Jean Michel Jarre talks "value transfer"
It's just occurred to me we've not said "value gap" once in a CMU Daily yet this year. That can't be right, can it? Just because it's 2017, that's no reason to stop banging on about the value gap. So well done Jean-Michel Jarre for getting it back on the agenda.

Jarre was speaking in his capacity as President of global author rights organisation CISAC at an event in Italy yesterday to launch a new report by the Italian collecting society SIAE. That report was one of those studies aiming to show the economic importance of the creative industries, in this case specifically in Italy, though Jarre also referenced CISAC's own past globally-focused research covering similar ground.

Jarre told his audience, including Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini: "For many years, we have known that our economic growth in the future will not come from manufacturing or traditional industries, but from knowledge and creativity. But now, we also have comprehensive studies - domestic and global studies - spread across multiple sectors and territories, to prove it".

He added: "These studies translate the forecasts into hard evidence and data. This data shows a truly impressive picture. Not only of what our creative sectors have achieved, but also what they can go on to achieve if the right environment is provided for them in the future".

So, an upbeat start, but note the need for "the right environment" for future success there. That sounds like the perfect set up for some 'value gap' chatter doesn't it?

Continued the CISAC President: "Today is not about self-congratulation. It is about building more success. Identifying where progress is being held back. And proposing solutions to unlock potential where it is being stymied. Because the truth is that the creative economy, for the creators whose works are driving it, is still under-performing. We need to fix flaws in the environment in which creators are working. And if we do, the economic benefits will be enormous, leading to further growth and many more jobs".

Got any particular flaws in mind, Jean-Michel? "The biggest flaw I want to highlight today is what is known as the 'transfer of value' or the 'value gap'", he went on. "To survive and thrive, creators must be fairly paid for their works. Yet today, some of the world's major digital music services are building large businesses on back of creativity while paying next to nothing in return. This is not fair. It is a market distortion. And it is holding back growth in the creative sectors".

The 'value gap', of course, is the music industry's favoured term (though contrary Jarre does actually seem to prefer 'transfer of value) for the revenue the creative sector feels it is losing as a result of certain digital firms exploiting certain aspects of copyright law.

In particular, the safe harbours that protect 'intermediaries' via which third parties distribute content without a licence. It's the safe harbour dwelling companies who have built overt media businesses based on user-uploaded content that the music community really object to, which has mainly meant YouTube and possibly SoundCloud to date, though Facebook is very much in that territory now.

As previously reported, last year's draft European Copyright Directive contains an article attempting to revise safe harbour rules in Europe, though the wording is currently a little wishy washy, and both music and tech firms are busy lobbying the European Parliament and EU member state governments to edit those lines to their advantage.

Jarre, meanwhile, remains hopeful that the Directive could address "the biggest flaw". He went on: "The good news is that the problem of the 'transfer of value' has been recognised by policy makers. The EU is addressing the 'transfer of value' through the new Copyright Directive proposed last year. It would hopefully end the misapplication of copyright laws that currently devalues creative works online".

Concluding, he said: "This will be great news for creators and unlock economic growth in the sector. We must throw our support behind the proposal as it works its way through the European Parliament this year. And after that, we should look beyond Europe to address the problem across the rest of the world".

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Judge rules on Prince estate administrator
The judge overseeing legalities around the Prince estate has confirmed Michigan-based Comerica Bank as its permanent administrator. As previously reported, all six of Prince's prospective heirs told a Minnesota court earlier this month that they were happy with Comerica taking over from the Bremer Trust in administrating the estate on a permanent basis.

However, there was disagreement between those heirs regarding who should be appointed the individual rather than corporate administrator. That individual would advise the bank on the estate's music industry dealings, and would also be the go-between between the heirs and the bankers.

Some of the heirs wanted entertainment lawyer L Londell McMillan - who has been advising and assisting the Bremer Trust alongside one-time EMI executive Charles A Koppelman since Prince's death last April - to take on the role on a permanent basis.

But Prince's sister Tyka Nelson and half-brother Omarr Baker wanted Anthony 'Van' Jones to be the formal individual administrator, he having previously advised Prince on his philanthropic ventures and other deals.

Not only were the two sets of heirs backing different men for the individual administrator role, they also raised objections about the other side's preferred candidate, with both McMillan and Jones being accused of having possible conflicts of interest.

