Wednesday 28 October 2009, 12:26 | By CMU Editorial

Jackson premiere takes place worldwide

Artist News Jacksons v AEG Timeline

The premiere of the Michael Jackson non-concert film ‘This Is It’ took place simultaneously in eighteen cities around the world last night. This meant that those attending the London event didn’t get to watch it until 4am.

The LA screening was attended by Jackson’s brothers and Jackson Five bandmates Jermaine, Marlon, Tito and Randy, as well as the film’s director, Kenny Ortega, who while introducing it called it “the last sacred document of our leader and friend”.

Those were not sentiments echoed by some fans in London though, who have started a campaign they are calling This Is Not It, and staged a protest in Leicester Square last night. They believe those previously reported rumours that AEG Live are using ‘This Is It’ to try to show Jackson was in good health in the week’s before his death, in a bid to counter suggestions they worked him too hard, in part causing his death. Footage, these fans say, has been selectively picked to hide what they claim was Jackson’s actual ill-health. AEG have, of course, already denied those rumours, claiming film studio Sony had complete control over what footage was used.

Far from showing Jacko in too good a light, Jermaine Jackson said he feared fans might be disappointed with his late brother’s rehearsal performances, which make up a chunk of the film, because, he says, the singer would never put as much effort into a practice performance than the real thing. He told reporters: “We’re going to see him going through the motions, not giving 1000% because he’s making sure everyone else is going to do their part but, at the same time, once he got on that stage, he was going to give them 100,000%”.

Whatever, having seen the film Jackson’s friend Elizabeth Taylor said it was: “The single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen”.

The film is now being released in 110 countries for a limited two week run. Though I’m still fairly sure they’ll make a bit song and dance about extending the run in about ten day’s time.

Single Review: The Wave Pictures – Strawberry Cables (Moshi Moshi)

Single Reviews

“Running like a runny egg sandwich” may be one of the more relatable opening lines you’ll hear, and it’s typical of a song so simple and sweet, never looking to change its listener’s life, but to make him or her hum along nicely.

That humming will come naturally too, with the soft melody constant and soothing, playing gently with the acoustic rhythms and very subtle horns that all combine for an overall feeling that can only be described as pleasant. For it is. And anyone who’d think differently must have egg in their ears. Or is just thinking of the word ‘nice’ instead.

Your legs may not be running like that sandwich, but a stroll to the shops to pick up whatever Wave Pictures records you can find wouldn’t be a surprise. TM

Buy from iTunes
Buy from Amazon

FAC might consider UK Music affiliation

Business News

Pink Floyd drumming man Nick Mason, in his guise of co-Chair of the Featured Artists Coalition, has told Music Week the artist-focused trade organisation might affiliate with industry-wide UK Music, despite the FAC speaking out against the cross-sector body’s stand on three-strikes.

Asked about possible affiliation with the Feargal Sharkey-headed UK Music, Mason told reporters: “I think it is something we should review constantly. The more you can speak with one voice that is obviously better. We just need to make sure we do have the voice rather than finding ourselves signing up to UK Music and finding we are reduced in volume”.

In terms of volume, the creation of both UK Music and the FAC has arguably reduced the prominence of the record companies – and therefore the BPI – in industry wide debates. Whereas news media and political types may have previously headed to the BPI whenever a music issue came up – even if it wasn’t really an issue directly relating to the sale of sound recordings – increasingly it’s UK Music chief Sharkey, or the FAC’s more eloquent speakers like Billy Bragg, who are called upon for comment.

While UK Music, in theory, speaks for all of its affiliates, including the BPI and their members’ collecting society PPL, some in the labels have in the past suggested Sharkey has his own agenda. Though, it has to be said, on three-strikes the UK Music position was very much in line with the BPI’s position, even though one of its very original affiliates, the British Academy Of Songwriters, Composers & Authors, expressed similar concerns to that viewpoint as the FAC.

The Featured Artists’ Coalition came into being just a few weeks after Sharkey formally reinvented the music publishing focused British Music Rights into UK Music last September. While the Music Managers’ Forum, which was involved in the creation of the FAC, is a UK Music member (though it in itself is increasingly vocal also), the artist body has so far chosen not to affiliate. Some wondered whether FAC’s disagreement with the UK Music stand on the government’s proposals for a ‘graduated response’ to tackle piracy might have convinced the artists organisation that staying independent from the trade body of trade bodies was the right option long term. Even though the FAC’s position on three-strikes post the Lily Allen debate wasn’t so far from that of UK Music.

