See? Even 30 years ago, Star Wars was a very big deal. In 1984, the story about the galaxy far, far away made its television debut on CBS and this was a very big deal. Here’s the intro to that moment in history where Mark Hammill even wore a tux.
Webcasting Royalty Rates: Future Of Music Coaltion, SoundExchange, National Association of Broadcasters Comments
On December 15, 2015, the Copyright Royalty Board issued its decision establishing non-interactive webcasting royalty rates for sound recordings in the 2016-2020 period. These rates represent a partial increase over the amount currently paid by digital radio services transmitting music via the Internet. In 2016, the rate for nonsubscription services is $0.0017 per performance, and for subscription services, it is $0.0022 per performance. For the remainder of the term (through 2020), the prices will be adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index.
Future of Music Coalition CEO Casey Rae made the following statement:
These rates aren’t exactly a lump of coal. Over the past decade, we’ve seen billions of dollars in revenue generated by the explosive growth in webcasting. The new rates will allow artists and independent labels to participate in this success at a higher level. The fundamental value of popular Internet radio services comes from music creators, and we are glad this has been recognized in a healthy rate increase for non-subscription Internet radio services. Creators can feel good about how payout is structured under the statutory license, where revenue splits between artists and labels are fair and transparent, and payment to artists comes direct from SoundExchange.
We are concerned, however, that there does not appear to be a distinction in rates for small commercial webcasters. Digital music benefits from diversity, and services with more modest operations often help developing talent and niche genres find audiences while contributing to the overall revenue pool. If there isn’t an option for new entrants to perform music from a broad range of artists, we may end up with a less diverse digital landscape.
It also appears that by combining pureplay and commercial rates, incumbent broadcasters will receive a sizable reduction in royalty obligations for their digital transmissions. Commercial terrestrial radio already gets an unfair advantage due to the fact that they are not required to pay performers a dime for over-the-air broadcasts. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the developed world. Congress should take swift action to close this loophole to support a positive global balance of trade and the equitable treatment of American creators. And artists and their allies should push back on consolidated corporate FM getting yet another unfair advantage.
SoundExchange issued the statement below in response to the decision:
SoundExchange presented a strong case on the fair market rate for music played by webcasters utilizing the statutory license. Our rate proposal used data from dozens of marketplace deals and was based on what willing buyers and sellers would agree to.
“Music has tremendous value and is the core foundation of the webcasting industry. It’s only fair that artists and record labels receive a market price when their music is used. We believe the rates set by the CRB do not reflect a market price for music and will erode the value of music in our economy. We will review the decision closely and consider all of our options.
“Additionally it is deeply disappointing to see that broadcasters are being given another unfair advantage. In their terrestrial business they do not pay a dime for the recordings they use and now this $17B industry will receive an additional huge subsidy on the music they use in webcasting.
“As music advocates, SoundExchange represents the entire recorded music industry and we remain united on the principle that recording artists and rights owners deserve a fair market rate when their music is used.
“SoundExchange appreciates the efforts of the CRB judges and staff throughout this process.
The National Association of Broadcasters Executive Vice President of Communications Dennis Wharton released his statement, too:
We are reviewing the CRB decision, but are pleased that streaming rates have begun to move in the right direction. Broadcasters want to expand into new distribution platforms; the challenge has been that rates are too high for thousands of local stations. We hope today’s decision alleviates some of the rate burden and will enable more radio stations to stream music, which will benefit artists, songwriters and our millions of listeners.
John Oliver Helps With Your Broken New Year’s Resolutions
Last Week Tonight host John Oliver helps you revise the New Year’s resolutions you’ve already failed to keep.
Auto Racer Chris Forsberg Sets Record For The Fastest Time To ‘Undecorate’ A Christmas Tree
Chris Forsberg undecorated a Christmas Tree in 2.70 seconds using his car. I was hoping this video wouldn’t last 23 minutes of backstage footage and interviews, and since it’s only 14 seconds, here you go!
Didn’t He Ramble? Glen Hansard discusses his new album with Q
On a flying visit to London, Glen Hansard, the singer-songwriter and actor (Once, The Commitments) talks with Paul Stokes about his latest solo album, busking, life choices, The Frames and more.
Submissions Now Open for the 2016 CCMA Discovery Program
New year, new beginnings, new opportunities.
