| TOP STORIES | Ticketmaster customer annoyed at COVID refund policies must take the matter to arbitration READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LEGAL | Proposed US anti-piracy law targeting illegal streaming services unveiled READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| DEALS | Rolling Stones expand BMG deal to include neighbouring rights Downtown acquires catalogue of songwriter Chris Braid Skillibeng signs to Sony/ATV READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LABELS & PUBLISHERS | Mary Megan Peer becomes CEO of Peermusic READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ONE LINERS | 300 Entertainment, Dave Grohl & Greg Kurstin, Ghostpoet, more READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Taylor Swift releases her second surprise album of 2020 READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| Check out all the latest job opportunities with CMU Jobs. To advertise your job opportunities here email [email protected] or call 020 7099 9060. | |
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NINJA TUNE - MARKETING ASSISTANT (LONDON) Ninja Tune is seeking an enthusiastic and driven Marketing Assistant, to support its UK based team on a full- time basis. This is a perfect opportunity for someone looking for an entry level role into the music industry, eager to learn and does not mind rolling up their sleeves, to get things done in a team environment. Please note this role is admin based. For more information and to apply click here. |
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FKP SCORPIO - UK & EUROPEAN TOURING HEAD OF MARKETING (LONDON) FKP Scorpio is looking for someone to lead the marketing team, creating and managing marketing campaigns for concerts, tours and festivals across the UK, plus overseeing and coordinating marketing for our European Touring division. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ERASED TAPES - PRODUCTION ASSISTANT (LONDON) Erased Tapes is currently seeking a highly organised Production Assistant to support the company Director and Production Manager in their regular administrative duties. The chosen candidate will assist with the production and distribution of Erased Tapes products (digital and physical), including vinyl records, CDs, and label merchandise. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY DISTRIBUTION - DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER (LONDON) Secretly Distribution is looking for a Digital Content Manager to be based in London (this position will be work from home until further notice). For more information and to apply click here. |
Taking place every Tuesday afternoon at 2.30pm London time, these one hour online training sessions are delivered by CMU's Chris Cooke.
Each webinar presents timely and easy-to-understand insights about a different music business topic, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Attendees can also access online resources - including downloadable slides - and a recording of the webinar available for a month after the live session.
BOOK NOW at special rates - access to each individual webinar is just £25, plus you can book into four webinars for £75 and all nine for just £150.
| MAKING MONEY FROM MUSIC COPYRIGHT Tuesday 12 Jan 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS The music rights business makes money by exploiting the controls that come with the copyrights in songs and recordings. Get to grips with all the basic principles of copyright law and how music copyright makes money in this user-friendly easy-to-follow webinar. |
| COLLECTIVE LICENSING EXPLAINED - GET PLAYED, GET PAID Tuesday 19 Jan 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS Sometimes the music industry licenses through direct deals, other times it employs the collective licensing approach. Fully understand how collective licensing works - in the UK and around the world - in this user-friendly easy-to-follow webinar. |
| MUSIC RIGHTS DATA MADE SIMPLE Tuesday 26 Jan 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS Getting songwriters and artists paid when their songs and recordings are played often comes down to whether or not the right data is in the system. But what data? This webinar runs through all the key data points and explains how to get information into the system. |
| STREAMING EXPLAINED - THE DIGITAL MARKET IN 2021 Tuesday 2 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS Streaming now accounts for more than half of recorded music revenues worldwide - and in many countries it's much bigger than that. Get fully up to speed on all the key trends and developments in the global streaming music market in this super timely webinar. |
| STREAMING EXPLAINED - HOW DIGITAL LICENSING WORKS Tuesday 9 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS The streaming business is complex in terms of how services are licensed, and how artists and songwriters get paid. Get to grips with it all via our concise user-friendly guide to digital licensing and streaming royalties - explained in full in just ten steps. |
| STREAMING EXPLAINED - HOW MONEY GETS SHARED Tuesday 16 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS Streaming is a revenue share game, with digital dollars shared out each month between artists, songwriters, labels and publishers. We explain how the money is currently split up and talk through why some people in the industry believe a different approach is needed. |
| BUILDING A FANBASE FOR NEW ARTISTS Tuesday 23 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS How do artists go about building a fanbase in 2020? In this webinar we'll talk through the fanbase building process, from when artists are working truly DIY, through the involvement of different music industry business partners like management, distributors, labels, promoters and specialist agencies. |
| MUSIC MARKETING - TOOLKIT & TACTICS Tuesday 2 Mar 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS What are the tools, tactics, channels and platforms utilised by the music industry when promoting artists, releases and events in 2020? This webinar provides a speedy overview of the modern music marketing toolkit and the ten main tools inside. |
| GETTING THE MOST FROM FAN DATA Tuesday 9 Mar 2021 | 2.30pm | BOOK TICKETS What data is being gathered about the fanbases of the artists you work with and who has access to it? This webinar talks through the ten key categories of fan data, how artists can access and utilise it all, and where data protection law fits in. |
| Navigate and understand the music business with guides and reports from CMU... |
| NEW! Artist And Songwriter Rights In Ten Steps A ten step guide to the rights artists and songwriters enjoy over their music |
| Music Rights Data In Ten Steps A ten step guide to music rights data, data standards and databases |
| Music Industry Basics In Ten Steps A ten step guide to all the different strands of the modern music industry |
| Streaming Challenges In Ten Steps A ten step guide to the challenges facing the streaming business in 2020 |
| Collective Licensing In Ten Steps A ten step guide to the collective licensing system |
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Ticketmaster customer annoyed at COVID refund policies must take the matter to arbitration
A Ticketmaster customer in the US who sued the Live Nation ticketing company over allegations it changed its refund policies after the COVID shutdown began has been told he must take his grievances to arbitration.