But both Mason and the body’s acting CEO, Jeremy Silver, stress they remain on good terms with UK Music, and will continue to consider if and when affiliating with the organisation would be a good move. Silver: “We are having conversations with them [all the time], it is not like there is a big rift with UK Music at all. On the contrary Feargal and [chairman] Andy [Heath] are supportive of FAC”.

Alchemy Soho move to Smithfields

Business News Labels & Publishers

Sound recording mastering company Alchemy Soho have re-located to new premises in the Smithfields area of London, which isn’t Soho at all. The move comes a year after the company went into administration, and its management hope it will help put a period of uncertainty behind it.

The company decided to leave its old premises in the Centrepoint tower next to Tottenham Court Road mainly because of a substantial rent increase, but also because noise from renovation work in the building, not to mention disruption from the new Crossrail station set to be built across the road, caused too much noise and hassle.

Confirming the move, the company’s Barry Grint told Music Week: “[Noisy renovations] combined with a 75% rent increase and the start of major works on the Crossrail project, forced our hand. We could not realistically have continued to run a viable studio operation out of Centrepoint. We had been searching for suitable premises for several months and checked out many possibilities before settling on where you find us today. It’s a good central location and we have all our facilities on one floor”.

Last.fm to launch Last.tv

Business News Digital

Last.fm will next year launch Last.tv, an online video service.

While the new service may offer music videos, similar to YouTube, MUZU and Universal/Sony’s planned Vevo flim flam, Last.tv will centre around original content, including music festival coverage and bespoke artist sessions. It’s thought the original programming with be available to premium subscribers, and will also be sponsored.

Of course Last.fm’s owners CBS are major TV players in the US, so television programming expertise sits within the wider group. It is unclear whether Last.tv will tap into this expertise, or operate independently from its owners’ other TV operations.

CBS, of course, used to be part of the same group as MTV and VH1 until Viacom was spun off as a separate entity.

Seven million tune into YouTube U2 webcast

Business News Digital

Almost seven million fans logged into the previously reported U2 live webcast that appeared on YouTube on Sunday. The Pasadena date of the band’s 360 degree tour was made available to YouTube users worldwide. That Bono chap reportedly kicked off the show by saying “Thank you Los Angeles. Thanks to everyone watching on YouTube all over the world – seven continents!”

London Lite to go

Media

Associated Newspaper yesterday informed staff on its London evening freesheet London Lite that the paper was closing. There had been much speculation about the future of the Lite since its main rival, thelondonpaper, closed down, and its former sister title the Evening Standard also went free.

The Lite began life as the Standard Lite, a free slimmed down lunchtime edition of the capital’s evening paper. Associated bosses launched the free edition amid speculation Daily Express owner Richard Desmond would launch a free rival to the Standard.

While Desmond’s grand plans never came to anything, Rupert Murdoch owned News International announced it would launch a free evening paper – the aforementioned thelondonpaper – in 2006. Associated responded by reinventing the Standard Lite as the bigger London Lite paper (bigger in terms of size and distribution).

Both the Lite and thelondonpaper haemorrhaged money, especially once the advertising recession started to kick in. Once News International announced it could no longer afford to pour money into its freesheet, most media commentators expected Associated to follow suit. After all, the Lite had been created to spoil efforts by Desmond or Murdoch to launch rivals to the Standard.

Both those efforts had failed. Not only that, but as of earlier this year Associated became but a minority shareholder in the Standard. Lite was therefore a costly venture to combat a threat that no longer existed to protect a title Associated no longer owned. Once the Standard’s new owner, Alexander Lebedev, gave the all clear to make the flagship title a freebie, it was only a matter of time before the lights went off at the Lite.

There has been no word as yet as to when the Lite will finally bite the dust. The 36 staff based at its HQ will either be found work elsewhere within the Daily Mail empire, or be laid off.

Confirming the fate of the Lite, the MD of Associated’s free titles division (which also publishes Metro), Steve Auckland, said this: “The latest development in the London afternoon free newspaper space dictates that we look again at the future of London Lite. Despite reaching a large audience with an excellent editorial format, we are concerned about the commercial viability in this highly competitive area”.

Should the BBC start charging for iPlayer?