In the end the judge overseeing the matter, Kevin Eide, solved the problem by deciding that the court didn't need to actually appoint an individual administrator at all.

He ruled that, while all the heirs had said there should be an individual representing their interests, citing communication issues they had had with the Bremer Trust, he felt that the estate's affairs were no longer subject to the "mayhem" that followed Prince's death, and that therefore Comercia should be able to communicate effectively itself.

The bank will presumably still want assistance in navigating the music industry as it seeks to maximise the return from Prince's catalogue and legacy. It remains to be seen if it will call of the expertise of Londell, Koppelman and/or Jones, or whether it will seek other parties who might be able to get at least the informal support of all the heirs.

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Warner/Chappell signs Swifta Beater
Warner/Chappell has announced that it has signed a worldwide publishing deal with prolific grime producer Swifta Beater. As well as releasing his own solo material, he has worked with the likes of JME, Kano, Wiley, P Money, Bugzy Malone and Giggs.

"I'm delighted to welcome Swifta Beater to Warner/Chappell", says the publisher's Creative Director, A&R Amber Davis. "He is a phenomenal talent whose beats and productions have been right at the heart of grime's resurgence and momentous growth. I can't wait to see how he continues to develop as a songwriter and an artist".

Swifta Beater adds: "It's such a pleasure being alongside the talented artists and producers that Warner/Chappell has. Thanks to Amber, I have no doubt that I can continue to be myself creatively and push my sound even further".

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Twickets opens Australian office
Face value ticket exchange Twickets has launched in Australia, hiring Danny Hannaford to head up its new operation. Hannaford, formerly Head Of Ticketing at Global Live, will relocate from the UK to Australia to be the company's first international staff member.

"We are very excited about the launch in Australia and to welcome Danny to the team", says Twickets founder Richard Davies. "Having someone as experienced in the ticketing market as him to head up the Australian operation is a big step towards Twickets' goals for international development in 2017".

Hannaford adds: "Richard and I, along with the whole Twickets team, are looking forward to launching this new venture and helping event organisers, artists and fans exchange tickets fairly and safely. It's an honour to be part of something truly changing the industry for the better and we are already having exciting conversations with some of Australia's leading industry figures".

As well as working for Global Entertainment's live division, Hannaford previously worked for AEG's AXS primary ticketing platform, and was Box Office Manager at the Hammersmith Apollo.

Twickets' international expansion comes after the successful completion of its previously reported new crowd-funding round, which raised over £1.2 million from more than 900 investors.

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Simon Turner named new Roundhouse chair
The Roundhouse in London has announced private equity guy Simon Turner as its new chair. He replaces Chris Satterthwaite.

"I am THRILLED to become Chair of the Roundhouse", whistles Turner. "I have long admired and respected its commitment to promoting inspiring young artists and attracting some of the world's top talent to its stage. I look forward to working with Marcus Davey and the board of trustees, and wish Chris Satterthwaite the very best for the future".

Roundhouse chief exec Marcus Davey adds: "We're delighted to welcome Simon at such a momentous time for the Roundhouse - 50 years as an arts venue and ten years since we reopened as a charity. His dedication to charities working with young people really inspired us throughout the process and Simon is a highly experienced, successful and widely respected businessman. We know he will provide invaluable leadership in helping us shape our future and support the next generation of young creatives".

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Young Fathers release Trainspotting 2 end credits track
Young Fathers have released 'Only God Knows', one of six tracks they provided for the soundtrack of the upcoming 'Trainspotting' sequel, which is out this week.

Speaking about the band's involvement in the film, director Danny Boyle says: "'Trainspotting', the original book, is like a modern 'Ulysses'. It's unsurpassed I think, and reading it is still like the 'rush of ocean to the heart'. You're always looking for the heartbeat of a film. For 'Trainspotting' it was Underworld's 'Born Slippy'. For 'T2' It's Young Fathers. Their songs are my heartbeat for the film. And 'Only God Knows' is that rush again. The ocean. The heart".

Listen to 'Only God Knows' here.

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Mew announce new album, tour dates
Mew have announced a new album, which is always exciting. 'Visuals' is due out on 28 Apr, and comes relatively quickly (for Mew) after their last album, 2015's '+-'.

"The live shows around ['+-'] saw us hit a creative peak, writing tracks on-the-road and the spark was lit", says frontman Jonas Bjerre. "Breaking the normal cycle felt right and we wanted to make an album spontaneously retaining the energy we'd generated on that world tour, rather than wait the normal three or four years".

He adds that lyrically the album is influenced by what is happening in global politics, saying: "It was pretty dark last year on many levels, so lyrically that definitely came into play, it's an important reminder to treasure the here and now".

You can listen to lead single 'Carry Me To Safety' here.

You'll be able to catch the band live in May too, which you definitely should. Here are their UK dates:

21 May: Bristol, Trinity
22 May: Manchester, Ritz
23 May: London, Shepherds Bush Empire

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Cherry Glazerr announce tour dates
Having released new album 'Apocalipstick' last week, Cherry Glazerr have just announced a load of UK and Ireland tour dates.

Before we get to those, here's the video for 'Nuclear Bomb'.

Now, tour dates:

28 Feb: London, Camden Assembly
9 May: Dublin, Whelan's
22 May: Norwich, Open
24 May: London, Garage
30 May: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
31 May: Newcastle, Cluny
1 Jun: Glasgow, Broadcast

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Rough Trade, Roar, Jade Jackson, more

Other notable announcements and developments today...

• Rough Trade Records has expanded its US team with the hiring of Ryan Naideau to head up A&R in the country.

• Jonathan Shalit's Roar management company has acquired comedy agency Christian Knowles Productions, which counts acts such as Micky Flanagan, Hal Cruttenden, Mark Watson and Zoe Lyons on its roster. "We resisted previous offers from elsewhere to buy CKP, but Roar's ambition and vision matched our own perfectly", says Knowles.

• Anti- has signed Jade Jackson to release her new album, produced by Social Distortion's Mike Ness. From the album, here's new single 'Motorcycle'.

• Wire have announced that they will release their fifteenth studio album, 'Silver/Lead', on 31 Mar, marking their 40th anniversary as a band. Here's first single 'Short Elevated Period'.

• Jaga Jazzist have released a new track, 'Relative Peace (Oban Rework)', featuring Young Dreams and Kimbra. The band will play the Roundhouse in London this Friday.

• Methyl Ethel will release new album 'Everything Is Forgotten' on 3 Mar. From it, this is 'Ubu'.

• Neil Diamond has announced 50th anniversary tour dates, with various UK and Ireland dates finishing up at the O2 Arena on 17 Oct.

• Agnes Obel has announced that she will headline the Roundhouse in London on 4 Jun. Here's new single 'Stretch Your Eyes'.

• Nominations for the 2017 Radar Awards for music videos are now open. To put a video forward, fill out the form here.

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Texas radio station bans Madonna over White House comments
A Texas radio station has banned Madonna from its airwaves following her controversial comments at Washington, DC's Women's March on Saturday. Hits 105 in Texarkana is also urging other stations to follow suit, lest they be infected with a distrust of new president Donald Trump.

As previously reported, Madonna said in her speech that she had thought "an awful lot about blowing up the White House" but that actions such as that would not bring about positive change. Controversy kicked off around the comment - partly due to several TV stations cutting to elsewhere upon her mention of blowing up the White House - but the singer later said that her comments had been "taken wildly out of context".

"I spoke in metaphor and I shared two ways of looking at things", she wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. Meanwhile, Republican Newt Gingrich was calling for her to be arrested, accusing her of being part of "an emerging left-wing fascism" in an interview with Fox News. He also said that her statement after the speech was an attempt to save herself, as "she now understands she's at risk".

Now, in a move that is definitely not capitalising on all this in a bid to boost listener figures for the relatively new station, Hits 105 in Texakarna has banned the "un-American" Madonna from its local programming "indefinitely".

"Banning all Madonna songs at Hits 105 is not a matter of politics, it's a matter of patriotism", said the station's General Manager Terry Thomas (not that one) in a statement. "It just feels wrong to us to be playing Madonna songs and paying her royalties when the artist has shown un-American sentiments. If all stations playing Madonna took their lead from us, that would send a powerful economic message to Madonna".

As we all know, US radio doesn't actually hand over very much by the way of royalties to the music community - not paying any royalties at all to artists and labels, and just a little to songwriters and publishers - so I'm not sure quite how powerful that message would be. It's also not entirely clear how much of Madonna's music the station was playing in the first place either.

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