UMPG, Warner/Chappell critical of DoJ's 100% licensing scheme
Universal Music Publishing Group chairman and CEO Jody Gerson and Warner/Chappell chairman & CEO Jon Platt have joined the ranks of those who are deeply critical of last week’s recommendation by the US Department of Justice (DoJ)’s anti-trust division to decline modifying the consent decrees governing performance rights societies ASCAP and BMI and to introduce a “100% licensing” model. "In short, we believe that the DoJ's decision is bad for songwriters and we are deeply disappointed,” wrote Gerson in a memo to staff obtained by Music Week. She added that the consent decrees "badly need to be modernised for today's market.” In a letter to songwriters, Platt said that the "objective was to have the consent decrees amended and updated in order to make them more responsive to today’s fast-moving, and increasingly digital, music business,” and he described the DoJ decision not make any changes to the consent decrees as "hugely disappointing." A Consent Decree is a legally binding agreement by which a defendant agrees to certain undertakings without admitting fault for the reason that brought the legal proceedings in the first place. In 1941, ASCAP and BMI were accused of anti-competitive behaviour so the DoJ offered them to “voluntarily” agree to certain undertakings that are still in place today.
Streaming fuels US market growth
The growth of streaming consumption in the US during the first half of 2016 shows a significant increase in digital revenues for the year. Music consumption in the US has been growing by 6.5% in the first half of 2016, with audio streaming more than doubling activity (+108%) over the same period last year, according to Border City Media’s data service BuzzAngle Music. "The recording industry can thank ongoing growth of on-demand streaming for most of the uptick,” notes Border City Media CEO Jim Lidestri. A total of 209.4 billion on-demand streams, up 58% year on year, were registered by BuzzAngle in the first six months of 2016, more than half being audio streams (114 billion, up from 54.9 million, or 55% of total streaming consumption). For the first time, streams from audio services exceeded video streams. Video streams accounted for 95 billion streams, up 23% from the same period in 2015. For Josh Friedlander, SVP of strategic data analysis for the Recording Industry Association of America, says the growth is “a good sign” but adds that the key issue for the industry is whether this growth in streams will convert into growth in revenues. "Broadly this report suggests a continuation of the trends we saw in 2015, when US revenues from streaming music exceeded $2 billion for the first time,” Friedlander tells Music Week. "Growth in streaming, especially audio-only on-demand which are largely driven by paid subscription services like Spotify and Apple Music, are good signs as current signs point to this being future of the industry.”
Goldsmith unveils OnRoundhay Festival
Live music will return to Roundhay Park in Leeds for the first time in 10 years after Harvey Goldsmith revealed details of the OnRoundhay Festival in partnership with John Lewis. The new family, music and food festival will take place on September 17, with acts to include James, Primal Scream, Wolf Alice, Max Jury and The Haggis Horns. The open air venue has previously hosted concerts by the likes of Michael Jackson, U2 and Madonna.
Boy George departs The Voice
Boy George won't be returning as a coach on The Voice when the show moves to ITV next year, he revealed on Twitter. The singer tweeted: "Not doing this season of 'The Voice' on ITV but sending @iamwill my love. Watch this space for what I am up to." Will.i.am has already confirmed he is returning to the show, which he has coached on since its first series in 2012.
Thirty Tigers mourns sales exec Goldstone
Thirty Tigers VP of sales Bob Goldstone has died aged 67 following a cycling accident. In a statement, the multi-faceted Nashville-based entertainment company said: “[Goldstone] was an integral part of the business and the spirit of Thirty Tigers. His passion for music was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. We’ve lost the beating, loving heart of Thirty Tigers. We’ve lost a friend, a mentor, a respected colleague and someone that loved us all so much, as we loved him.”
The Carnabys become patrons of Music Venue Trust
Music Venue Trust has announced that rising stars The Carnabys have become patrons of the charity. They join fellow artists such as Frank Turner, Savages, Enter Shikari, David Gedge (The Wedding Present), Moya, Mark Morriss, Jeremy Pritchard (Everything Everything), John Robb, Neil Hannon (The Divine Comedy) and Andy Dunlop (Travis), all of whom believe passionately in preserving the grassroots network.
Imagem Music signs worldwide publishing deal with Carey Ott
Imagem Music US has confirmed a new worldwide publishing agreement with songwriter Carey Ott. The signing marks the first Nashville agreement for the company.
Edinburgh to host house and techno festival
The team behind house and techno party FLY has announced Edinburgh’s first inner city open-air house and techno festival. Backed by FLY residents Denis Sulta and Theo Kottis, the initial lineup includes Motor City Drum Ensemble, Mr. G, Detroit Swindle and Harri + Domenic. The event will take place in the Ross Bandstand, near Edinburgh Waverley train station, on September 24.
Iron Maiden launch mobile game
Mobile game Iron Maiden: Legacy Of The Beast is now available to download for free on iOS and Android devices. The teams at Nodding Frog, 50cc Games and Roadhouse Interactive have created a new and unique gaming experience in close collaboration with the band and its management team, Phantom Music Management. Players take on the role of the band’s iconic mascot, Eddie.