Media

The cosy chatter of digital content types in Hertfordshire – the aforementioned C&binet bash – isn’t just focused on music. There was also some talk about the future of television in the digital age, during which the former boss of digital at the BBC – Ashley Highfield – suggested the Beeb should consider charging for its popular iPlayer service now that it is such a popular thing.

According to the Guardian, when asked whether the BBC should think about charging for the iPlayer, even for licence-fee payers, Highfield – now heading up video-on-demand projects at Microsoft – observed: “I think the iPlayer was a catalyst to get a lot more content [made available on demand] in the UK. All boats rise on that, commercial or not. A reasonable question to ask now is about ‘windowing’. Is seven days free right or should it be shortened [with fees after that time]”.

Another commercial player on the same panel, BT Vision’s Marc Watson, said he agreed that perhaps the BBC shouldn’t offer so much on-demand content for free, but added that “it is probably too late now” to start charging. But he added that “I believe the BBC should be allowed to charge for the iPlayer. It should be possible going forward”.

This week’s Sub.tv playlist – w/c 26 Oct 2009

Artist News

Hey look people, it’s the music videos that are playing this week on the Sub.tv network of video screens in students’ unions all around the god darn United Kingdom of Great Britain and whatnot. New additions marked with a *. More info on all things Sub.tv from DavidLloyd@sub.tv.

A-List
Alexandra Burke – Bad Boys
Alphabeat – The Spell
Beyoncé – Broken Hearted Girl*
Biffy Clyro – The Captain
Calvin Harris – Flashback
Cobra Starship – Good Girls Go Bad
Duck Sauce – aNYway
Editors – Papillon
Florence And The Machine – You’ve Got The Love
Foo Fighters – Wheels
Jay Sean feat Little Wayne – Down
Kids In Glass – Houses Youngblood (Let It Out)
Lostprophets – It’s Not The End of The World…
Tinchy Stryder – You’re Not Alone

B List
The All-American Rejects – The Wind Blows
Arctic Monkeys – Cornerstone*
The Dead Weather – I Cut Like A Buffalo
Dionne Bromfield – Mama Said*
Erik Hassle – Hurtful
In Case Of Fire – The Cleansing
JLS – Everybody In Love
Kasabian – Underdog
Ladyhawke – Magic
Snow Patrol – Just Say Yes
Stereophonics – Innocent*
Sugababes – About A Girl*
Sway – Mercedes Benz*
Young Soul Rebels – I Got Soul

Tip List
Belligerence – Inner Realm*
Bombay Bicycle Club – Always Like This*
The Chapman – Family Virgins
DeLorean – Drivers Scarlet (Save Me)
Ke$ha – Tik Tok
Kings Of Convenience – Boat Behind
Lisa Mitchell – Coin Laundry
Roddy Hart – Send A Message*
Röyksopp – This Must Be It
Soft Toy – Emergency Critical

Liam wants a new band

And Finally

Liam Gallagher says that he’ll form a new band at some point, because performing as a solo artist doesn’t interest him. But first he’s going to have a bit of a sit down.

He told The Scotsman: “Getting away from the whole Oasis thing is going to be a good thing, I suppose. I don’t want to do anything solo. I want to be in a band. But we can do things a lot differently these days. It’ll definitely be rock ‘n’ roll. For now, I’ll be relaxing at home, just getting out of music for a bit and then I’m going to start up something maybe after January, do something different. But I’ll be having a breather from the music for a bit without a doubt”.

Amy and Blake married again. Or not. Probably not

And Finally

Amy Winehouse and Blake Fielder-Civil have remarried. We know this because two people on Facebook who claim to be the boozy singer and her thuggish ex have changed their relationship status to “married”. So that’s all sorted then. Nothing more to say, they’re definitely back together.

Oh, except Amy is denying it, which puts a bit of a spanner in the works. But, hey, she got stuck in a lift the other day, what does she know? I reckon we should definitely trust the Facebook profiles.