Derek Hansen had bought tickets for two Rage Against The Machine shows that were called off early on in the COVID-19 shutdown. Technically the shows were postponed, which is crucial to his beef with Ticketmaster. He claimed that - between him buying his tickets and the gigs being called off - the ticketing firm changed its terms regarding refunds, specifically in relation to postponed shows.
Of course, with so many shows being cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, the spotlight has fallen on the refund policies of most ticketing firms, and also what consumer rights laws in any one country or state say about the obligation of a ticket seller to hand back a ticket buyer's cash when a show is cancelled or pushed back.
Hansen wasn't the only person to criticise Ticketmaster US over a tweak to its terms early on in shutdown, although the Live Nation company insisted that it hadn't actually made any dramatic changes, and that ultimately any decisions regarding refunds for postponed shows were made by its clients, ie any one concert's promoter.
Nevertheless, Hansen went legal over Ticketmaster's post-COVID refund policies, seeking class action status for his lawsuit so that other aggrieved ticket-buyers could benefit from any successful outcome.
However, in court the focus of this dispute so far has been Ticketmaster's claim that Hansen is obliged to take his complaint to arbitration rather than going properly legal, because he agreed to go that route when signing up to the ticketing company's terms and conditions.
It's not the first time Ticketmaster has sought to force the arbitration term when faced with legal action from a customer. Hansen's lawyer argued that his client had not been properly put on notice of that arbitration obligation. After all, it was buried deep in Ticketmaster's terms, a mere link on the web page directed customers to said terms, and on the Ticketmaster website you're working against the clock when trying to complete a transaction for an in-demand show.
Ticketmaster's legal reps countered that Hansen was a repeat purchaser, and he had specifically agreed to Ticketmaster's terms on multiple occasions, including when he set up his account, whenever he logged into that account and whenever he bought tickets. That was plenty of opportunities to give the terms a good old read.
The judge hearing the case, Edward Chen, basically concurred with the ticketing firm. While he mused that, as a general rule, he thinks companies could generally use much clearer language when having people sign up to terms and conditions, nevertheless Ticketmaster had given Hansen reasonable notice of its terms, including the arbitration obligation.
Therefore, Hansen must take his COVID-related complaints to an arbitrator.
Proposed US anti-piracy law targeting illegal streaming services unveiled
US Senator Thom Tillis has published more information about his proposed Protecting Lawful Streaming Act, which will empower the US Department Of Justice to charge commercial enterprises making available streams of unlicensed copyright-protected content with felony copyright infringement.
This is one of the copyright reforms that could be added to the spending bill currently being negotiating in Washington. Reps for the US tech sector and civil rights groups have criticised moves to sneak some new copyright laws into that wide-ranging bit of legislation, arguing that doing so means the proposed reforms cannot be properly scrutinised and considered.
That said, now that Tillis has provided more information about his Protecting Lawful Streaming Act he has confirmed that these specific proposals are pretty narrow and could only impact on commercial enterprises that are knowingly and deliberately streaming unlicensed content. He basically wants that kind of copyright infringement to be on par with physical copyright infringement when it comes to pursuing criminal copyright cases.
A statement about the proposed reforms says: "The Protecting Lawful Streaming Act would apply only to commercial, for-profit streaming piracy services. The law will not sweep in normal practices by online service providers, good faith business disputes, noncommercial activities, or in any way impact individuals who access pirated streams or unwittingly stream unauthorised copies of copyrighted works. Individuals who might use pirate streaming services will not be affected".
Tillis himself adds: "The shift toward streaming content online has resulted in criminal streaming services illegally distributing copyrighted material that costs the US economy nearly $30 billion every year, and discourages the production of creative content that Americans enjoy. This common sense legislation was drafted with the input of creators, user groups, and technology companies and is narrowly targeted so that only criminal organisations are punished and that no individual streamer has to worry about the fear of prosecution".
