Australian government considering three-strikes and web-blocking
Australia could be the next country to introduce a three-strikes or web-blocking system for combating online piracy, the nation's Attorney-General George Brandis told a meeting of the Australian Digital Alliance on Friday.

As much previously reported, various countries around the world have introduced new laws to help the content industries try and fight online piracy, the two most favoured systems being three-strikes or web-blocking.

The former, often officially known as the 'graduated-response system', forces internet service providers to send warning letters to suspected file-sharers, threatening some kind of sanction if they continue to infringe. The latter introduces a process by which rights owners can request ISPs block access to certain piracy-enabling websites.

New Zealand and France are amongst the countries to have introduced a statutory three-strikes system, while new copyright laws in Spain went the web-blocking route. In the UK, parliament opted for a three-strikes scenario in 2010, but has done nothing to enact the process since, while the courts have enabled rights owners to exercise web-blocks.

Both systems could be on the agenda in Australia. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Brandis told the ADA: "The government will be considering possible mechanisms to provide a legal incentive for an internet service provider to cooperate with copyright owners in preventing infringement on their systems and networks".

He went on: "This may include looking carefully at the merits of a scheme whereby ISPs are required to issue graduated warnings to consumers who are using websites to facilitate piracy. This is a complex reform proposal, and how it is paid for is one of the principal unresolved issues. Another option that some stakeholders have raised with me is to provide the federal court with explicit powers to provide for third party injunctions against ISPs, which will ultimately require ISPs to take down websites hosting infringing content".

Of course both three-strikes and web-blocking are controversial measures, and detractors of both claim that the anti-piracy systems are ineffective in combating the distribution of unlicensed content online. Across the board, research into anti-piracy methods is rarely conclusive, though three-strikes is labour intensive and it's debatable whether it actually provides a decent return on investment. Web-blocking has potential, though its impact remains limited while search engines provide easy access to proxies circumventing the blockades, something the rights owners are currently trying to tackle.

Brandis insisted he'd prefer voluntary agreements between the content companies and net firms, though in most cases that hasn't been achieved, except where the ISPs have vested interests, ie are also in the video-on-demand business. If voluntary agreements can't be reached, Brandis indicated that he'd be on the side of the copyright owners, concluding: "I firmly believe the fundamental principles of copyright law, the protection of rights of creators and owners, did not change with the advent of the internet and they will not change with the invention of new technologies".

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Roundhouse Rising this week, including CMU:DIY day
The Roundhouse Rising festival takes place this week at the legendary London venue, and as previously reported that includes the latest CMU:DIY day, taking place on Sunday (23 Feb).

Hosted by CMU Business Editor Chris Cooke, this day will explain how the business side of an artist's career works, and crucially how acts can turn their content, performance and 'fan relationship' into revenue. The second half of the day will look at how new artists connect with music companies, what role the label plays, and how deals are done.

A stack of great artists and industry experts will be on hand to share their advice and experience, including DIY acts Gabby Young, Laura Kidd and MJ Hibbett plus artist manager James Barton, music lawyer Adam Brown, Music Glue's Mark Meharry, Sony Music's Fred Bolza, [PIAS]'s Pip Newby and Alcopop!'s Jack Pop.

Full info of the day is online here, while tickets can be booked here.

Fishbone man faces mega damages bill over stagedive
In what may go down as the most expensive stagedive in history, the frontman of American alt-rock band Fishbone is facing a damages bill in the region of $1.37 million after injuring an audience member in a mid-show leap from the stage.

The gig in question took place in February 2010 at the World Live Cafe in Philadelphia. Kimberly Myers was knocked to the ground after Fishbone vocalist Angelo Moore performed his customary stagedive, she suffering a skull fracture in the fall.

Myers sued the show's promoter and the band's management in 2010, reaching settlements with both, but began new legal proceedings against the band in 2012 for negligence. And it's that round of litigation that has resulted in the mega-damages.

Moore failed to respond to the 2012 lawsuit, which in no small part contributed to the harsh judgement against him. Judge Jan DuBois based his ruling on the matter on a deposition the Fishbone man gave as part of the 2010 legal action, relying on comments that arguably portrayed Moore in a bad light when he wasn't able to specifically respond or clarify.

In that deposition, Moore admitted that he routinely leaps into his audience during his gigs without warning, arguing that alerting audience members to his intent "gives away the whole theatrics or the spontaneity". He also apparently admitted that audience injuries were not uncommon, but when asked about the risks of stagediving he cited the danger that he might hit the floor, and that lawsuit "predators" might come after you.

In the same deposition, Moore was also asked if he had taken any illegal substances prior to the 2010 show. The frontman pleaded the fifth amendment and refused to answer the question, which DuBois interpreted as an indication drugs may have been involved.

In deciding damages in the default judgement against Moore, the judge noted the claimant's $15,846 in medical expenses to date and possible future medical costs of $351,299. But more than that DuBois said it was appropriate to add non-economic damages for Myers' future pain and suffering, embarrassment and humiliation, loss of the ability to enjoy the pleasures of life and disfigurement.

Moreover, DuBois said that it was Moore personally who acted negligently at the 2010 show, and therefore it was he who should pay the penalties now. The judge ruled: "Moore, who refused to answer questions at his deposition regarding his use of illicit drugs on the date of the incident in question, intentionally dove from an elevated stage despite knowing that stagediving in and of itself poses a serious risk of harm to audience members. Further, Moore exhibits little remorse or impetus to change his conduct".

The band's reps are yet to respond. It remains to be seen if the massive payout leads to attorneys advising other American bands against the traditional stagedive.

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Two thirds of Europeans routinely access free movie sources online
A new study by the European Commission reckons that 70% of Europeans are regularly downloading and streaming film content for free on the net.

And while the survey of 4608 consumers did not specifically ask about the accessing of movies from unlicensed sources - so that films legitimately available via YouTube or TV catch up services like iPlayer would be counted in these figures - given the study focused exclusively on movie content, much of which isn't routinely available free-to-access online, it seems fair to assume much of this downloading and streaming is from non-legit sources.

The survey focused on ten EU countries, including the UK, and questioned viewers aged 4-50 (yes four years old, presumably their viewing habits were described by parents) on how they consumed movies, including at cinemas, on DVD, on TV and online. Overall 97% of those surveyed said they watched films at least occasionally, and 68% said they accessed free movie content online, 34% on a weekly basis.

Assuming a sizable portion of the free online viewing is from illegal sources, perhaps most interesting are the reasons given by respondents for accessing such content, with said reasons similar to those in surveys that ask the same question of people who access music from unlicensed online sources, especially the ones relating to cost.

The report says: "The high cost of cinema or legal platforms is a key motivation for free downloading and streaming. 50% of respondents admit streaming and downloading films online for free because 'cinema tickets, video-on-demand and DVD are expensive and they can't afford them for all the films they want to see' and 37% think 'some films are interesting but not worth paying for the cinema experience'".

It goes on: "Other reasons for streaming and downloading films for free include ease of access (31% of downloaders consider that 'many films are available online and don't see the point in paying'), lack of availability (30% say that 'many films they want to see are not available in their country' and 27% that 'many films they want to see are too slow to come to their country') and missed opportunities (28% say that 'they didn't go when the film was on the cinema and they can't wait for it to be available on DVD or on TV' and 23% say they 'don't have time to go to the cinema')".

The full report is online here.

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Court reissues Conrad Murray's appeal rejection
A Californian court last week reissued its judgement denying Conrad Murray a retrial over his involuntary manslaughter conviction in relation to the 2009 death of Michael Jackson.

As much previously reported, Murray was jailed for causing the late king of pop's premature demise by providing negligent treatment as the singer's personal medic. The doctor continues to maintain he was not responsible for his former patient's death and has been trying to appeal the 2011 judgement against him.

An appeal court refused to hear the case last month, ruling that Murray's "callous disregard for Mr Jackson's health and safety was shown throughout the [original] trial". Legal reps for the doc asked for that judgement to be republished to correct clerical and grammatical errors that appeared in the original document.

With that done, Murray's legal team now plan to file a further appeal, this time to the California Supreme Court.

Warner/Chappell signs Banks
American R&B singer Banks, real name Jillian Banks, has signed an international deal with Warner Music's publishing wing, Warner/Chappell.

Having released a pair of EPs in 'London' and 'Fall Over' in 2013, Banks will cash in her first LP later this year via Harvest Records, part of Universal's Capitol Music Group. Reacting to her new publishing deal, she says: "The second I met the Warner/Chappell team I knew they would be my family".

