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ADVERT: MUSIC JOURNALISM COURSE National music journalist Lulu Le Vay (Guardian, Independent, Observer, i-D, Sleaze Nation, The Face, DJ magazine) opens up the workings of the music industry during this practical, fast-paced eight week evening course. As well as finding out how to unearth exclusive music stories, and write under pressure, you will develop interview and feature ideas which you will pitch to editors at our partner publications: Clash, Dummy, Resident Advisor and DJ Mag. Fun and interactive exercises will help you learn interview techniques, review and feature writing, and how to pitch your work. This course is suitable for those with little or no experience of journalism, but is also relevant to those already working in the media who want to develop new skills. A certificate from London Journalism Centre is awarded to students who successfully complete this course. Courses start 9 Apr and 18 Apr.For a full course description and how to book click here. |
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![]() ![]() US JUDGE RULES AGAINST REDIGI IN RESALE CASE As previously reported, ReDigi is a US-based digital start-up that enables users to resell their MP3 collections for profit. The service was controversial within record industry circles from its launch in 2011, with Capitol going legal in January 2012. The record industry claimed that ReDigi's platform enabled users to make copies of copyright material without licence, which constitutes infringement, and in doing so opened up the digital company itself for liability for that infringing activity. ReDigi countered that the resale of MP3s was no different to the resale of CDs, which is allowed in the US under a specific bit of law known as the 'first sale' doctrine. It added that ReDigi technology verified the authenticity of the MP3 for sale, and ensured that the original copy was deleted on the seller's devices, so that the sale of any one MP3 could only happen one time, and only one copy of the digital file would exist at the end of the transaction. Many record label insiders questioned the ability of the ReDigi platform to really ensure the original MP3 file was deleted after any sale, while Capitol's lawyers argued that was irrelevant anyway, because for the transaction to occur at all a mechanical copy of the original file would be made, and that required a licence under US copyright law. The first sale doctrine, they said, did not apply. And this weekend Sullivan concurred with that interpretation of American copyright law. The judge had initially denied Capitol's bid to secure a summary judgement on this case last year, saying that the intricacies of copyright law at play were too complicated to rule without a full hearing. The case properly reached court last October, with both sides presenting detailed arguments on which this weekend's ruling was based. In his judgement Sullivan specifically states that the fact that the original MP3 file is deleted in the ReDigi resale process is irrelevant, because unlicensed copying still takes place. He also specifically states that the first sale doctrine is not relevant (as well as noting that another recent headline-grabbing court case on that doctrine, Kirtsaeng v Wiley, which confirmed that it applied to products originally sold outside the US, made no difference here, because of the undeniable copying). According to Reuters, the judge writes: "ReDigi facilitates and profits from the sale of copyrighted commercial recordings, transferred in their entirety, with a likely detrimental impact on the primary market for these goods. It is beside the point that the original phonorecord no longer exists. It matters only that a new phonorecord has been created". Responding to the ruling last night, ReDigi confirmed its intent to appeal, while also stating that the judgement only applies to the first version of its technology, which has since been superseded by what the company calls ReDigi 2.0, which, it says, Sullivan specifically excluded from his judgement, adding that consideration of that software would require a second round of legal action. A spokesman told CMU: "We are disappointed in Judge Sullivan's ruling regarding ReDigi's 1.0 service technology. For those who are unaware, ReDigi 1.0 was the original beta launch technology, which has been superseded by ReDigi 2.0. The updated service incorporates patent pending 'Direct To Cloud Technology' and 'Atomic Transfer Technology' that the court stated are not affected by its recent ruling". It remains to be seen if Capitol launches new litigation regards the new technology in addition to fighting any appeal efforts by ReDigi. Noting the Kirtsaeng v Wiley case, ReDigi added: "The case has wide-ranging, disturbing implications that affect how we as a society will be able to use digital goods. The order is surprising in light of last month's United States Supreme Court decision in Kirtsaeng v Wiley, which reaffirmed the