Q&A: Nancy Elizabeth

Artist Interviews

Hailing from Manchester, Nancy Elizabeth is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, mixing folk and post-folk influences. Her debut EP, ‘The Wheel Turning King’, was released under her full name Nancy Elizabeth Cunliffe in 2006 on Timbreland, followed by the release of her first album, ‘Battle And Victory’, in 2007 on The Leaf Label. Her second album, ‘Wrought Iron’ was released this month. Nancy will be supporting Efterklang on their UK tour from the 29 Oct, before going out on her own headline trek next month, which includes a show at The Borderline in London on 21 Nov. We spoke to Nancy to ask our Same Six Questions.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
By drumming on my mum’s pots and pans when I was tiny. I was fascinated and obsessed by everything musical from then on, and I suppose it was inevitable that I’d start writing once I’d learned how to speak.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
Hard to say, but in general, the feeling that I lacked a home to call my own, and the itchy feet which prevented me settling.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
I start by messing about with a guitar/piano/other instrument, then comes the excitement of an initial musical idea and feeling it’s the best idea I ever had, then comes lyric writing, then self-loathing, then feeling it is the worst idea in the world, then deciding to make the structure work, and make the lyrics fit, then not listening to it for a while, then coming back and making an objective decision as to whether I should let it out of the bag and record it. Maybe making a last minute change if I think something needs it.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
I think it’s beyond me to know exactly what has influenced me. Michael Jackson has probably had a big input, so by default, blues and Motown. Folk from the 70s, Radiohead. Arvo Part is a massive inspiration. Smashing Pumpkins, Aphex Twin. Anything. I’m even sure that Muzak that I have subconsciously heard in lifts has influenced me on some level!

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
Please listen and don’t be impatient, but I totally understand if you don’t get it or can’t be bothered.

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest single, and for the future?
I’d love my single to do as well as it can. I want to carry on making music, and I’d like a nice place to live in peace where I can write. I’d like to own my own piano, and to tour beautiful concert halls. I want get involved in other projects which challenge me, to work with great musicians and be able to create wonderful sound. I would also secretly like designers to give me free clothes, but it’s not a priority and I’m not willing to starve myself to become a skinny pop star. I’m not entirely serious about the free clothes thing. Mainly, I want my music to be able to reach all ears that will enjoy it, to always be able to make great recordings and play wonderful shows. I’d also very much like to write a film score in the future.

MORE>> www.nancyelizabeth.co.uk

Q&A: Charlotte Hatherley

Artist Interviews

Former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley began her musical career with London punks Nightnurse at the age of 16, before joining Ash in 1997. She received high praise with the release of her debut solo album, ‘Grey Will Fade’, in 2004 and decided to leave Ash in 2006 to further pursue her solo career, releasing her second album, ‘The Deep Blue’, in 2007. This year she joined Bat For Lashes’ touring band as guitarist and backing vocalist and her third album, ‘New World’, was released on the 19 Oct through her own label, Little Sister Records. With the album’s second single, ‘Alexander’, out this week, we spoke to Charlotte to find out more.

Q1 How did you start out making music?
I picked up the guitar when I was fourteen – giving up drum lessons so that I could be Mick Ronson. Shortly after, I started obsessing over David Bowie. I answered an ad in the NME to join a London band called Nightnurse, and that’s where I started to write and play music. I’m glad I started so young as I was completely open to the melting pot that was the Britpop scene at that time. I’m afraid I often skipped school so that I could go to see bands play.

Q2 What inspired your latest album?
I wanted to make a record that was spontaneous, direct and honest. I didn’t demo the songs. If the songs didn’t work live with just guitar and drums then they didn’t make the cut. Previously, I’d often recorded without limiting myself time wise, and this time I deliberately set myself a week to record it mostly live. Lyrically, I was inspired by Alex Ross’s book ‘The Rest Is Noise’ and painters like Kandinsky and Malevich and their ideas about colour.

Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
On my previous records I would carry a tape recorder around with me and tape little ideas I had on tour, and then at home would demo quite extensively. But this time I developed the songs in a rehearsal room. This record was designed to be played live as I’ve always struggled to capture the ambition in the music before. ‘New Worlds’ came together very quickly. I wanted it to be spontaneous and not as layered as my previous records, and I think it sounds more exciting for it.

Q4 Which artists influence your work?
Generally I don’t listen to other musical artists when I am writing and recording. During that process I am mostly inspired by books, films and paintings. So, musically, I’m mostly influenced by other musicians who were similarly inspired in that way, such as Kate Bush, Bowie, Roxy Music, Talking Heads, Brian Eno, XTC, The Beatles, Todd Rundgren and Captain Beefheart.

Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
See if you can spot the happy accidents

Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I’m continuing to tour with Bat For Lashes in October, and then my solo touring will take over until well into 2010. This is the first record I will have released in the States, so I’m planning to spend some time there next year. I would also love to collaborate more directly with other artists such as painters and filmmakers in the future.

MORE>> www.charlottehatherley.com

Approved: Jaga Jazzist – One-Armed Bandit

CMU Approved

Amazing Norwegian experimental jazz types Jaga Jazzist have announced that they will release their fourth album, ‘One-Armed Bandit’, the long awaited follow-up to 2005’s ‘What We Must’, on 25 Jan. Main man Lars Hortveth has described it as “Wagner meets Fela Kuti”. You can catch the band supporting Efterklang at the Barbican in London on Wednesday night, where they’ll presumably play some new stuff. Or you can just cut straight to the chase and download the album’s title track right now at this here link.

www.ninjatune.net/jagajazzist/eflyer.php

Amy back in shambolic style at Q Awards

Awards Top Stories

So, it was the Q magazine awards in London yesterday, with winners including Sonic Youth, Lily Allen, Spandau Ballet, Lady Gaga, Muse and Cat Stevens, which is quite a mixed bunch. Edwyn Collins was named a Q Legend and Marianne Faithful a Q Icon, while Frankie Goes To Hollywood picked up a prize for classic song.

The recently disbanded Oasis, although up for two of the publicly voted prizes, won neither. They lost out in Best Live Act to Arctic Monkeys, while Best Act In The World Today went to Muse. Then again, given the implication of present tense in that award name, I’m not sure Oasis should really have been eligible. Another artist who was expected to have at least one win – Florence & The Machine, up in three categories – also went home empty handed.

Most tabloid attention was focussed on Amy Winehouse, back in the public eye to co-present the Inspiration Award to The Specials. True to form, she was nowhere to be found when the award was due to be presented, having apparently got stuck in a lift, leaving her co-presenter Don Letts to dish out the award on his lonesome. He joked with the audience, “What do I do if I’m Amy?” before downing his pint in one. An achievement that left the legendary Letts admitting, “I feel sick now”.

Winehouse did appear on stage as The Special’s Terry Hall began his BNP-dissing acceptance speech, and followed it up by announcing to the audience: “Put your hands together for the most inspirational band of all times, The Specials”.

Commenting on this year’s awards bash, Q editor-in-chief Paul Rees told reporters: “Q remains proud of the fact that its awards recognising musical achievement and excellence during the past twelve months are decided by the nation’s music fans, who once again have voted in their thousands. We are equally delighted to honour the enduring influence of those artists who have shaped our musical landscape and continue to do so. Collectively, I hope the awards not only highlight the unique breadth of Q’s musical world but also the fact that great music remains timeless, enduring and ongoing”.

Anyway, here’s the full list of winners, especially for fans of full lists of winners:

Best New Act: White Lies
Breakthrough Artist: Mr Hudson
Best Video: Just Dance, Lady Gaga
The Q Idol: Spandau Ballet
The Q Inspiration Award: The Specials
Innovation In Sound: Sonic Youth
Q Classic Album: U2 – The Unforgettable Fire
Best Track: Lily Allen – The Fear
The Q Icon: Marianne Faithfull
Classic Song: Frankie Goes To Hollywood – Relax
Q Legend: Edwyn Collins
Best Live Act: Arctic Monkeys
Classic Songwriter: Yusuf Islam (Formerly Cat Stevens)
Outstanding Contribution: To Music Robert Plant
Best Album: Kasabian – West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Best Act In The World Today: Muse

Metallica offer reward after fan goes missing

Legal Top Stories

Metallica have contributed a fifty grand reward for information to assist in an FBI search for a 20 year old female student who went missing after attending one of their gigs, at the University Of Virginia earlier this month. Morgan Harrington somehow found herself outside the gig venue just before 9pm and was refused re-entry. She called her friends to say she would just go home, but never made it there. Her purse and phone were subsequently found in the venue’s car park.

A message on the Metallica website reads: “We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of 20 year old Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen while attending our concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday night. Morgan has blonde hair and blue eyes, is 5’6″, 120 lbs, and was wearing a black Pantera t-shirt, black skirt, and black boots. She was not carrying ID or a cell phone. Morgan was separated from her friends shortly before 9pm at the venue”.

They continue: “We encourage anyone who has any information regarding Morgan’s disappearance to please come forward. Additionally, if you or anyone you know shot video footage or took photos of the concert or audience, please check to see if there is anyone in your photos who might resemble Morgan. Please contact the Virginia State Police at (434) 352-3425 or the UVA Police at (434) 352-3467 or [email protected]

Boyzoners go to LA to deal with grief

Lewis attacker “not fit for court”

Legal

Peter Kowalcyzk, the man arrested after hitting Leona Lewis at a book signing earlier this month, and later sectioned under the Mental Health Act, has been deemed unfit to attend court.

