Eminem wins NZ$600,000 damages in sound-a-like infringement case
So, it turns out that the piece of library music called 'Eminem-esque' used by New Zealand's ruling National Party in a 2014 campaign ad was a little too Eminem-esque. So much so, a court has ordered the political party to pay Eminem's publishing company NZ$600,000 in damages for copyright infringement. Which is sure to make some palms sweaty.

As previously reported, Eminem's music publishing company sued the National Party over the soundtrack to its 2014 election campaign commercial which sounded really rather like the rapper's hit song 'Lose Yourself'.

The politicians insisted that they had properly licensed the Eminem-esque 'Eminem-esque' track that featured in their ad from a production music company called Beatbox. Though legal reps for Slim Shady pointed to emails between people working for the National Party which discussed the similarities between their ad track and 'Lose Yourself', and which acknowledged that they risked being accused of ripping off the rapper's music.

When the case got to court back in May, a legal rep for the National Party argued that there wasn't all that much originality in the core composition of 'Lose Yourself'. The politicians' lawyers also claimed that the creation and use of 'sound-alike' tracks that sound very similar to hit records, but not so similar as to a constitute copyright breach, was common practice in the production music business. Which it probably is.

Either way, the judge overseeing the case in New Zealand's high court has sided with Eminem, stating that "'Eminem-esque' has substantially copied 'Lose Yourself'", which, by the way, is actually "a highly original work".

The ruling goes on: "The differences between the two works are minimal; the close similarities and the indiscernible differences in drum beat, the 'melodic line' and the piano figures make 'Eminem-esque' strikingly similar to 'Lose Yourself'".

Needless to say, reps for the rapper have welcomed the ruling. Speaking for Eminem's music publishing business, Joel Martin said: "We find it incredible that the National Party went to such great lengths to avoid responsibility for using a weak rip-off of 'Lose Yourself'. They knew we would not have permitted the use of the song in their political advertisement; however, they proceeded at their own risk and blamed others for their infringement".

As the National Party considers its options, any production music companies with sound-a-like tracks in their catalogues might want to review their repertoires.

Adam Simpson, one of the lawyers working for Eminem's side, noted: "This decision is a warning to sound-a-like music producers and their clients everywhere. The ruling clarifies and confirms the rights of artists and songwriters".

Simpson added that the ruling "sets a major precedent in New Zealand and will be influential in Australia, the UK and elsewhere". So, sort out your sound-a-likes, music libraries, otherwise you too might experience the stress of legal action from a superstar rapper. And that's no fun. There's vomit on his sweater already, mom's spaghetti.

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Decapitated formally plead not guilty to rape charges
All four members of death metal band Decapitated were back in court in America yesterday to formally plead not guilty to charges of kidnapping and rape.

As previously reported, the Polish band were arrested in LA last month, accused of raping a woman on their tour bus following a performance in Spokane, Washington on 31 Aug.

Two women allege that they were invited back to the band's bus after the show, but that once on board the "vibe" changed. One woman managed to get off the bus, while the other says that she was raped by all four members of the metal outfit.

The band were extradited back to Washington state earlier this month and were formally charged with varying degrees of rape as well as first-degree kidnapping.

Not much happened during yesterday's court session, except for all four band members officially entering their not guilty pleas. A trial has now been set for 18 Dec. Though the judge overseeing the proceedings stated that it was very likely said trial would actually be pushed back into the new year.

According to the Associated Press, lawyers working for the band say they have witnesses who will dispute the two women's account of what happened after the Spokane show. Meanwhile a lawyer working for vocalist Rafal Piotrowski has stressed that his client has no criminal record in Poland or the US, where the band have toured on a number of occasions.

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Warner appointments: Magnus Ribbeklint, Mark Mitchell, Helen McLaughlin
OK everybody, you all need to set aside a few minutes later today to update the Warner Music corporate hierarchy charts you all have on your kitchen walls. It's the blue one, remember. That's going to make the Tippex use a bit obvious, but there's not time to create a new one from scratch. Maybe use blue post-it notes to make the amendments?

Right, here we go. First up, the mini-major's Atlantic Records label in the UK has a new General Manager. Or will do from next January. Magnus Ribbeklint is flying in from Warner Music Sweden to take on the task of GMing the British label. He has an "innate understanding of the streaming era", says Warner. Can an understanding of the streaming era be "innate"? Ah, the old nature/nurture debate. But you know, Spotify is from Sweden, Ribbeklint is from Sweden, so it's definitely in the genes. Green streaming genes.

Here's his new boss Ben Cook, President of Atlantic Records UK, with some words: "Magnus is a brilliant creative and digital strategist. He shares our love of great music, our passion for artist development and our resolute focus on the future. Throughout the Nordic transition to streaming his foresight and expertise helped transform Warner Music Sweden into a global leader in social media, content and digital marketing".

Sounds good. What else? "He joins us at a pivotal time for the UK industry. I'm confident he'll help keep Atlantic at the leading edge of music's on-going evolution - as we continue to find innovative new ways to release and campaign our amazing artists. I look forward to him being a key player in the already impressive force that makes up Atlantic UK".

So do I Ben, so do I. Ribbeklint is taking over as GM of Atlantic UK from Mark Mitchell, who has just been promoted to the job of Co-President at another Warner label, good old Parlophone. Mitchell's promotion to that job was announced last week as Parlophone top man Miles Leonard confirmed rumours that he was stepping down from a full time role at the company, though he'll still be doing some of that advising shit that we all aspire to do one day. Top advising shit too, I suspect.

Confirming Mitchell's promotion last week, Warner Music's top dude Max Lousada, who is now busy running the mini-major's recorded music business worldwide of course, said these very words: "I couldn't be happier that Mitch is taking on this role".

He went on: "He has the rare skill of understanding how to break artists as well as delivering massive moments for global superstars. He thinks like an indie while operating in a major, which means a diverse array of artists have flourished thanks to his expertise. This is a fantastic new chapter for Mitch and for Parlophone".

I love a new chapter me. But enough of all these British Warner labels, I want more news about the company's Nordic offshoots, where streaming is in the genes. So hurrah for the news that Helen McLaughlin has just been appointed MD of Warner Music Sweden. She is also due to take on her new role next January.

Her new boss Jonas Siljemark, President of Warner Music Nordics, says: "Helen is well-known across the Swedish music industry as someone who puts the interests of artists first and foremost. She has an incredible track record of developing artists and building long-term careers for them. I can't wait to see what she'll achieve heading up the Warner Music Sweden team".

McLaughlin joins Warner from Sony Music Sweden, which means you're going to have to update your Sony Music corporate hierarchy wall chart too. But maybe lets worry about that tomorrow. I mean, I'm all out of red post-its.

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Ninja Tune launches production music division
Independent label Ninja Tune is today launching a new production music division which will initially make available 1000 tracks to brands and film, telly and game producers, with the new unit's library of music available to license in the UK at the industry-standard rates set by collecting society MCPS. Music from various artists affiliated to Ninja Tune is included, with the likes of Coldcut, Mr Scruff, Amon Tobin and Kid Koala involved.

The label says: "Embodying the same spirit that the Ninja Tune label was founded on - an ambition to bring uniquely innovative sounds to the front line and give life to music that needs to be heard - the Ninja Tune production music arm is being launched with 1000 tracks arranged across 60+ albums available on a slick, user friendly and uniquely 'Ninja' site with a 'record shop' feel, dynamic search function, members area for personal playlists and every feature needed for a comprehensive and intuitive music search".

A party in Kennington will formally launch the new production music business tomorrow with Mr Scruff on the decks.

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Arcade Fire part company with manager Scott Rodger
Arcade Fire have parted company with their long-time manager Scott Rodger from the UK branch of the Maverick artist management group. But don't worry, it all seems amicable. Not that that helps music business news bulletins with Beef Of The Week slots to fill every Friday, but I guess that's not your problem.

"We have parted ways amicably with our long-time manager Scott Rodger", the band wrote on Facebook. "He has been an amazing shepherd and a true friend over the last twelve years. We wish to thank him deeply for all his hard work, blood, sweat and tears, and wish him nothing but the best".

Rodger added in a statement: "It's been the greatest pleasure of my professional career working and collaborating with Arcade Fire and everyone on their team".

He went on: "They are by far the most important band of their generation and have produced some of the most inspiring music of any time. It's with the deepest love and respect that I wish the band all the very best in their future endeavours and very much look forward to seeing what they come up with next".

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The Pirate Bay's .se domain is working again
Last week saw the end of an era when one of The Pirate Bay's flagship domains - thepiratebay.se - stopped working. But now it's working again. So, erm, I don't know, let's call that the start of a new era.

As previously reported, there have been various legal efforts by the authorities in Sweden to seize the always controversial file-sharing site's Swedish domain which - alongside thepiratebay.org - is one of the main URLs associated with the piracy hub. For a time - fearing that the .org address might also be grabbed by the US authorities - Team TPB actually made the .se domain their primary URL.

But those legal efforts in Sweden have been long drawn out, and while it does look like the domain will ultimately be seized, the whole matter is still currently stuck with the country's Supreme Court. Though the court has frozen the domain, meaning ownership of it can't be transferred to another party with the .se domain registry.

It's that freezing which is thought to explain why thepiratebay.se stopped working last week. The domain was up for renewal, and it's likely the people currently running The Pirate Bay couldn't do any renewing.

But now - according to Torrentfreak - the domain has been renewed for another year. It's not clear quite how that happened, though it's possible the court acted to instigate the renewal, otherwise the domain would ultimately end up back on the open market for anyone to buy. Either way, thepiratebay.se is operational again, speeding users through to the piracy platform's current main URL, thepiratebay.org.

Except, of course, in countries where web-blocks currently apply, so that users instead see a copyright infringement warning from their internet service provider. As discussed on this week's Setlist podcast, all this domain action probably has little impact on the piracy site, given that people tend to navigate the web by search engine rather than domain name these days.

Though regular file-sharers who had a bookmark set up using thepiratebay.se would have had to do a little admin last week. Unnecessary admin, as it turns out.

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Alice Glass accuses former Crystal Castles bandmate of decade of abuse
Alice Glass has made a number of allegations against her former Crystal Castles bandmate Ethan Kath, real name Claudio Palmieri.

Glass parted company with her musical collaborator in 2014, with him subsequently recruiting Edith Frances as the other half of Crystal Castles. Glass, meanwhile, has pursued a solo career, putting out her debut solo EP back in August this year.

When she exited Crystal Castles in 2014, Glass wrote on Facebook: "My art and my self-expression in any form has always been an attempt towards sincerity, honesty, and empathy for others. For a multitude of reasons both professional and personal I no longer feel that this is possible within CC".

However, in a new post on her website, Glass says that she quit the band after being on the receiving end of nearly a decade of abuse from Palmieri.

She writes: "I met 'Ethan Kath' (Claudio Palmieri) when I was in the tenth grade. The first time he took advantage of me was when I was around fifteen. He was ten years older than me. I came to in the back of his car extremely intoxicated (from drinks he had given me that night). We didn't talk for months after that. He went to great lengths to find me again, stalking me and driving past my high school looking for me".

They subsequently began to hang out and then collaborate on making music together. Glass explains: "I was very young and naïve and in a compromised position in my life. I perceived him as a local rock star because I had seen his band, Kill Cheerleader, on TV. A lot of my friends from the punk scene had also been taken advantage of by much older men, so to me, it was a situation that had been normalised".

She alleges that in the years that followed Palmieri both sexually and physical abused her, while seeking to control many aspects of her life, and constantly playing down her role in the band. She writes: "He controlled everything I did. I wasn't allowed to have my own phone or my own credit card, he decided who my friends were, read through my private emails, restricted my access to social media, regulated everything I ate".

Describing her decision to finally walk away from both Palmieri and the band that they had created, she says: "Leaving Crystal Castles was the single most difficult decision I've ever made - that band was everything to me. My music, my performances and my fans were all I had in the world. I gave that up and started over not because I wanted to but because I had to. As difficult as it was, I knew that leaving was one of the best decisions I've ever made. It has taken me years to recover from enduring almost a decade of abuse, manipulation and psychological control. I am still recovering".

Explaining why she had decided to write this post now, three years after leaving Crystal Castles, Glass states: "The momentum that's been created recently by the many courageous women who have opened up about their own stories has inspired me to finally be more direct, at whatever cost. This is for my own recovery, for the other women who have been, are currently, or may be in a similar situation with the man who abused me for years, and for those in abusive relationships who are looking to stand up and speak out".

Responding to Glass's post - which you can read in full here - Palmieri has denied the allegations made by his former bandmate, adding that he is consulting his lawyers about the claims made against him.

In a statement provided to Pitchfork via his attorney, he said: "I am outraged and hurt by the recent statements made by Alice about me and our prior relationship. Her story is pure fiction and I am consulting my lawyers as to my legal options. Fortunately, there are many witnesses who can and will confirm that I was never abusive to Alice".

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Tune-Yards announce new album
Tune-Yards have announced that they will release new album, 'I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life', on 19 Jan through 4AD.

The first single from the record is 'Look At Your Hands', of which band leader Merrill Garbus says: "Yes, the world is a mess, but I've been attempting to look more and more inward: how do all of these 'isms' that we live in manifest in me, in my daily activities, interactions?"

She continues: "Some of the 80s throwback production came from wanting the vocals to sound robotic, maybe to counter the sincerity of the lyrics. I started sampling my vocals in an MPC which I've wanted to do for years, and there was something that felt really right about my voice being trapped in a machine".

Listen to 'Look At Your Hands' here.

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Tramlines, Dolly Parton, MOBO, more

Other notable announcements and developments today...

• Sheffield music festival Tramlines has re-signed with ticketing firm Gigantic so that it can continue to be the event's exclusive online ticket agent. The festival states: "The queue-busting solution developed by Gigantic for the tens of thousands of people attending Tramlines last year reduced queuing time by 90%".

• Dolly Parton is to follow in the footsteps of Josh Homme and read a bedtime story on BBC pre-schooler TV channel CBeebies. I think I need a lie down myself after writing that sentence. Parton will read 'Dog Loves Books' by Louise Yates today at 6.50pm.

• MOBO and Help Musicians UK have teamed up to launch the Help Musicians Fund, which will offer grants of up to £2000 to help musicians to further their careers. Find out more here.

• The FastForward conference has announced a new mentoring programme in partnership with Ticketmaster. Six young people working their way up the music industry will receive a year of guidance from a Live Nation or Ticketmaster exec. Apply here.

• Lana Del Rey and Dua Lipa manager Ben Mawson has been confirmed to speak at the latest Ultimate Seminar educational event for aspiring artists, which will take place at the University Of Westminster on 18 Nov. More info here.

• Angel Olsen has released a video for new single 'Special', taken from her rarities collection 'Phases', which is out on 10 Nov.

• The War On Drugs have released the video for 'Nothing To Find', from their recent album 'A Deeper Understanding'.

• Justin Broadrick has announced a new EP in his JK Flesh guise, titled 'Exit Stance'. It's out on 27 Nov. Here's the title track.

• Rina Sawayama has released another new single, 'Tunnel Vision', this one featuring Shamir. It will feature on a mini-album, titled 'Rina', which is out this Friday.

• Sega Bodea has announced his second mixtape of movie-inspired tracks, out on 10 Nov. Here's opening track 'Requiem', inspired by Darren Aronofsky's 'Requiem For A Dream', featuring Shygirl.

• Passepied have released the video for 'Oto No Naru Hou E', taken from their new mini-album 'Otonari-san'.

• Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.

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Kid Rock's not running for Senate, you idiots
It's alright, Kid Rock has said he isn't going to run for US Senate. What's more, he never was, so now you all look really silly for believing him.

"Fuck no, I'm not running for Senate", he told Howard Stern on his SiriusXM show. "Are you kidding me? Who couldn't figure that out? I'm releasing a new album. I'm going on tour too. Are you fucking shitting me?"

Too right, who'd have ever thought he was being serious about running for Senate? Though, there was all that time he spent insisting that he absolutely was definitely planning to enter politics as a Republican candidate and that everyone who doubted him should shut up.

"I have had a ton of emails and texts asking me if this website is real", he said on social media after people questioned his 'campaign' website when it launched in July. "The answer is an absolute YES. Stay tuned, I will have a major announcement in the near future".

But that was all part of the ruse, you see. And you fell for it. Although you can perhaps see why. After all, Democrats remembered what an error their complacency about Donald Trump becoming US President had been. Meanwhile Republicans remembered what a success letting Donald Trump run for US President had been (in 'winning the election' terms, if nothing else). We live in a world where nothing seems unlikely in politics anymore, and Kid Rock rode that wave as far as he could with a straight face.

It even got to the point where some people on his own team who were "in on the joke" began to question themselves. The musician had to reassure them, "No, we're not doing it, but let's roll with it for a while", he said.

Sure, the fact that he has an album coming out - 'Sweet Sothern Revenge' on 3 Nov - and tour dates booked should have been a clue that all was not as it seemed, given you might have thought he'd have needed time to get his campaign plans sorted around about then.

But I'm not sure anyone who fell for the hoax believed Kid Rock had thought any of this through properly, so it was entirely possible he was going to release an album, go on tour, and then just focus on his election campaigning at the last minute.

As for how he views the prank now that it's all out in the open, he told Stern: "It's the worst advice I ever gave myself, but it's been the most creative thing I've ever done. And I've gotten to see everyone's true colours".

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