importance and applicability of the First Sale Doctrine in the United States Of America". Meanwhile, noting concurrent debate on this issue in the European Union, where ReDigi has plans to properly launch, the statement concluded: "Within the past year the European Court Of Justice has also favourably underscored the importance of the 'first sale' or the 'copyright exhaustion' doctrine and its direct application to digital transactions". As well as not commenting on ReDigi 2.0, Sullivan's statement did not rule on Capitol's separate claims of performance and display right infringement, nor offer any opinion on damages. Both sides were asked to respond to the ruling by 12 Apr. Capitol is expected to push for both damages and an injunction to force ReDigi to cease operating its resale website. As previously reported, the ReDigi ruling has impact beyond one digital start up, with Amazon known to have interests in joining the digital product resale market, and Apple also thought to be dabbling in this space. Both will have been reading Sullivan's ruling closely yesterday. -------------------------------------------------- PHIL RAMONE DIES Ramone won fourteen Grammys over his 50 year record industry career, working with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Paul Simon and Billy Joel along the way. Amongst those to pay tribute over the weekend was fellow studio veteran Quincy Jones, who had collaborated with Ramone over the years. He said: "There aren't enough words to express how heavy my heart is with the news of the passing of my dear friend and brother Phil Ramone. Phil was a collaborator in the studio and a friend in life for more than 50 years. I will miss him terribly". DEKE RICHARDS 1944-2013 Born Dennis Lussier in LA in 1944, Richards was the son of screenwriter Dane Lussier. In the 60s he performed as a guitarist with various bands before, in 1966, signing a deal with Motown as a songwriter and producer. Two years later he was teamed up with fellow songwriters R Dean Taylor, Frank Wilson and Pam Sawyer to write a song for The Supremes. At the time The Supremes had been struggling, but the song Richards, Taylor, Wilson and Sawyer came up with, 'Love Child', became their first number one. The songwriting partnership was formalised and the team were given the name The Clan. However, disputes over royalties brought The Clan to an abrupt end. Instead, Richards formed a new writing and production team in 1969 with Freddie Perren and Fonze Mizell, and later Motown boss Berry Gordy, going by the name The Corporation. The Corporation's breakthrough was 'I Want You Back', originally titled 'I Wanna Be Free', which had been intended for Gladys Knight And The Pips. However, when Richards saw the Jackson 5 perform live he decided he wanted to give it to them instead. He called Gordy to plead his case, but found Gordy had already had the same idea. The track became the Jacksons' first number one hit, and their next two number ones - 'ABC' and 'The Love You Save' - also came from the Corporation team. Richards also wrote on his own, his biggest success being another with Diana Ross, as post-Supremes solo singer, with 'I'm Still Waiting', a number one for her in 1970. Richards left Motown in 1975, and in recent years had concentrated on a business selling vintage movie posters, though he had been involved with a number of Motown reissue and compilation projects. Richards died at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham, Washington on 24 Mar. He is survived by his wife, Joan Lussier, and brother, Dane Lussier Jr. ANT & DEC GET EASTER NUMBER ONE As previously reported, the song was originally released in Ant and Dec's guise as PJ & Duncan (the characters they played in BBC children's series 'Byker Grove') back in 1994. It began to rise up the iTunes chart last week after the pair performed the song on their ITV show 'Saturday Night Takeaway' as the finale to a medley featuring the stars of ITV2 series 'The Big Reunion'. By midweek the duo had taken the lead in the chart race, and the telly duo announced they'd pass any royalties they earned onto Childline, of which they are patrons. In total the single shifted just under 84,000 copies in the last chart week - 64% of the number the track sold in its previous nineteen years in existence. Pink, meanwhile, sold around 80,000 copies of her new single 'Just Give Me A Reason'. After receiving confirmation on Sunday that the song was indeed number one, Ant told the Official Charts Company: "Wow. This week has been crazy! We never expected such an amazing reaction to us performing the song on the show. To be number one in the Official Charts is just unbelievable!" Dec added: "To get a number one single with this song nineteen years later is very surreal, but we're genuinely chuffed! Thank you to everyone that has bought the single, as you are helping Childline, a charity that we are very passionate about". ![]() ![]() BLUE CUT BIG REUNION LIVE DATES A press rep for Lee, Duncan, Simon et