MusicTank Newsletter - Feb 08

Have you noticed how vulnerable the music business is to spin?  A combination of glamour (= sells papers), fast moving technology (=plenty of room for confusion), a continuing stream of new start-ups (= need for investor confidence) and arguably the most complicated business in the world leaves a huge amount of space for misinformation and good old-fashioned cock-ups. 

It was summer of '06 when the front pages of the UK broadsheets broke SpiralFrog to the world, instantly creating an impressive ripple of global press and heralding the first false-start for the ad-funded download model. 

Fast forward 18 months to Midem '08 and another false start, even higher profile, for the feted launch of Qtrax.  The company announced agreements with all the majors for its new ad-supported P2P service, only for the majors to go on the record some hours later to explain that the deals had not actually been done. 

The music business rumour mill sprang into life following news of heavy futures trading on the Friday before the announcement, the implication being that a scam may have taken place.  This saw the company’s shares reach a high of over 9 cents, only to then plunge to 5 cents after the announcement.  While few will know what actually happened, sources indicate this may have simply been a cock-up on the announcement timings rather than a share-ramping conspiracy.

Oblique and misrepresentative press communiqués aren’t however confined solely to high profile events. Take Last.fm, the music streaming and recommendation service that tracks listening habits.  Judging by their recent press activity - a 23rd Jan announcement of a free on-demand streaming service, and a 7th Feb announcement of a deal with PPL for streaming  - you’d imagine they were the darlings of the UK music business.  But looking behind the headlines, the PPL deal just covers streaming in the UK.  The majors may have agreements for the rest of the world, but the indies don’t.  And the service is available in at least 12 different languages.

The same is true for their on-demand streaming service.  The company may have agreements in place with the majors and with some independent aggregators and distributors, yet few deals appear to have been struck with key UK independents, making their claim for deals with 150,000 labels seem disingenuous. 

It would be unfair to single out Last.fm, Qtrax or indeed SpiralFrog for spin - there are no doubt several examples.  And it would be naïve to expect all concerned to do their bit to avoid it, as there are often very large amounts of money at stake, with web 2.0 valuations occasionally notching $billions. 

The only solution is continuing vigilance - maintaining awareness both of the scope for confusion and the many motives for misrepresentation.  In the meantime, be prepared for more specious headlines as the intersection of music and technology becomes of increasing public and business interest.

Editorial by Sam Shemtob

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OUT & ABOUT: MusicTank events

JOE POX: Oasis

INDUSTRY DIARY: Other Music Industry Events

MUSICTANK LOUNGE: iLunch & Youth Music

MERRY-GO-ROUND: Industry announcements

WISE MONKEY: Online Fandom

Please remember all MusicTank events MUST be booked and paid for in advance!  Become a member of MusicTank and enjoy priviledged discounts on all MusicTank events...

http://www.musictank.co.uk/about/membership-benefits

18th Mar - TICKET TOUTING: GOING, GOING, GONE...?

For as long as there have been restrictions on how many people can enjoy popular public performances, there have been individuals looking to make a quick buck from the disparity between supply and demand. The advent of the internet has however made it easier than ever before for third parties to derive huge profits from the resale of popular concert tickets, with concerns regarding consumer protection and the need for industry remuneration placing this issue firmly on the agenda for ’08.

Arriving hot on the heels of the government’s forthcoming response to January’s select committee report, this think tank will explore the conflicting viewpoints of managers, resale agents, promoters and the general public, asking whether effective self-regulation is desirable or even plausible in the murky world of secondary ticketing?

SPEAKERS - Keynote: Marc Marot (Resale Rights Society/Terra Firma Artist Management); Panel incl: Eric Baker (Viagogo,com), John Whittingdale MP (DCMS Select Committee Chairman), others tbc.

DIARY - Date: Tue 18 Mar '08; Venue: MCPS-PRS Alliance, Berners Street, London; Time: 18.30 - 21.00hrs.

Price: £20 MusicTank Members | £25 Trade Body Discount | £30 Full Price.  Tickets include drinks.

More...

http://www.musictank.co.uk/events/ticket-touting-going-going-gone

Hello, we are living in Britain in 2008.  It is both spectacular and amazing.  We have everything at our fingertips and we are happily sailing onboard the HMS Unlimited Internet Access to discover brave new worlds, exciting new opportunities and pubs where you're still allowed to smoke indoors.  Despite the fact that The Future Itself is calling us, reassuring us that everything will be OK, there are still some parts of this country pining for a past that was merely a stepping stone to today; but they are seeing the past as the final destination and not a necessary (if unattractive) part of the journey.

This can be the only explanation for not just one but TWO Oasis albums topping a poll of HMV shoppers and Q readers (both themselves struggling to 'get' digital, it should be pointed out).  Nostalgia is the psoriasis of the modern age, but this voting of Oasis as having made the two greatest British albums of all time is a step (backwards) too far.  It's not just nostalgia for the mid-Nineties; it's nostalgia for two albums that were, themselves, nostalgic for an over-idealised Sixties utopia that the creators had no first-hand experience of and no credible frame of reference for.  They might as well have been nostalgic for the Crimean war.  Or having no opposable thumbs.  Oh, I forgot, it's Oasis we're talking about...

