell, recording artist and worship leader at Northpoint Church blow us away with his cutting edge contemporary stylings, while expressing his love for God and family. A true professional and man of God! Then Marvin Mumford came to bat and knocked a home run with his soul filled contemporary music saturated with a guitar style of his own that was hypnotizing to the heart. Three great musicians, three great men of God. We at AMP cannot express how much we appreciate 
their generosity and talent.