To that end, he added, a number of tech sector and civil rights groups that are often critical of legal reforms that boost copyright protections are pretty much neutral on these proposals.
Although illegal music streaming services exist, the kind of platforms Tillis is targeting with this proposed new law are a bigger concern for the movie and sport industries.
Rolling Stones expand BMG deal to include neighbouring rights
The Rolling Stones have extended their publishing deal with BMG, and appointed the company to collect their neighbouring rights revenues too. So double the fun.
"If you are in the business of selling services to artists and songwriters, these are the kinds of client you dream of attracting", says BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch. "We are immensely grateful to Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie for putting their faith in us".
BMG's President Repertoire & Marketing UK, Alistair Norbury, adds: "At a time when streaming is further highlighting the value of iconic music rights, our objective is to offer the best possible service to artists and songwriters. We are delighted for the opportunity to further demonstrate the value we can add for four of the greatest names in rock with our neighbouring rights service".
The BMG neighbouring rights division was launched in May this year, administrating the royalties paid through the collective licensing system when recorded music is broadcast or played publicly, such as in a bar or club. The new deal with the Stones comes as the band prepare for their 60th anniversary celebrations in 2022.
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Downtown acquires catalogue of songwriter Chris Braid
Downtown Music Publishing has acquired the catalogue of songwriter Chris Braid, best known for his work with Sia. Songs in his catalogue have been performed by Beyonce, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Lana Del Rey, Selena Gomez and more.
"It's my genuine pleasure to entrust the team at Downtown with these works", says Braide. "The songs included are some of my favourites and represent an important era of my songwriting career. I am confident that these works and my creative legacy will be well looked after by Downtown".
"Chris's work has helped shape so much of the musical landscape over the past decade, and I am delighted that he has entrusted Downtown to be the custodian of incredible songs from his rich and diverse catalogue", says Mike Smith, Global President of Downtown Music Publishing. "Few have his incredible versatility or can write with his breadth, as easily at home with Beyonce and Sia as with Marc Almond and Glenn Tilbrook. He is a master of his craft and a true original".
This deal follows several song catalogue acquisitions by Downtown this year, including those of Mickey Stevenson and Good Soldier Songs.
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Skillibeng signs to Sony/ATV
Sony/ATV has signed dancehall artist Skillibeng to a worldwide publishing deal.
"Skillibeng has established himself as one of Jamaica's fastest rising stars", say Sony/ATV UK A&R Analytics Executive Scott Gordon and A&R Manager Daniel Seal, seemingly in unison. "He is an incredible artist whose unique flows, delivery and wordplay have enabled him to become the leader of the next generation of dancehall. We are delighted to welcome him to Sony/ATV, and we look forward to elevating his career on a global scale".
Skillibeng adds: "It's a great feeling to know I'm signed by one of the biggest names in the publishing industry – I appreciate being a part of the team and I'm excited to be working with them".
Following a prolific run of releases in 2020, including a collaboration with Popcaan, Skillibeng will close the year with a new mixtape, 'Prodigy 2', on 23 Dec.
Mary Megan Peer becomes CEO of Peermusic
Independent music publisher Peermusic has a new CEO, though it's still a Peer, so no need for a rebrand. Mary Megan Peer is being promoted to the CEO role, taking over from her father Ralph Peer II in running the music firm founder be her grandfather Ralph Peer back in 1927.
Confirming her new role, Mary says: "I'm honoured to be named Peermusic's fourth CEO by my father at such a strong time in the company's history. His principled leadership is reflected in Peermusic's client-centric ethos and the respect our colleagues have for writers and for each other. Like many in the company and within the industry, I have learned a great deal from him and am thankful to have the opportunity to continue to do so as he starts the next chapter of his career at Peermusic".
That next chapter for Ralph II is taking on the role of Executive Chair. He will remain on the board and continue to advise the business, and also represent the company within various industry bodies, including the US National Music Publishers' Association NMPA and International Confederation Of Music Publishers.
On his continuing role, he added: "It's been a very satisfying challenge to have stewarded Peermusic's heritage repertoire, made possible through the genius of my father and the savoir faire of my mother, while simultaneously keeping our firm active and successfully engaged with contemporary repertoire and global music publishing policy. I feel privileged to engage with global cultures and intellectual property issues on a daily basis. In short, I love my job and relish the intellectual environment it provides".