He was due to face charges of assaulting the singer at the City Of Westminster Magistrates Court yesterday, but the case was adjourned until 23 Nov while he undergoes further psychiatric testing.

Kowalcyzk’s lawyer, Mark Fidler, said that the results of the tests would dictate the way in which the court approached the case.

Cash Money comment on Lil Wayne conviction

Legal

Bryan ‘Birdman’ Williams and Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams, the CEOs of Cash Money, Lil Wayne’s record label, have commented on the rapper’s previously reported conviction on weapons charges.

In a statement, the pair said: “The Cash Money family will continue to support our artist and friend Lil Wayne in his current court case. We have worked with Wayne since he was a teenager, and have seen him grow into one of the world’s most successful hip hop artists, with a work ethic that is second to none. Wayne has our love and commitment during this difficult time. We always have and always will stand behind him”.

As reported last week, Wayne changed his plea on charges on illegal weapons possession to guilty on Thursday. He was arrested in 2007, following a search of his tour bus when a police officer discovered a .40 calibre handgun. Wayne had always previously denied the gun charges. However, following news that the prosecution believed it had DNA evidence that could link Lil Wayne to the gun, which a judge subsequently ruled could by used in court, it seems the rapper got cold feet.

Having changed his plea to guilty, it is now expected that he will serve between eight months and a year in jail.

German indies sue YouTube

Legal

In a case that might have parallels to the ongoing Viacom v YouTube case in the US, a group of German labels, publishers and artists have launched legal proceedings against the Google-owned video website accusing them of copyright infringement.

As much previously reported, while everyone knows punters frequently post copyright infringing content onto YouTube, the video site has a policy of taking said content down as soon as it is made aware of it by the copyright owner. There is, however, some debate as to whether or not that is sufficient to stop YouTube from being liable for infringement for hosting the offending content between upload and takedown. Some content owners also object to the fact that the takedown system puts the onus on them to monitor YouTube for any infringement of their content.

Those issues have only led to litigation in a handful of cases, mainly because YouTube is normally quick to enter into some sort of licensing agreement with any content owners looking litigious. Meanwhile, the video service has been honing its content recognition technology that, in theory, stopped infringing content from going live in the first place. The most high profile litigation to date is that being pursued through the US courts by MTV owners Viacom, which is ongoing.

Yesterday Hamburg-based lawyer Jens Schippmann announced he was suing YouTube on behalf of 25 German based or linked artists and labels, perhaps most notably musical type Sarah Brightman, who often collaborates with German producer Frank Peterson. According to Billboard, Schippmann’s legal papers claim that there is “clear evidence” that YouTube and Google “have been distributing so-called user-generated content without any permission of the copyright holders and the master owners”.

The papers add that “in addition, they have not pay any royalties since 1 Apr 2009”, a reference to the falling out between YouTube and German publishing collecting society GEMA, a turn of events that means artists like Brightman, whose content is appearing without permission, aren’t even generating publishing royalties (though one would assume that eventually GEMA will reach a deal with Google, like their UK counterparts PRS did, and royalties for the period of the dispute would then be paid).

Of course, technically speaking, since the falling out with GEMA all ‘premium music content’ should have been blocked on YouTube, at the video site’s demand, though these things are hard to police when fans are constantly uploading new ripped off content.

Needless to say, Google have denied liability, stressing their takedown policy and their investment in new technology to ease the content owner’s workload in monitoring infringing content. A spokesman for the company in Germany told Billboard: “YouTube works closely with many thousands of copyright holders worldwide to make sure that they can manage their rights on our video platform. Our state-of-the-art Content ID tools go beyond what the law recommends by empowering rights holders to block, authorise or monetise their videos on YouTube in a way that is simple and straightforward”.

But, speaking out in support of the lawsuit, the aforementioned Brightman collaborating Peterson begged to differ. He said in a statement: “It would take almost 200 working days a year [to monitor YouTube and request takedowns]. This is a grotesque perversion, which is being scrupulously propagated by YouTube. The upshot would be that we will not have any time left to produce new songs”.

The claimants are asking the court to give them access to Google data to assess how often uncleared videos are watched. If this case did go to court it would be interesting, testing, as it would, service provider liability for any copyright infringement they enable, and the level of expectation, under the law, regarding takedown systems.