2016 marks the fourth year for the CCMA Discovery Program – a national initiative, developed to support Canadian country music artists as they endeavor to reach their full potential in the music industry. The program provides unparalleled educational, mentorship, networking and exposure opportunities unlike any other opportunity offered in the country genre.
The CCMA is extremely proud of the way this program has grown over the years, and of how the Canadian country music community has embraced this venture. Applying is simple, and the opportunities are endless. The CCMA Discovery Program has certainly opened a number of doors for the finalists who have experienced it over the years. If applying this year isn’t on your radar, please do spread the word and encourage others to submit.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The 2016 CCMA Discovery Program will include the following components:
- Music Industry Discovery Week
- Mentorship
- Country Music Week Discovery Showcase
- CCMA Discovery Award
Music Industry Discovery Week: The six (6) selected acts (finalists) will be flown to Toronto for a week (April 24 – 29, 2016) to learn, in-depth, about the music business and artist development; including: industry-led information sessions, branding and media training, media interviews and the opportunity to perform at a private industry showcase.
Mentorship: The CCMA will pair each of the selected acts (finalists) with an established Canadian act for mentorship purposes. This connection will be made following Music Industry Discovery Week and prior to Country Music Week 2016 in London.
Country Music Week Discovery Showcase: This three-hour showcase (formerly known as the CCMA New Artist Showcase) spotlights the six selected acts (finalists) during Canada’s largest recognized celebration of country music (Country Music Week) and is an official CCMA-sanctioned event. With full concert production, and backed by a house band, each act will have the opportunity to perform in front of the music industry and fans alike.
CCMA Discovery Award Winner: During Country Music Week, one exceptional CCMA Discovery Program act (finalist) will be selected by an industry jury to receive the CCMA Discovery Award at the CCMA Gala Dinner & Awards. The award winner will also receive industry-related prizing.
HOW TO APPLY
Submissions are open as of Monday, January 4, 2016, 12:00 p.m. ET.
Interested applicants are invited to submit a high resolution headshot, two MP3 song files and a 50-word bio.
CLICK HERE to apply.
Deadline for submissions is Friday, January 22, 2016, 2:00 p.m. ET.
2015 Canadian Albums By Genre In A Handy Pie Chart
Canadian Music Blog put together a pie chart of Canadian album releases by genre for 2015. I’m not sure where they got the amount from, but let’s trust them. Of 661 albums (LPs) theytracked, theycame up with percentages based on genres. As you can see, the genre of choice for Canadian recording artists was singer – songwriter or folk at 143 of the 661 or 21.6% of the total. Close to that was alternative at 21.0% or 139 of the albums. The “other” category includes holiday albums, children’s, dance, reggae, and OST/musical. So, Canadians continue to be a country standing on the cusp of Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen-inspired rock and roll and folk singers, blazing across the planet of popular music.
Bill Gates Shares His Best Books Of 2015
Bill Gates shares his list of best books he read in 2015: “Eradication” by Nancy Leys Stepan, “Thing Explainer” by Randall Munroe, “Sustainable Materials With Both Eyes Open” by Julian Allwood and Jonathan Cullen, “Mindset” by Carol Dweck, “Being Nixon” by Evan Thomas, and “The Road to Character” by David Brooks.
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic Talks Foo Fighters’ Success and Missing Kurt Cobain
In a new exclusive interview between Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic and SPIN founder Bob Guccione Jr., the bassist tries to speculate on what Nirvana might’ve sounded like today, discusses the enormous success of Dave Grohl’s Foo Fighters, and opens up about how heartbroken he was when his friend and bandmate, Kurt Cobain, committed suicide in April of 1994.
‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ 40th Anniversary Blue Ray Box Set Contains A Working Catapult And Farm Animals
Watch John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones and Terry Gilliam demonstrate how to make the most of the new limited edition ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ 40th anniversary box set, available for pre-order now on Amazon, and in stores this October.
The box set includes all-new artwork by Terry Gilliam, an all-new 30-minute “Monty Python and the Holy Grail at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival,” a Q&A with Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, Michael Palin, John Cleese and Eric Idle, hosted by John Oliver and recorded live at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, and features collectible castle packaging with real catapult action and rubber farm animals, plus all-new exclusive introductory letters from Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones.