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THE VALUE OF MUSIC Rarely a week goes by in the music business news these days without at least one catalogue acquisition. But who - other than labels and publishers - is buying music rights, and why? Are there opportunities for individual artists and songwriters to do deals with professional investors? And how do you even value music rights? CMU Trends reviews the music rights market - past, present and future. [READ MORE] |
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MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC MEDIA IN THE DIGITAL AGE While the challenges faced by the music industry since the mainstream adoption of the internet in the early 2000s have been widely documented, the music media has faced many of the same challenges too. CMU Trends reviews recent developments and trends in the music media business, and the ongoing challenges faced by media owners. [READ MORE] |
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THREE REASONS FOR OPTIMISM, THREE FOR GLOOM The recorded music business is back in growth on the back of the streaming boom - but challenges remain. Reviewing IFPI's most recent record industry figures, CMU Trends provides three reasons to be optimistic, and three reasons for pessimism. [READ MORE] |
| TOP STORIES | "No justification" for labels to see Spinrilla source code, says Spinrilla READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| DEALS | Sony/ATV renews deal with hit writer Ilsey Juber Warner/Chappell announces deal with Siobhan Fahey READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LABELS & PUBLISHERS | Administrators seek buyer for distribution firm Cinram READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LIVE BUSINESS | Families of Manchester Arena victims to each receive £250,000 from the We Love Manchester Fund Ticketmaster launches in Switzerland READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ARTIST NEWS | Elvis Presley: 40 years dead, 2.8 billion plays on YouTube READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Wu-Tang Clan to resurrect Wu Wear READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
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THE DELTIC GROUP - SOCIAL MEDIA DEPARTMENT MANAGER (MILTON KEYNES) The Deltic Group are looking for a Social Media Department Manager to develop and shape the company's social media and marketing activity, working across 58 bars and clubs including well-known brands such as PRYZM, ATIK and Bar & Beyond. This is a newly created role and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to build a social media team. For more information and to apply click here. |
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THE DELTIC GROUP - SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER (MILTON KEYNES) The Deltic Group are looking for Social Media Managers to manage, maintain and grow the company's social communities of circa 1.5 million 18-25-year olds. This is a new team of five that is being formed in order to deliver great content to inspire our social communities and deliver our social strategy. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NAME PR - PRESS ASSISTANT/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (LONDON) Name PR is looking to hire a Press Assistant/Account Executive. This is a fantastic opportunity for a bright individual with exceptional writing ability and a good grasp of the music business to work on some of the most interesting music issues and developments across the globe. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SUNDAY BEST RECORDINGS - PRODUCT MANAGER (LONDON) Sunday Best seeks a Product Manager with a minimum of one to two years record label experience. The role involves running a creative campaign from album delivery through to release. The candidate should have a passion for music and a good knowledge of digital marketing. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MAXIMUM BOOST MANAGEMENT - MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT (LONDON) Maximum Boost Management and its associated group of companies are looking for an exceptional and motivated addition to their team. As a direct assistant to a lead artist manager within the business you will be entrusted to support, plan and execute a number of processes on behalf of the manager and their artists. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NINJA TUNE - BUSINESS AFFAIR ASSISTANT (LONDON) Ninja Tune are hiring for a full-time business affairs position within the record label and publishing company, based in its London office. The role will include producing, negotiating and finalising various contracts. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY GROUP - LABEL ASSISTANT/OFFICE MANAGER (LONDON) Secretly Group is seeking a Label Assistant/Office Manager for its London office, this is the perfect position for anyone with passion and talent to find their first job in the music industry. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NINJA TUNE - COPYRIGHT ADMIN ASSISTANT (LONDON) Ninja Tune are hiring for a full-time copyright administration position within the record label and publishing company, based in its London office. The role will include registering works with societies, maintaining internal databases, compiling credits and supporting the licensing team. For more information and to apply click here. |
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COLUMBO GROUP - PROMOTIONS MANAGER, THE BLUES KITCHEN (LONDON) Columbo Group is seeking a Promotions Manager for The Blues Kitchen. As a member of our events team, you will be responsible for the programming and promotion of our live music calendar, as well as the communications and marketing of the restaurant and bar, working alongside a small team of very passionate people. You will have at least twelve months experience in hospitality marketing and a passion for the London scene. For more information and to apply click here. |
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COOKING VINYL - INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT MANAGER / CO-ORDINATOR (LONDON) Leading independent record label and artist services company Cooking Vinyl Limited are looking for an International Product Manager / International Co-ordinator to support our busy International Department. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SOLD OUT - JUNIOR MEDIA PLANNER (LONDON) Independent full service advertising agency Sold Out is looking for a Junior Media Planner to join a vibrant, growing team, contributing to the growth and culture of the company and helping drive the business forward. The successful candidate will be looking to establish a career in media and have a gift for organisation and effective time management. For more information and to apply click here. |
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GLASGOW LIFE - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (GLASGOW) Glasgow Life is the charity responsible for inspiring Glasgow's citizens and visitors to lead richer and more active lives through culture, sport and learning. It is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead on the business development and commercial growth of its Arts, Music & Cultural Venues Service, with specific responsibility for the commercial development of Glasgow Life Tickets, our in-house box office and ticketing operation. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY GROUP - PRODUCT MANAGER (LONDON) Secretly Group is looking for a motivated and ambitious Product Manager to join its London team. Two to four years of music industry experience are essential, although not necessarily specifically in marketing. S/he must have a passion for music and be keen to contribute creative ideas to our European marketing strategy. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO RECORDS - RADIO PLUGGER (LONDON) Domino is looking for a new radio plugger to join its in house promo team. The successful applicant will work within Domino's current radio structure and will have an extensive knowledge of all aspects of UK radio. He or she will need established relationships at radio and a proven track record of working successful releases. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO - SENIOR DIGIAL ACCOUNT MANAGER (LONDON) Domino is seeking a confident individual to oversee digital account relationships and strategy, based in the London office. The position will lead key partnerships and activity with digital music and video service providers (including Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Vevo) across the UK and international markets, excluding North America. For more information and to apply click here. |
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Digital Deals, Dollars And Trends – Explained! MASTERCLASS | Monday 18 September 2017, London | INFO This half day masterclass, presented by CMU MD and Business Editor Chris Cooke, will explain how digital music platforms are licensed and royalties distributed, as well as reviewing the digital market in 2017 and which services are leading in terms of users and revenue. |
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How The Music Business Works SEMINARS | from Monday 25 September 2017, London | INFO Our 'How The Music Business Works' programme consists of eight two-hour seminars which together cover: the various ways the music industry generates revenue, building and engaging a fanbase, the business partnerships artists form with music companies, and how the artist/label relationship is changing. |
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Enforcing Music Rights - Safe Harbours And Piracy MASTERCLASS | Monday 20 November 2017, London | INFO In this half day masterclass, CMU MD and Business Editor Chris Cooke will look at how the music industry enforces its copyrights, at the long-running battle with online music piracy, and at the controversy around the copyright safe harbour. |
"No justification" for labels to see Spinrilla source code, says Spinrilla
The dispute between the major record companies and mixtape sharing app Spinrilla continues, with the former's request for access to the latter's source code high on the defendant's current list of specific gripes.
As previously reported, the Recording Industry Association Of America sued Spinrilla over allegations of rampant copyright infringement back in February. The mixtape set-up then quickly hit back the following month arguing that [a] it employed the Audible Magic rights management technology on its platform that the record industry had requested it use; [b] the labels now suing it had in the past lobbied for their music to be promoted on the service; and [c] anyway, it is protected by the often controversial copyright safe harbour.
There has since been a back and forth between lawyers working for both sides in the dispute, and earlier this month they filed a joint document with the court seeking judicial opinion on a few procedural matters, including what documents each side should provide the other. Torrentfreak has now published that court submission.
One thing Spinrilla is really keen not to hand over to the RIAA is its source code which, the labels argue, would provide important evidence for their case in regards to the defendant's knowledge of infringement on its platform, and its ability to deal with repeat copyright infringers amongst its community of mixtape uploaders.
But, says Spinrilla, it would be mad to hand over something as valuable as its source code to the record industry. It says in the new court papers: "The source code is the crown jewel of any software-based business, including Spinrilla. Even worse, plaintiffs want an 'executable' version of Spinrilla's source code, which would literally enable them to replicate Spinrilla's entire website. Any plaintiff could, in hours, delete all references to 'Spinrilla', add its own brand and launch Spinrilla's exact website".
Which, obviously, isn't a particularly likely outcome, but it's the principle, see. "If we sued YouTube for hosting 210 infringing videos", Spinrilla's submission goes on, "would I be entitled to the source code for YouTube? There is simply no justification for Spinrilla sharing its source code with plaintiffs".
The defendant also argues that the RIAA's request for detailed information about its users is too broad, and that it will only share data about those users directly linked to the uploading of the 210 infringing tracks that the record labels specifically name in their lawsuit.
It remains to be seen how the court now rules on these various matters.
Sony/ATV renews deal with hit writer Ilsey Juber
Sony/ATV has only gone and extended its worldwide deal with your good mate Ilsey Juber, so to continue repping her songwriting work on tracks released by the likes of Shawn Mendes, Pitbull, Beyonce, Drake and Linkin Park. Oh, and some future compositions as well. It's all about those future compositions, isn't it? That's what I live for.
"Ilsey is an incredible songwriter who has already worked with so many great artists and we are proud to have been part of that success", exclaimed Rick Krim, Sony/ATV's Co-President in the US, yesterday. "I am excited that we will continue our relationship with her and to see where her writing takes her next".
But it's the music publisher's VP Creative Tyler Childs who's is THRILLED about the whole thing. "Ilsey is family to us at Sony/ATV", says he. "We've watched her grow into one of the most sought-after songwriters in the world today" he adds. But isn't he THRILLED about the new deal? Yep, that's what I said, didn't I? "We're THRILLED to continue our work together", he concludes.
Meanwhile, Juber herself delivered these fine words: "I'm so happy to be staying at home with my Sony/ATV family. Everyone here has always encouraged my work and I can't wait to see what else we can accomplish together".
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Warner/Chappell announces deal with Siobhan Fahey
Warner/Chappell has signed a worldwide publishing deal with the former Sister of Shakespear(e) and one-time - and soon to be again – Bananaramarer. By which I mean the marvellous Siobhan Fahey.
Confirming the new deal to rep Fahey's songwriting work, the MD of Warner/Chappell UK Mike Smith said earlier this week: "Siobhan is one of the most accomplished female songwriters this country has ever produced. Both Bananarama and Shakespears Sister enjoyed enormous creative and commercial success. We're delighted to represent Siobhan's incredible catalogue and also look forward to supporting her on new songwriting projects".
Fahey herself added: "It's an exciting time for me right now as I'm heading out on tour as part of Bananarama for the first time in 30 years. I'm also continuing to write solo material and work with a great range of other artists. I'm so pleased to start a relationship with Warner/Chappell at this point, as I open the latest chapter of my career".
Fahey will be gigging with her former group Bananarama on a UK tour from 9 Nov, kicking off with a show in Belfast.
Administrators seek buyer for distribution firm Cinram
Administrators for distribution firm Cinram have confirmed that they intend for the company to continue servicing its existing clients as normal for now, while they seek to sell the business as a going concern.
Cinram, which provides physical distribution services to the music, film and gaming sectors, went into administration on 10 Aug. It followed a tricky couple of months for the company seemingly caused by major client Universal Pictures taking its business to rival Sony DADC. According to reports, 81 employees have already taken redundancy, while a further 29 have transferred over to the Sony-owned logistics set-up.
A statement on Cinram's website confirming that the company is in administration states: "CLUK will continue to trade while the joint administrators seek to sell the business as a going concern". The website then provides information on who is empowered to place orders for the company while it is in administration.
Commenting on the collapse of the distribution business, which works for a number of indie labels and distributors, the boss of the Association Of Independent Music, Paul Pacifico, told Music Week yesterday: "AIM were disappointed to see the announcement that Cinram are in administration. This is another blow to the independent sector meaning that for many, there will be no completely independent supply chain available to them".
He went on: "AIM understands that currently the administrators are working to ensure continuity of service and looking towards a buyer for the business. AIM members who are affected - either directly or via their distributor - and are concerned, are welcome to discuss the situation with AIM, who will be available to advise them".
Families of Manchester Arena victims to each receive £250,000 from the We Love Manchester Fund
The families of the 22 people killed when a bomb went off at the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in May will each receive £250,000 from the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund. That figure includes the £70,000 said families have already been eligible to receive since the terrorist attack.
The Fund has raised a total of £18 million, which includes the monies generated by the benefit concert and charity single organised by Grande herself. The chair of the Fund's trustees, Councillor Sue Murphy, has confirmed that about a third of that figure has now been committed to the bereaved families while an additional £3.5 million has been set aside for those hospitalised by the attack. That still leaves about half of the monies raised to be allocated, and the trustees will now consider what to do with those funds.
Murphy told reporters: "We will now spend some time looking at how we will distribute the rest of the funds. This will be a complex and sensitive process as we will need to assess the long-term impacts of the attack".
Meanwhile, Manchester City Council has announced plans for a second fund that will pay for a memorial to the victims of the bomb attack. An advisory group has also been set up to consider what that memorial might be, which will consult the victim's families on the matter. That advisory group will meet next month and, the council said, its conclusions will be "crucial in determining the form and location of any permanent commemorations".
The Manchester Arena, the venue where the bomb attack took place, is now due to reopen on 9 Sep with a benefit concert in aid of the new memorial fund which will be headlined by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. Tickets are due to go on sale tomorrow.