Though by the time this, and the Viacom case, gets to court it might all be irrelevant, given that many feel that, even if YouTube’s original takedown policy is deemed inadequate by the courts, the new automated takedown system Google has developed is more than sufficient. Past damages may be due, but it’s unlikely there’d be any need for change of current operations.

Uncut Award shortlist announced

Awards

So, Q have had their awards, how about Uncut? Well, the Uncut Music Award is generally a less debauched affair, it being a Mercury Music Prize-style operation in which a panel of pundits pick what they consider to be the best album of the year. Unlike the Mercury, artists don’t have to pay to enter, and acts from all over the world are considered.

Like the Mercury, they do have a shortlist though. And here it is:

Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino)
Bob Dylan – Together Through Life (Sony/Columbia)
Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca (Domino)
Grizzly Bear – Veckatimest (Warp)
Kings of Leon – Only By The Night (Sony/Columbia)
The Low Anthem – Oh My God Charlie Darwin (Bella Union)
Tinariwen – Imidiwan: Companions (Independiente)
Wilco – Wilco (Nonesuch)

Commenting on the list, Uncut Editor Allan Jones told CMU: ‘”If there’s one thing at this stage that I think the judges can agree on it’s that 2009 was another brilliant year for music, which of course just makes our job that much harder. It was difficult enough to pick eight albums from our original long-list of 25, and the task now of choosing a winner and runners-up from our short-list is going to be even more daunting. Every one of these albums would make a worthy winner of this year’s Uncut Music Award and I am sure the final judging session will be full of passionate debate as the judges put forward their cases for their favourite albums. It promises to be an exciting afternoon and I look forward to hearing the views of the other judges on these exceptional records”.

NME to launch their own chart

Business News Media

The NME invented the British music charts, of course, so we should probably let them have their own modern music countdown if they want one. Yes, the NME are launching their own chart, based on the physical and digital sales of songs (including album tracks) that appear on the NME Radio playlist, or something like that. It will be compiled by the Official Charts Company kids, and aired on NME Radio from 2 Nov.

Confirming the new chart, NME Publishing Director Paul Cheal said these very words: “NME was responsible for publishing the first ever singles chart in the UK, all the way back in 1952. It’s appropriate then, as the singles market has enjoyed a massive resurgence thanks to digital downloads, that we are once again able to provide an official NME Chart. At a time when the main charts are dominated by pop acts, we hope the NME Chart will become a valuable tool not just for NME’s audience but also record labels”.

Meanwhile Charts Company overlord Martin Talbot told CMU: “We are delighted to be working with NME to create this brand new chart, which will provide a shop window for UK music fans’ favourite alternative music. It feels apt to be working together again with this famous music brand, that created the singles chart as we know it and love it, six decades ago”.

Robbie goes for Xmas number one

Artist News

Not content with being beaten to the number one spot by a former ‘X-Factor’ winner, Robbie Williams is going head to head with the winner of this year’s competition by attempting to have the Christmas number one this year.

Williams will release ‘You Know Me’, taken from his new album, ‘Reality Killed The Video Star’, on 14 Dec, with the ‘X-Factor’ winner’s single released the following week.

More on the Jackson estate’s alleged Universal talks

Business News Jacksons v AEG Timeline Labels & Publishers

We already knew the estate of Michael Jackson was rumoured to be talking to Universal Music about them releasing the 70 odd unreleased Jacko tracks recorded after his contract with Sony Music ended.

According to the New York Post, executors John Branca and John McClain are in talks with both Universal and Sony about the unreleased Jackson catalogue, the latter having released that ‘This Is It’ track (recorded during Sony-funded sessions in the eighties) as part of the soundtrack to the Jacko documentary film, of course. Unsurprisingly, Branca and McClain are looking for a large upfront payment and higher-than-normal royalty for the new material. It’s thought the executors hope to play Sony and Universal against each other to score a bigger payment.

But my favourite bit of the Post article isn’t the repeated revelation of the Universal negotiations, but one of their source’s quotes. They note that Universal have officially denied they are interested in the Jackson songs, but add that a Sony insider had admitted to them that the Jackson estate was in talks with one other bidder other than them. That insider wouldn’t say who the other bidders were though.

The Post then explain the logic of their speculation that the other suitor is Universal, by quoting a source who says neither of the other music majors could be in negotiations with the Jackson clan because Warner Music is too weak internationally to exploit the new Jackson catalogue and “nobody talks to EMI any more”. Nice.