As Mary noted, she is the fourth Peer to lead Peermusic, her grandmother Monique Peer having run things for just over two decades after the death of her husband in 1960.
| CMU Insights: Streaming Explained Webinar Series CMU's weekly webinars will return in 2021 - and among the upcoming sessions is a three part series all about the streaming business, including... THE DIGITAL MARKET IN 2021 Tuesday 2 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm HOW DIGITAL LICENSING WORKS Tuesday 9 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm HOW MONEY GETS SHARED Tuesday 16 Feb 2021 | 2.30pm |
APPOINTMENTS
Rob Stevenson has joined 300 Entertainment as a Partner. He arrives from Universal's Republic Records, where he was VP A&R. "Rob and I share a very clear vision of an artist and digital first company", says 300 CEO Kevin Liles. "His experience, leadership, and love for music makes him a perfect fit amongst our senior leadership team. As partner, he will work directly with me at creating the next chapter in the book of 300".
Liz Morentin has been named Head Of Marketing & Communications at Universal-owned label services firm Ingrooves. "We have been looking for an executive with the right set of skills to help us shape and lead our marketing and communications efforts and Liz fits the bill perfectly", says CEO Bob Roback. "Her successful track record across a broad spectrum of entertainment companies and her highly honed skills as a storyteller make her a perfect fit for this role and we're THRILLED to have her on board".
Rotor Videos has appointed Steve Lewis as Senior Advisor. "It's great to have Steve as part of the Rotor business, further strengthening our music industry expertise with his abundance of experience", says CEO Diarmuid Moloney. "This will help ensure we are serving our users and partners in the best and most innovative ways as Rotor grows and continues to power more creatives in showcasing their work to the world, despite the restrictions of 2020".
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RELEASES
Dave Grohl and Greg Kurstin have released their first track in the 'Hanukkah Sessions' series, in which they will cover eight tracks by Jewish artists. The first is a version of 'Sabotage' by Beastie Boys.
Rudimental have released new single, 'Be The One', featuring Morgan, Digga D and Tike.
Ghostpoet has released new track 'Bruised Fruit', which features on the new deluxe version of his latest album 'I Grow Tired But I Dare Not Fall Asleep'.
Chika has released new single 'FWB'. She is set to release the follow-up to her 2020 album 'Industry Problems' early next year.
Jon Hopkins has released a cover of Thom Yorke's 'Dawn Chorus'. "I felt such bliss the first time I heard this piece - it seemed so mysterious and hypnotic, oblique but warm", says Hopkins. "I thought there was so much beauty in that chord sequence that there was room to explore it on the piano and see what grew from it".
My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero has released a new song 'Sewerwolf', with his band Frank Iero And The Future Violents.
Matt Sweeney and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy have released the video for their recent single 'Make Worry For Me'.
Attawalpa has released a Wolf Alice remix of his latest single 'Done Hanging On'. Wolf Alice's Joel Amey (who did the actual remixing) says: "Me and Luis have been old souls together for many years now, but this is the first time we've collaborated! I loved the song and the melodies as soon as I heard it and it was a pleasure to work on something like this during such a wild year".
Buscabulla has released the video for new single 'Ti Que Tiembla', along with a new remix of the track by Empress Of.
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GIGS & TOURS
Riz Ahmed has announced that he will perform his 'The Long Goodbye' album in full on a livestream on 19 Dec. Tickets here.
Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.
Taylor Swift releases her second surprise album of 2020
Taylor Swift has already released a surprise album this year, made a film about that album, and embarked on a project to record new versions of her first six albums. What else could she have time for? Well, how about recording and releasing another surprise album? Huh? Huh? How about that? Because that's only what she's gone and done.
Described as a "sister" record to her 'Folklore' album, which was released in July, 'Evermore' features collaborations with Aaron Dessner, Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, Jack Antonoff, and her boyfriend Joe Alwyn (who she recently confirmed is the William Bowery who had songwriting credits on 'Folklore'), as well as Haim and Dessner's National bandmate Matt Berninger.
Announcing the album on Instagram yesterday, Swift wrote: "To put it plainly, we just couldn't stop writing songs. To try and put it more poetically, it feels like we were standing on the edge of the folklorian woods and had a choice: to turn and go back or to travel further into the forest of this music. We chose to wander deeper in".
"I've never done this before", she went on. "In the past I've always treated albums as one-off eras and moved onto planning the next one after an album was released. There was something different with 'Folklore'. In making it, I felt less like I was departing and more like I was returning".
"I loved the escapism I found in these imaginary/not imaginary tales", she added. "I loved the ways you welcomed the dreamscapes and tragedies and epic tales of love lost and found into your lives. So I just kept writing them".
The album is out now, and you can watch the video for first single, 'Willow', here.
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CMU helps people to navigate and understand the music business. We do this through our media, our training and our research, and at a range of music industry events. CMU Daily covers all the latest news and developments direct by email. Setlist is a weekly podcast dissecting the biggest music business stories. CMU Premium gives you access to the CMU Digest and CMU Trends. CMU Insights is our music business consultancy: supporting the industry. CMU:DIY is our future talent programme: supporting new music talent. Pathways Into Music is our programme supporting music educators.
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