Maybe we're actually living out 2001: A Space Odyssey for real and we'll end up in some barren landscape as two monkey-humans hop around banging sticks against two giant monoliths with "Definitely Maybe" and "(What's The Story) Morning Glory?" written on them.  And then the final shot will be of them looking confused at the contents of their bulging space-monkey-nappies.  Which reminds me, I think Oasis have a new album out this year.

26th MAR - LIVE MUSIC AND THE INDEPENDENT LABEL

AIM's next Big Wednesday event, 'Live Music and The Independent Label', in association with Business Link London, will take place on 26th March at the MCPS Boardroom, London.  The event will look at how to get your acts onto the road, and make the most of their live activity for your label.  Whether you're a band/artist, a small independent label, a big indie, a manager or all of the above, this event will help you to maximise opportunities in the live music sector.

Want to know how to get your acts gigs?  How to select and work with booking agents?  How to get festival performances?  How to put on your own gigs/label nights?  How to sell music at gigs?  How to use mobile technology to your advantage at gigs?  How to build fanbases for your acts at their shows?

Format:

6.00-6.30pm - Registration
6.30-6.45pm - Welcome keynote speech - Feargal Sharkey
6.45-7.30pm - Panel discussion: 'Getting Your Act on The Road'

A panel discussion looking at the basics of getting your artist or band out on the road: how to get tours set up, how to get festival slots, putting on your own nights and getting and working with booking agents.

Confirmed speakers: Tony Moore (The Bedford/Indigo 2/Regal Rooms); Martin Elbourne (Glastonbury/The Great Escape); Tony Colman (Hospital Records/Hospitality club night); Andy Inglis (The Luminaire/Quart Festival); Julie Weir (Visible Noise / Subverse); others tbc.

7.30-7.45pm - Break
7.45-8.15pm - Presentation: 'Promoting your Own Night - How To Get It Right'

A presentation from Jim Mawdsley of Generator on how to put on your own successful night/gig.

8.15-9.00pm - Panel Discussion: How To Maximise the Links Between your Label Business and Your Acts' Live Activity

A panel discussion on how record labels can make the most of their acts' live activity. How can labels strengthen their ties in the live arena?  Looking at innovations that allow record labels and their artists to benefit from live performances - selling live CDs of the gig at the gig, using mobile technology/SMS/short codes, tying gigs in with online activity, fanbase building at gigs, etc.

Confirmed speakers: Ruth Barlow (Beggars Group); James Perkins (Concert Live); Seth Jackson (Indie Mobile); others tbc

9.00-10.00pm  Networking - nibbles and drinks

TICKETS:

£10 per person (inc VAT and refreshments) for members and Friends of AIM | Non-members may attend for a cost of £30 per person | 20% discount for members of affiliate organisations.

More...

http://www.musicindie.com/242.asp?sub=Events

15th - 16th Apr: INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC PUBLISHING

The MPA Induction Course is an essential overview of the music publishing industry, its organisations and their roles. The next course will be held 15-16 April 2008.

Cost:
£130.00 + VAT (£152.75) for MPA members and MCPS / PRS staff;
£210.00 + VAT (£246.75) for others
(including lunch on day one and refreshments throughout)

More...

http://www.mpaonline.org.uk

23rd - 25th Apr: SOUTHWEST SOUND '08

South West Sound is the music convention for the South West of England and focuses on music education and the music industry. This year it will take an  in-depth look at the relationship between music and film, TV and digital media.

Speakers confirmed include: Nick Williams (Principle of the Brit School); Feargal Sharkey (British Music Rights) and Caroline Elleray (Universal Publishing)

Agenda:
23rd April - SWS opening networking dinner and Bristol Live Fringe from 6pm                                                                                           
24th April - 'Beyond DIY'. Day 1 of the convention at the Watershed, Bristol from 10am
25th April - 'Stay West - Go East?'. Day 2 of the convention at Dartington Hall, Devon from 10am.

More...

http://www.southwestsound.org.uk

iLUNCH

MusicTank was pleased to be invited by Interative Ontario, to speak at iLunch, Toronto last week.  This is a regular, monthly working lunch held for all those involved in Ontario's Digital Media Industries.  Canada's creative economy is as fast-growing as it is vibrant, with its music industry punching well above its weight (Shania Twain, Alanis Morrisette, Brian Adams, Feist, Avril Lavigne, Nelly Furtado, Michael Buble and Celine Dion etc, etc.).  Without a similar forum for cross-industry discussion, iLunch was particularly interested in MusicTank's perspective on the many topics covered over the last 4 and a half years. Panellists included Music Supervisor Stacey Horricks and Lawyer Chris Taylor - whom Billboard Magazine cites as being one of the country's most influential music lawyers.  Tony Tobias, Pangaea Music & Media, moderated.