Jon Platt, President of Warner/Chappell in North America, adds: "Banks has written some of the most stunning and emotionally gripping music we've heard in some time and her reputation is quickly spreading because of that songwriting. She has a long and exciting career of ahead of her, and we look forward to helping her achieve her goals and vision".

Hear that vision, if that's possible, via Banks' new single 'Brain', which will sit amid the TBA longplayer.

Heston Blumenthal invests in new indie label Ecco Recordings
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has invested in a new indie label and artist management firm called Ecco Recordings, which is raising investment via crowdfunding website Crowdcube (a more conventional crowdsourcing site whereby investors get equity in the business). Blumenthal is apparently a fan of the company's first signing, These Reigning Days.

How much Blumenthal has put in isn't know, though the label has stated that the largest single investment it has received so far is £15,000. The company has until the end of this week to raise £90,000, in exchange for 12.5% of equity.

Says Blumenthal: "I have added my investment to Ecco's pitch because I love These Reigning Days' music and I am a great fan of the band having seen them play and met them on tour in the Alps. I believe they have a really exciting future and I will be meeting with them in the next week to explore ways in which we can work together in the future".

Ecco founder Sarah Woodward, who also runs "historical string label" Biddulph Recordings, said last week: "We've been overwhelmed with the support we've received since launching our crowd funding campaign. With ten days left and having reached over 50% already, we're very hopeful that we will reach our target. Heston joining our investment team was a fantastic surprise and we're incredibly thankful for his, and all the other investors' support".

Have a look at the campaign page here.

With celebrities investing in new bands, I hope you're all very proud of me for writing this whole article without mentioning Hamfatter even once.

Kickstarter service hacked
Crowdfunding website Kickstarter, which has been used by numerous musicians looking to fan-fund projects, especially in the US, has admitted that its server was hacked last week and that hackers managed to nab a lot of customer data, though not credit card information.

Admitting the hack in a blog post, Kickstarter CEO Yancey Strickler wrote: "We're incredibly sorry that this happened. We set a very high bar for how we serve our community, and this incident is frustrating and upsetting. We have since improved our security procedures and systems in numerous ways. [But] as a precaution, we strongly recommend that you create a new password for your Kickstarter account, and other accounts where you use this password".

Strickler added that the firm's investigation suggested that unauthorised activity had only occurred on two Kickstarter accounts during the hack, but that username and contact information data had also been taken. Nabbed passwords were encrypted, but Strickler said his company was advising users to alter their passwords anyway, in case the hackers manage to crack the encryption.

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HMV download app coming to BlackBerrys
HMV is bringing its newish download store to the BlackBerry, according to the CrackBerry website, so that music fans using devices running the BlackBerry 10 system (anyone?) will be able to buy tracks from the retailer via a bespoke app, and utilise the sound and artwork recognition thingimys that sit on the front of the retailer's proprietary mobile application.

HMV's new owners launched the retailer's latest attempt at digital last October with a bespoke app for both Apple and Android devices, though the iOS app immediately caused problems because it violated Apple's rules, and various bits of functionality subsequently had to be removed.

There should be no such problems with the BlackBerry app. 7Digital, which actually powers HMV's download platform, has a long relationship with the flagging phone maker. No launch date for the BlackBerry app is yet known, but it's probably imminent.

Giorgio Moroder to work with Lana Del Rey?
Italo-disco innovator Giorgio Moroder has hinted at a collaboration with "a great singer" who might be (basically is) Lana Del Rey, also confirming he's done a "little bit" of work with David Guetta.

As to whom the "great singer" is (it's Lana Del Rey), Gio revealed in an um, 'unrehearsed' chat with Digital Spy: "I cannot mention the name now because the contracts are not signed, but I'm going to work in the next few days with a very great singer. A great singer. And if you call me in a few weeks I might be able to tell you what it is! It's one of my all time favourite singers".

When DS asked if the singer was, by any chance, Lana, he said: "I don't know? Did you read something about that? Well... I have a few singers I'm planning to work with. In fact, I started to work a little bit with David Guetta".

David Guetta is not a singer. But anyway, still skirting the LDR topic, and in so doing kind of confirming the collab at the same time, he added: "So... do you know? It's difficult to answer the rumours, but... maybe. Maybe. I don't know".

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Lydon to publish second autobiography
John Lydon is to write a second volume of his autobiography, it has been announced. The book, being written with music journalist Andrew Perry, will be published by Simon & Schuster in October.

Lydon explained: "This book is basically about the life of a serious risk-taker. I make things safe for other people to follow on in my wake. I'm a stand-up-and-be-counted fella - but that's in a world where nobody seems to be able to count".

S&S Senior Non-fiction Commissioning Editor Kerri Sharp added: "Since the mid-1970s [Lydon] has consistently inspired both musically and politically. My life changed when I saw the Sex Pistols in 1977 and to publish John's book is a dream come true. This will be a lively, rock n roll ripping yarn full of opinion and surprises whilst also being a thoughtful and mature look back at one of history's most extraordinary lives".

Lydon's first autobiography, 'Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs', was published by Plexus Publishing in 1993.

Release round-up: Thurston Moore, Squarepusher, Karin Park and a weird Ariel Pink thing
Thurston Moore has confirmed his second solo LP is 'on', so that's nice. He appears to be spearheading it with a new single titled 'Heavenmental', which if its title looks familiar, it's because it was first released on Moore's non-solo band Chelsea Light Moving's eponymous album of 2013. Which is a bit awkward, since he's now billing it as a solo track. Though hopefully CLM are okay with it. But who knows? Thurston doesn't care either way, because here is his new and not at all pre-existing 'solo' song 'Heavenmental'!

Also, Squarepusher has made an AI EP with some actual robots. Created by a team of roboticists in Japan, the trio of bots, or "music-performing systems", or Z Machines, are programmed to function as self-playing guitars and a drum kit, only with different capabilities to those of a human musician. So for instance, says Squarepusher (real name Tom Jenkinson): "The robot guitar player can play much faster than a human ever could, but there is no amplitude control".

He explains: "In this project the main question I've tried to answer is 'can these robots play music that is emotionally engaging?' I have long admired the player piano works of Conlon Nancarrow and Gyorgy Ligeti. Part of the appeal of that music has to do with hearing a familiar instrument being 'played' in an unfamiliar fashion. For me there has always been something fascinating about the encounter of the unfamiliar with the familiar".

Cool. Square and the Z Machines' first collaboration, a five track set, will be released via Warp in April. In the mean time here's a relevant clip.

Shamanic pop artist Karin Park, from Scandanavian climes, has shared a standalone (so far, anyway) track titled 'Shine'. The first sign of life from Park's camp since her last LP, 'Highwire Poetry', she'll release it as a single in seven days time (on 24 Feb), beside remixes by Let The Machines Do The Work, Lovegrove and Hannah Wants & Chris Lorenzo. Preview it here.

And finally, a weird Ariel Pink thing. It's really a single, titled 'Lana Del Rey', by apparently real-life 'rapper' Jerry James. Pink (again, 'apparently') is behind the beat via Raw Deal, his and Charli XCX collaborator Justin Raisen's hit-making team. Pink appears in the single's official clip in a wig and cap. It's all pretty strange. And here he is.

Festival line-up update: Rock Werchter, Wychwood, Sunsplash and more
Hello, I'll keep this short and sweet. Look on for new consignments to listings at the following festivals...

FIELD DAY, Victoria Park, London, 7-8 Jun: Slasher Flicks. www.fielddayfestivals.com

NORTH NIBLEY MUSIC FESTIVAL, North Nibley Cricket Ground, 5 Jul: Turin Brakes, Missing Andy, Laid Blak, Skinny Lister, Emily Barker And The Red Clay Halo, Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun, Adam Isaac, Left Step Band, John And Wayne, Sam Eason, The Longest Johns. nibleyfestival.co.uk

ROCK WERCHTER, Leaven, Rotselaar, Belgium, 3-6 Jul: Interpol, Foster The People, Angus & Julia Stone, George Ezra, The Strypes, Trixie Whitley. www.rockwerchter.be

SUNSPLASH, Aspat beach, Bodrum, Turkey, 1-8 Jun: Zara McFarlane, Osunlade, Gilles Peterson, Karizma, Phil Asher, Rainer Trueby, Patrick Forge, Alex Attias, Lefto, Kev Beadle, Mighty Zaf, Ruben Estevez, Ahu, Kaan Duzarat, Djsoulprovyder, Cegiz Ulusahin, Ertan Kurt, Yek. sunsplash-festival.com

TILL DEATH DOOM US PART, Lakota, Bristol, 1 Jun: Alunah, Primitive Graven Image, WAKO, Ctulu, Cruelty Circuit, Fever Sea, Cryptophile, Sodomized Cadaver, Engraved Disillusion, Furyborn, Xerxes, Sephulchre, Baron Greenback, Alien Stash Tin, Edenfall, GringoValfader, Lord Misery, Bloodlung, Greenhorn, Caravan Of Whores. www.tilldeathdoomuspartfestival.co.uk

WYCHWOOD, Cheltenham Racecourse, 10 May - 1 Jun: The Stranglers, Wolf Alice, Thrill Collins, Graham Gouldman's Heart Full Of Songs, Bad Manngers, The Gaslight Troubadours, Benin City, Pixel Fix, Racing Glaciers. www.wychwoodfestival.com

MPG gives out annual Awards
The Music Producers Guild presented its pet awards, the members-decided MPGs, last week, and gee whiz, and I'm not lying when I say this; it was exciting.

The evening's main highlights were the giving of 2014's first BRIT, aka the BRITs-backed Producer(s) Of The Year title, which went to Mark 'Flood' Ellis and Alan Moulder for their work on Foals' 'Holy Fire', which of course also won Album Of The Year.

That, and Trevor Horn delivering a live set, and being presented, deservingly, with this year's Outstanding Contribution prize.

Steve Levine, Chairman of the Music Producers Guild, says: "Our winners highlight the creativity that is inherent in UK music production, and when you look at the amazing work these recording professionals have done in the past twelve months it is no surprise that Britain's recording talent remains the envy of the rest of the world".

The full winners list is thus:

Producers Of The Year: Flood (Mark Ellis) & Alan Moulder

Recording Engineer Of The Year: Guy Massey
Mix Engineer Of The Year: Mark 'Spike' Stent
Mastering Engineer Of The Year:John Dent
Remixer Of The Year: MJ Cole (Matthew Coleman)

International Producer Of The Year: Rick Rubin
Breakthrough Producer Of The Year: Disclosure (Guy Lawrence, Howard Lawrence)
Breakthrough Engineer Of The Year: Dan Cox

UK Album Of The Year: Foals - Holy Fire
UK Single Song Of The Year: Everything Everything - Kemosabe

Studio Of The Year: RAK Studios

The A&R Award: Jim Chancellor

The MPG Innovation Award: David Bowie
The MPG Inspiration Award: Nile Rodgers
Special Recognition Award: Sean Davies
The Outstanding Contribution To UK Music: Trevor Horn

Cliff hopes Morrissey will eat meat at New York show
Morrissey thinks Cliff Richard is as bad as a paedophile. Which is going to make their gig together at New York's Barclays Center in June a bit awkward.

Earlier this year, Morrissey said during a Q&A with fans on the True To You website: "I see no difference between eating animals and paedophilia. They are both rape, violence, murder. If I'm introduced to anyone who eats beings, I walk away".

But when asked by the BBC last week if he'd be going vegetarian for his show with the former Smiths man, Cliff responded: "Certainly not. No, of course not. I like to think [Morrissey] might eat some meat when I arrive, but I wouldn't expect him to. So I don't think he'd expect me to be vegetarian. If I found he was offended by people eating meat then I won't eat it in front of him. But I'll have a chicken curry afterwards".

Well, Cliff, you only need take a look at the paragraph above your own quote to see what the Mozmeister atually thinks. But, who knows, if anyone's going to win him round to the delights of chicken curry, it's going to be the Cliffinator.

Anyway, asked the other obvious question - Why? Why, Cliff? Why is this show with Morrissey even happening? - the eternal bachelor boy said: "I've only heard that he likes me. The words were 'he's a fan of yours' and that's enough for me to hear. It's a great honour for me to be asked by someone like him because no one would expect him to ask me, and that's what I like about it".

Well, let's just see if you remain on the bill after Morrissey gets wind of those chicken curry comments, eh? Tom Jones will also support the former Smiths frontman at a show in LA in May. Back in 2011, Jones revealed that he'd lost two stone by going on the 'caveman diet'. With that name, it probably goes without saying that it's not the most vegetarian of weight loss schemes.