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Ticketmaster launches in Switzerland
Live Nation's Ticketmaster has launched in Switzerland, bringing the number of countries in which the live giant's ticketing business is busy doing ticketing to 30. The firm is entering the Swiss market via an alliance with local ticket agency Tixtec, which is headed up by George Egloff.
Ticketmaster says that Switzerland is a key market as it continues in its bid to dominate ticket-peddling worldwide, what with its "growing live entertainment business and significant venues". And as for the lucky Swiss, they will "gain access to Ticketmaster's world class service and innovative technology". And doesn't that sound like fun?
Says the President of Ticketmaster International, Mark Yovich: "We are excited to bring Ticketmaster to Swiss fans, introducing greater levels of service and choice in the ticketing sector in Switzerland and providing fans seamless access to our worldwide marketplace of events. Working with George Egloff and his team brings together our global experience with his invaluable understanding of the Swiss ticketing and live entertainment sector".
The there mentioned Egloff adds: "Ticketmaster is the global leader in ticketing and to be part of the team that is bringing its technology and service to Switzerland is truly an honour. The collaboration represents a huge milestone in live entertainment, and will significantly benefit Swiss fans, venues, sports clubs and event organisers alike".
| CMU's sister magazine ThreeWeeks Edinburgh is covering the Edinburgh Festival this month. Each day we'll pick a bit of ThreeWeeks content, championing great new theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance, music, musicals and spoken word. QUICK QUIZ WITH SIMON EVANS This August the Edinburgh Festival celebrates its 70th anniversary. To mark the occasion, we have asked a plethora of performers about their personal Fringe experiences. Today the magnificent Simon Evans. CLICK HERE to read Simon Evans' answers to the Quick Quiz. Check out all of ThreeWeeks Edinburgh Festival cover here and sign up to the TW Daily email bulletin here |
Elvis Presley: 40 years dead, 2.8 billion plays on YouTube
It's forty years since Elvis Presley died and it seems right, and indeed highly appropriate, to mark that occasion with some Elvis-related YouTube stats. I think we all know, deep down, that it's what he would have wanted.
So here we go. The late King Of Rock N Roll has received over 2.8 billion views across the YouTube platform, and has averaged over 4.4 million views a day over the past week.
Those impressive stats are seemingly aided each year by Presley's birthday and deathday – on which consumption of his music on the video platform rose 74% and 44% respectively last year, compared to the daily average for Elvis-style video streams. Though it's seemingly Christmas when the most people seek out Presley tracks, including his festive tunes.
But what about geographical data? We all know that's really why you're here. Well, Presley has scored over a million YouTube views in more than one hundred countries, and the cities where the most Presley YouTubing goes on are Santiago, Sao Paolo and Mexico City.
But what are the most played Elvis tracks on YouTube? Well, I don't know. But I do know which are the ten most viewed tracks on the official Elvis Presley Vevo channel, and I'm sure the King himself would have been the first to shun shoddy unofficial user-uploaded material, so I think that's all that matters.
Here is the top ten...
1. Can't Help Falling In Love
2. A Little Less Conversation (Elvis vs JXL)
3. Blue Christmas
4. Burning Love
5. Suspicious Minds
6. Jailhouse Rock
7. Suspicious Minds
8. (You're The) Devil in Disguise
9. Hound Dog
10. Heartbreak Hotel
Wu-Tang Clan to resurrect Wu Wear
The Wu-Tang Clan are bringing back their clothing line Wu Wear via a new partnership with Live Nation's merchandise business. And how do we know this? Because Clan man RZA has waffled on about it a bit.
"Wu Wear was the first hip hop brand to be in the windows on Macy's 34th St", he told Billboard. "Now that we are aware and re-energized for our legacy, we felt it was the proper time to re-enter the market. Not in a boutique way, but to go big, once again".
The hip hop outfit's outfits first went on sale in 1995 and were only discontinued in 2008. Though, says Wu Tang associate and original Wu Wear creator Oliver 'Power' Grant, that's not stopped bootleggers from flogging t-shirts containing the group's branding. Which is another reason for bringing back the official clothing line.
Says Grant: "Yesterday in Little Italy there's a guy right in the middle of the block with a whole shirt stand. All types of shirts and the biggest one in the middle was what? The Wu-Tang shirt. I'm like, 'Yo, who is this guy paying?'"
No one, that's who. But now you're in business with Live Nation, I'm sure they can get their legal beagles on the case against all those bootleg t-shirt sellers. Or, indeed, any theoretical bootleg t-shirt sellers, as is the live firm's speciality.
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