al - who arrived late to the 'Big Reunion' party, by strange coincidence only after it proved popular - claims the pop quartet are "unable to appear at the remaining dates because of prior commitments", primarily the headline tour they're taking in September. The 'Big Reunion' dates, by the way, are all in May. An informant "close to the lads" says to The Sun: "The boys were happy to appear in the show but there is a feeling they are too successful to be tagging along with the other bands. ITV weren't best pleased. Their priority is 'The Big Reunion' and they think Blue's priority is Blue". Blue, and gatecrashing parties. BMG SIGNS SOUNDGARDEN Confirming the deal, BMG Chrysalis's US Creative Director Jill Pedone told CMU: "Soundgarden have earned their place in music history as innovators of the rock genre. We are thrilled to be working with the band during their pivotal re-emergence and their catalogue that has changed the face of rock music". Meanwhile the music rights firm's EVP of Creative & Business Development Richard Blackstone added: "We are so very proud to be representing the entire body of work from this seminal band. We are honoured that they have chosen BMG to be the new home for their music, both old and new". SAWHNEY TO RECORD DIRECT TO DISC THIS WEEKEND The special recording - the first direct-to-disc session for 35 years, Metropolis reckons - will then be made available via a special box set release in June, ahead of the release of Sawhney's tenth studio album later this year. Speaking to CMU about how the project came about, Sawhney explained: "The idea came from a conversation I had with Metropolis head Ian Brenchley, and we cooked up the project over a coffee. It occurred to me that I'll be recording my tenth studio album later this year, and have been touring the world for what sometimes seems like thousands of years now, and yet I've never done a live or 'best of' record". He continued: "Ian and I discussed how we might do something extra special instead of the customary live album. And the idea of staging a performance from my band at Metropolis Studios and cutting it live to vinyl for a special boxset felt like an appropriate way to mark the upcoming ten album milestone". You can read the full interview with Sawhney about the direct-to-disc venture and his new album proper on theCMUwebsite.com later this week. YOUTH LAGOON ANNOUNCES LIVE DATES And the pre-festival dates are: 15 Jul: Leeds, Brudenell Social Club And this? This is Powers doing 'Wondrous...' track 'Dropla', live in session for Pitchfork. NEW MCGEE-BACKED TOKYO MUSIC FESTIVAL CANCELLED The event was being staged by a local promoter called Takashi Yano, but won worldwide attention thanks to the involvement of a certain Alan McGee who put together a line-up which included Creation alumni Primal Scream and My Bloody Valentine, alongside other Western acts like Blur, Carl Barat and The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Milking the McGee connection (especially after the one time Creation chief announced that his involvement in the festival had left him plotting a full-on return to the music business), Tokyo Rocks was promoted heavily to a UK and European audience. But this weekend the whole show was called off, with an official statement, available in Japanese only, citing "management problems". What exactly those problems were is not currently known, though some have speculated that poor ticket sales or other financial issues may have had an impact. Meanwhile some in the Japanese music industry say the collapse of the event doesn't come as a surprise to them, they having raised concerns about Yano's ability to stage a festival of this size when it was first announced last year. It's not clear what impact the cancellation will have on the Western acts booked to play. Yano did reportedly boast on Facebook recently that his headline acts had been paid upfront in full, which was an odd update for a festival promoter to provide his ticket buyers, but typical of the Tokyo Rocks man's social media ramblings, it seems. If true, that means the bigger names on the line-up will be unaffected financially, though smaller acts, service providers and backers could lose out. And while ticket refunds are promised (or, if they fail to materialise, may be accessible via credit card companies), those aforementioned Western music fans who made arrangements to travel to Japan for the event will still be out of pocket. As yet McGee hasn't commented on the cancellation. It will be interesting to see what effect the latest development has on the Creation man's relationship with Yano, and his plans to relaunch Creation. ------------------------------------------------- FESTIVAL LINE-UP UPDATE: LOVEBOX, BONOBO ALL-DAYER, BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR AND MORE Talking of love, you'll really adore the way Croatia's Dimensions is shaping up. Its new acts - several of whom are, by name, Mount Kimbie, Gilles Peterson, Brandt Bauer Frick, Blawan, Andreya Triana and Evian Christ - align with Model 500, Theo Parrish, Moodyman, Dave Clarke, Daphni, Tony Allen, Mala In Cuba, Derrick May and Pantha Du Prince, making for a rather appealing guestlist, if you like that kind of thing. Those that do will probably also be pleased that Bonobo has arranged an all-day live special to celebrate the fact that he has a new LP, 'The North Borders', to release. So that's nice of him, isn't it? Staged at London's Roundhouse, the Bonobian bash will co-star The Invisible, Letherette, Bullion, Illum Sphere, Dawud and Adam Buxton, who'll be presenting a Ninja Tune-themed edition of his BUG video show. And with that, I'll hand over to the following festivals to share details of their new artist add-ons: BINGLEY MUSIC LIVE, Myrtle Park, Bingley, 30 Aug - 1 Sep: Primal Scream, The Cribs, The Wonder Stuff, Natasha Haws, Rose And The Howling North, Holy Moly And The Crackers. www.bingleymusiclive.com BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR, Catton Hall, Walton-on-Trent, South Derbyshire, 8-11 Aug: Rezinwolf, Prosperina, Mask Of Judas, Bound By Exile, XII Boar, Kremated, The Infernal Sea, Fury. www.bloodstockuk.com BOARDMASTERS, Watergate Bay, Cornwall, 7-11 Aug: Benga, Redlight, Fenech Soler, Mallory Knox, Swim Deep, Marc O'Reilly, Hawk Eyes, Nina Nesbitt, The Struts, Dexters, Tall Ships, Roo Panes, Joel Baker, Lily & Meg, Wet Nuns, The PJP Band, The Dedicated Nothing, India Bourne, The Physics House Band, Submental, Jello, Snatch The Wax, Brother & Bones. www.boardmasters.co.uk BONOBO ALL-DAYER, The Roundhouse, London, 18 May: Bonobo, Gilles Peterson, The Invisible, Lukid, Letherette, Bullion, Illum Sphere, Dauwd, Blue Daisy, 14th, Solid Steel Radio Broadcast. http://www.roundhouse.org.uk/whats-on/productions/bonobo-0 BUSHSTOCK, various venues, Shepherds Bush, London, 1 Jun: Post War Years, Marika Hackman, Willy Mason, Theme Park, Serafina Steer, Rosie Carney, Pixel Fix, Kimberly Anne, Sivu, Story Books, Jamie Parisio, George Ezra, Fyfe, Ethan Johns, Duologue, Bears Den, As Elephants Are, Young War, Annie Eve. www.bushstock.co.uk DIMENSIONS, Fort Punta Christo, Croatia, 5-9 Sep: Mount Kimbie, Gilles Peterson, Brandt Brauer Frick, Skudge, Martyn, Petar Dundov, Zed Bias, King Midas Sound, Blawan, Andreya Triana, Space Dimension Controller, Evian Christ, Dark Sky, Ilija Rudman, fLako, Ossie, Krystal Klear, Funkineven, Locked Groove, Ron Morelli, Anthony Naples, Kutmah, Illum Sphere, Kidkanevil, Wbeeza, Call Super, Tall Black Guy, Locked Groove, Loxy, Truss, Yosi Horikawa, Jackson Blumenthal, Pedestrian, Guy Andrews, Barker, Eddy Ramich , Hiatus & Shura, Alex Coulton, Ant TC1, LX One, Chris Farrell, Werkha, Bearcubs, Pale, T-Man/ Homeboy, Jon K, Jonny Dub, SP: MC, Eton Messy DJs, CFSN DJs, Sergej Snooze, Arszenik, Bebetto, Voyeur, Pytzek, Mislav, Iggy Dub, Zero, Mimi, Labud, Ganik, Novell, Franic Mario, Rich Reason. www.dimensionsfestival.com LOVEBOX, Victoria Park, London, 19-21 Jul: Flying Lotus, Julio Bashmore, Gaslamp Killer, Disclosure, Annie Mac, Mark Ronson, SBTRKT, A-Trak, Purity Ring, John Talabot, Factory Floor, Gold Panda, Redlight, Duke Dumont, Netsky, High Contrast, Danny Byrd, Camo & Crooked, Paul Kalkbrenner, Zebra Katz, Miss Kittin, London Elektricity, SPY, Nu Logic, Fred V & Grafix, Metrik, Benoit & Sergio, David Rodigan, Jazzie B, Le Carousel, Toddla T Sound, Dolan Bergin, Lulu James, Monki & Mele, DJ Harvey, Eric Duncan, Prins Thomas, Force Of Nature, Idjut Boys, Paul T, Dre Skull, Artwork, Iration Steppas, Venum Sound, Jamie Jones, Art Department, Lee Foss, Infinity Ink, Subb Ann, Richy Ahmed, PBR Streetgang, Heidi, Solomun, Derrick Carter, Bicep, Kim Ann Foxman, Krankbrother, Frankie Knuckles. mamacolive.com/lovebox LOVE SUPREME JAZZ FESTIVAL, Glynde Place, East Sussex, 5-7 Jul: Melody Gardot, Esperanza Spalding, Andreya Triana, Zara McFarlane Brand New Heavies, The Soul Rebels, Josephine, Gwyneth Herbert, Lucinda Belle Orchestra, Three Trapped Tigers, Kairos 4Tet, Matthew Lee. www.lovesupremefestival.com MONEGROS, Fraga, Spain, 20-21 Jul: Underworld, Public Enemy, Richie Hawtin, Vitalic, Feed Me. www.monegrosfestival.com WARNER CEO TO CHAIR BRITS COMMITTEE Confirming his appointment, Tattersfield told reporters: "To lead the BRITs committee would be an honour at any time, but I feel especially fortunate to take the reins at a point where British artists are enjoying such incredible success, both at home and around the world. I am indebted to David for leaving the show in such fantastic shape and look forward to working with the Committee to find new opportunities to showcase the talent, creativity and originality that makes the UK music scene great". Meanwhile Tony Wadsworth, Chair of BRITs owners the BPI, said: "David's contribution to the BRITs has been immense. The show has seen some major changes under his confident leadership, including a move to the O2 and a renewed focus on putting artists and performances at the heart of the ceremony. We are equally excited to see what Christian will do as Chairman. His involvement on the committee in recent years has been vital to the ongoing successes and modernisation of The BRITs". -------------------------------------------------- CODA APPOINTS NEW MD Confirming her new job, Horseman told CMU: "I am delighted to be joining the team at Coda Music Agency, who are one of the most exciting and forward thinking companies in the music industry today. I am really looking forward to being part of an amazing and dynamic team of people and working alongside the partners to further develop and enhance their long-term strategy". Meanwhile Coda Partner Rob Challice added: "With Coda Music Agency experiencing significant growth in recent times the need to have someone coordinating our operations and overseeing and implanting future strategy has become an imperative. Claire joins us with a wealth of experience behind her and a great track record of overseeing success. She is perfectly placed to help our company continue on our upward trajectory". -------------------------------------------------- UNIVERSAL APPOINTS NEW GLOBAL COMMS CHIEF Confirming the new appointment, Grainge told CMU: "Will is widely recognised for having been a trusted strategic advisor to many CEOs in the media industry. He has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges related to the intersection of entertainment and technology, and as such, joins UMG at an important time in the evolution of our company. I'm looking forward to working closely with Will as we continue to lead the industry's transformation and strengthen UMG's standing as the most dynamic and innovative home for the world's greatest recording artists and songwriters". NEW ROCK-FOCUSED MEDIA FIRM BUYS CLASSIC ROCK AND METAL HAMMER The new company, called TeamRock, also involves Billy Anderson, the former GMG Radio exec who was at one point linked to a plan to take one of that company's rock stations into independent ownership. The new venture, which says it will have other announcements to make soon, has backing from Harwood Private Equity. Confirming his new venture's first acquisition, which also includes the two titles' spin-off award events, Myers told The Guardian: "This is a great business and is the first building block of our wider ambitions. We expect to announce further developments within the next day or so". Meanwhile the CEO of Future, Mark Wood, added: "Classic Rock and Metal Hammer are highly successful and well-managed parts of Future, but they have not been centre stage in our current growth strategy. They are great brands with a great team and I am confident they will continue to flourish under new investment from TeamRock". -------------------------------------------------- THE FLY TO RELAUNCH AT GREAT ESCAPE Commenting on the planned revamp, which will coincide with The Fly's 160th edition, the magazine's editor JJ Dunning told CMU: "We're excited to unveil our first new look issue. Thanks to our staff photographer Tom Oldham - who has shot global icons like Lady Gaga and Usain Bolt - and unflappable designer Russ Moorcroft - whose day job is on the ever-ace Mojo - The Fly has long carried some of the best portraiture and design you'll find in any music magazine. Meanwhile our team of writers is of an equally high calibre, they also contributing to NME, Q, The Guardian, Dazed, Beat, and The Quietus; and now we've got the paper quality to reflect the standard of our content". To promote the new look, the May edition of The Fly will be available to pick up at wristband exchange at TGE, as well as at the venue hosting the magazine's stage at this year's event. -------------------------------------------------- TIM MINCHIN TO HOST BOWIE RADIO SHOW The three-part series, which starts on 7 Apr and capitalises on the singer's recent surprise comeback, will look at Bowie's early years; the golden 1970s-80s era; and present day. Says an enthusiastic Tim Minchin: "David Bowie is a master of re-invention, one of the most iconic musicians of all time and a hero of mine. His story has been told before, but never like this". ![]() ![]() NOW BIEBER IS BANNED FROM VIENNA NIGHTCLUB According to the Austrian Times, security working for the pop teen smashed cameras and phones belonging to fans as they tried to snap the Bieber in the Passage nightclub. A spokesman for the venue told the paper that "Justin Bieber is no longer welcome here". Reps for the singer are yet to comment on the latest mini-scandal to have erupted as Bieber conducts his European tour. His antics were very closely documented while the singer was in the UK recently, while reports also suggested a run in with hotel bosses in Paris. And after a brief return to the US (where he had a noisy squabble with a neighbour) the star reportedly had a run in with customs officials in Germany last week for trying to bring his - wait for it - pet monkey into the country on his private jet without the right paperwork. |
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