Warner/Chappell to represent Bacharach in UK

Business News Deals Labels & Publishers

Music publishing major Warner/Chappell has extended its administration deal with the legend that is Burt Bacharach so to cover the UK and Ireland. The songwriter’s own company New Hidden Valley Music already used Warner/Chappell’s rights administration services in North America, Scandinavia, Israel and Greece. The new deal also includes Italy.

Bacharach said this: “After a number of years of enjoying a close association with Warner/Chappell in several territories, I have just this year expanded it to include Italy and the United Kingdom. It means a great deal to me to continue with the Warner family and to extend my creative relationship with them to the UK”.

Warner/Chappell UK MD Richard Manners added: “Everyone at Warner/Chappell UK feels deeply honoured that Burt is building on his relationship with us here. We intend to use all of our creative expertise and resource to add real value by intelligently promoting and exposing this astonishing catalogue of songs”.

Lightspeed Champion asks fans to record symphony

Artist News

Lightspeed Champion, aka Devonte Hynes, has composed what he is calling “a D-list symphony, of sorts” and is asking fans to record the various parts for him. He will post the separate parts of the score online over the coming months, building the whole thing into a complete recording, and possibly a live performance next year.

Announcing the project, Hynes said: “Throughout the year, I have flirted with various forms of classical music. Eventually, I ended up writing and completing what I feel is a D-list symphony, of sorts. An ode to my favourite composers. I know so many people out there are extremely talented, so I figured, why not give the scores away”.

The first scores released are for piano, which can be downloaded here: tinyurl.com/lscpiano. Anyone wishing to get involved should email their recordings in the highest quality possible to LightspeedOrchestra@gmail.com.

Fall Out Boy greatest hits gets UK release

Releases

Fall Out Boy’s greatest hits package, ‘Believers Never Die’, will be released in the UK on 16 Nov. The eighteen track album will feature a number of rarities, a DVD featuring fourteen music videos, and two brand new tracks, including new single ‘Alpha Dog’, which will hit stores on the same day as the album.

As previously reported, a limited number of copies of the compilation bought through the band’s fan club will come with a lock of bassist Pete Wentz’s hair, as lopped of live on stage recently by Blink 182’s Mark Hoppus.

Work starts on Mighty Boosh film

Artist News

No, okay, this isn’t really music news, but The Mighty Boosh have always had close connections with music, staging their own festival last year, writing songs for their TV shows, and performing, on occasion, as a band. Now the duo, Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding have announced that they are expanding into the world of film.

They confirmed the news while attending the premiere of the new film by Boosh director Paul King, ‘Bunny And The Bull’, in which they both play small parts. Fielding also said that they were working on an album, but it’s not clear if this is a soundtrack to the film or a separate project.

Barratt told the BBC: “We’ve been very inspired by [‘Bunny And The Bull’] because we’ve been doing the show and touring a lot and we’ve finally got round to writing. We try and do, on TV, quite magical epic journeys and we thought if you’re doing a film we should really do it in one room, basically just kind of a sitcom for 90 minutes. So we might do that. We might do exactly what we didn’t do on TV”.

Morrissey back on stage tonight

Gigs & Festivals

Morrissey will play his concert at the Royal Albert Hall tonight, after cutting short his gig in Swindon on Saturday night after collapsing on stage. He cancelled his gig in Bournemouth last night as he recuperated after Saturday night’s ill health, but a spokesman has said tonight’s London show will go ahead.

Lady Gaga announces UK tour

Gigs & Festivals

Lady Gaga has announced her first UK shows of 2010, which will go under the banner ‘The Monster Ball’, and will give fans the first chance to hear new songs taken from the forthcoming repackaged version of her debut album, ‘The Fame’. The two disc release will be renamed ‘The Fame Monster’ and will include eight new songs, including the single, ‘Bad Romance’, which is out now. The album hits stores on 23 Nov. Tickets for the shows go on sale on Friday.

Tour dates:

18 Feb: Manchester, MEN Arena
24 Feb: Liverpool Arena
26 Feb: London, O2 Arena
1 Mar: Glasgow, SECC
3 Mar: Cardiff, CIA
4 Mar: Newcastle Arena
5 Mar: Birmingham, LG Arena
7 Mar: Sheffield Arena
8 Mar: Nottingham Arena

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