More...

http://www.interactiveontario.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=44

YOUTH MUSIC

MusicTank is to deliver four seminars over the coming months as part of Youth Music's 'Build A Band' campaign.  Starting at the Rough Trade store in London's Brick Lane, Bristol, Liverpool and Manchester will follow.  Partnering with Rough Trade and BBC Blast!, this competition aims to give 14-18 year old musicians the chance to play at Glastonbury, 2008.  Where does MusicTank fit-in?  'Build A Band' includes a CPD strand that aims to give targeted advice through tailored music industry seminars to all those taking part across the country.

Full details to follow.

http://www.youthmusic.org.uk/

CREATIVE AND CULTURAL APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME

Despite there being some 18'000 courses in the creative and cultural sector, 73% of employers say that graduates still lack the right skills for the workplace.
Employers in the creative and cultural industries have designed the Creative and Cultural Apprenticeship programme to address this issue.  Through the programme, apprentices are assessed on work-based competency, key skills and knowledge - a real benefit for employers looking for staff with all-round skills.

Apprentices sought:

Starting in March, 12 Apprentices have a rare opportunity to gain valuable work experience from companies such as EMI, Arcola Theatre, Rich Mix and Slammers of London:

1.  Receive 12-15 months training and work experience with a creative organisation in one of the following professions;

    •    The Music Industry
    •    Live Events and Promotion
    •    Community Arts Management

2.  Learn industry-specific skills, such as acquiring business funding, providing stage management support at live events or supporting a music industry marketing campaign, gained through existing employment or a paid work placement - four days a week;

3.  Gain complementary, industry-specific knowledge and skills at City & Islington College - one day a week;

4.  Receive £100 a week minimum payment;

5.  Achieve an industry accredited National Award and a certificate in Creative and Cultural Practice.

HURRY! Application deadline - 14th March 2008.

Industry Partners Sought:

Why get involved? Employers have a unique opportunity to contribute and will play a pivotal role in embedding the programme for the national launch in September.

By participating in the programme, employers will:

    •    receive a £1000 bursary for each apprentice;
    •    help develop young people, their talent and the right skills for the industry and your business;
    •    access new talent and develop flexible, independent and confident staff

The Sector Skills Council believes that creativity is the key to this country’s future - employers have an opportunity to help make this happen.  

Call Rossana Leal on 020 7700 8689 or email Rossana Leal on:

mailto:rossana.leal@candi.ac.uk

CITY SHOWCASE: CALL FOR MUSICIANS

Follow in the footsteps of Newton Faulkner, Hot Chip, Sway, Razorlight, Amy Winehouse, Keane and Ray LaMontagne.

Music City Showcase, London’s leading festival for new music, is now looking for up-and-coming musicians to take part in its annual festival in 2008 - to be held between 2-6 June.

This event provides public exposure, advice and mentoring, plus the crucial contacts that aspiring talent needs, and culminates in a series of live events in venues in London’s West End (giving musicians the opportunity to perform in West End stores and legendary venues such as the Metro Club).  There are also a series of workshops and seminars throughout the week, bringing together aspiring talent with the top movers and shakers from the music industry.

City Showcase covers all types of music – from classical to pop, from rock to urban. And all types of performers – from bands to singer songwriters, from solo artists to DJ’s… Gigs specific to each genre will be put on during the week, including specially designed events for Asian, New Zealand, Australian, Canadian and Chinese talent.

Want to be part of City Showcase?

If you want to take part in this exciting festival, and showcase your work, please send a web link (if you have one), a brief biography, a photo and a CD demo to City Showcase, PO Box 2212, Pulborough, RH20 2XJ.  Clearly mark your envelope as a City Showcase application.

Alternatively you may apply through www.sonicbids.com/cityshowcase.  City Showcase submissions through Sonicbids are open to ALL artists, though there are four slots exclusively reserved for artists selected through Sonicbids - one from North America, one from Australasia and three from Continental Europe with a travel contribution for the selected applicants.

Deadline for applications is 31 March 2008

More...

http://www.cityshowcase.co.uk

ONLINE FANDOM

The internet is enabling massive changes in the relationships amongst fans, artists, and industries.  On this site, Nancy Baym keeps an eye on trends and provides a space to discuss what works, what doesn’t, and what to make of it all.  Sometimes she writes about other social internet issues too.

More...http://www.onlinefandom.com/

If you have any queries regarding any of our events or activities, please call Jonathan on 020 7915 5412, or e-mail: info@musictank.co.uk

The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily condoned or shared by MusicTank. MusicTank is a non-profit organisation owned and operated by University of Westminster. University of Westminster is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. Reg Number: 977818, England. Registered Office: 309 Regent Street, London, W1. MusicTank is based at University of Westminster, Fifth Floor, Copland Building, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW.