MusicTank Newsletter
April 2009

This month’s editorial takes a long-overdue look at the live business, taking this year’s ILMC as its jump-off.

No surprises that one of the themes of this year’s conference was the recession, and this was borne out by headlines in Music Week a fortnight ago revealing a 15% drop in attendances at the National Arenas Association venues during 2008.

On a morning when Jacko had just sold 750,000 tickets for his 50-date run at the O2 shows however, the general view was that hot tickets would always be exactly that.  Reports from smaller promoters and ticketing agents suggest that smaller venues are still turning a good business, as young kids will always see trendy acts.  So the consensus was that if anyone was going to be experiencing a downturn, it would be the middle market.  According to Kilimanjaro’s Stuart Galbraith, those working in that area simply had to box cleverer – downscale the venue and consider increasing the ticket price.

The power of data emerged as a key topic this year. TixDaq’s Steve Machin noted: "If you have more data, the cost of marketing goes down, and you can understand your consumers a lot better.”  Data mining is playing a key role in HMV and Mama Group’s joint venture, letting them join the dots by emailing everyone who’s bought the album at HMV about the gig being promoted at the jointly owned venues.

Tugs of war over customer data between artists and promoters were revealed, with one delegate describing Live Nation’s line as being that "managing data is expensive and they’re not just going to give it away".  Cornbury Festival’s Hugh Phillimore, who manages Universal artist Imelda May, revealed Universal’s contractual obligation to return all the fan data if the contract isn’t renewed.

In Australia meanwhile, advance ticket sales have trebled over the past ten years with promoter Michael Chugg saying that with the amount of data now available, it wasn’t ”flying by the seat of your pants anymore”.

The role of the manager appears to have evolved remarkably over the recent months, with management increasingly dealing directly with brands, and the emergence of the Featured Artists Coaliton – which has quickly established the importance of its voice and perspective.  The changing role of the Music Managers Forum is being reflected in a wholesale review of the organisation’s aims and objectives – the first results of which should begin to emerge in early summer.

Secondary ticketing, as ever, came up on several occasions, provoking a spectrum of opinions, from those dead against it to those who felt that unless it was made illegal, the sums of money involved meant that it had to be embraced.  While some feared that a ban would alienate music fans who might buy four tickets and sell two to fund the purchase, others were under no illusions about the hard criminal element behind many operations.  No change there then, for a topic as convoluted as ever.

Another area of contention is festival policing, with Loud Sound’s Jim King pointing out that the bill for policing a 20,000 capacity festival in one part of the country is about £5,000, while the bill for policing a 25,000 capacity festival elsewhere was £200,000.  In Germany meanwhile, policing is free…

The conference was as busy and bustling as ever, with numbers up on 2008, and 200 entirely new people attending.  The numbers mirrored the sector itself, with statistics produced by the PRS’s Will Page showing that the live industry became bigger than the recorded music business for the first time ever: a healthy sector amidst a harsh economic climate.

Editorial by Sam Shemtob

MusicTank welcomes
articles, opinion pieces and contributions for publication
in our newsletter or our
website. Get in touch!
info@musictank.co.uk

Previous newsletters

Programme of events

Event podcast

Members can now catch
the events online, listen
and download the MP3s
or text transcripts.

Scroll down for:

OUT & ABOUT: MusicTank events

JOE POX: Susan Boyle

MUSICTANK LOUNGE: Transcripts & Reports

INDUSTRY DIARY: Other events

MERRY-GO-ROUND: Industry announcements

WISE MONKEY: Facts of the day

Please remember all MusicTank events MUST be booked and paid for in advance!  Become a member of MusicTank for just £30 per year and enjoy privileged discounts on all MusicTank events...

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

JUN 4: Media Composers - New Rules Of Engagement?

This think tank will compare traditional and evolving commissioning models for composers and producers of music for advertising and television.  From production music libraries to media content producers and publishers, this session will examine what’s changing (and why) and consider the impact on music creators in this highly competitive sector.

SPEAKERS: Keynote - tbc; Panellists - Chris Smith - (BASCA); Jonathan Goldstein (PCAM); Phil Bird (Ricall); Richard Kirstein (Leap Music).  Others tbc.  Chairman - Keith Harris - MusicTank/Keith Harris Music Ltd /PPL

DIARY - Date & Time: 04 Jun '09 | 18.30 - 21.00hrs; Venue: Basement Bar, PRS for Music, Copyright House, Berners Street, London; Cost: £20 MusicTank Members | £25 Trade Body | £30 Full Price

Follow the debate on Twitter: #MCdebate

Composers for television, advertisements and music production libraries face a quandary as new business models swing in favour of their commissioners.  New companies such as production music library Audio Network have controversially dropped synch fees with the promise of greater PRS returns for its composers.  With synch fees typically comprising a significant part of writers’ income, this amounts to a considerable change to the standard music library model that has also foisted downward commercial pressure on rival libraries’ rates.

The impact of this model on the commissioning process itself gives cause for concern, particularly in TV production.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that some producers apply the Audio Network pricing model to potential composers pitching for commissions in a ‘take-it-or-lose-it’ scenario that again results in potentially significantly less income for the writer.

Meanwhile, some advertising agencies have taken on the role of music publisher, keen to secure all rights in the music for maximum flexibility of use and argue they are better placed than traditional publishers to report transmission times and are therefore able to ensure quicker and more accurate returns to the writers.

Arguments abound that traditional models are outmoded, inflexible and fail to take account of new and multitudinous distribution channels, with advocates of newer models maintaining that such developments are driven by the realities of the market.

Ultimately, what lies at the heart of this session is this: is there a growing disconnect between content owners - media production companies, ad agencies and brands - and music content creators that undermines the very art of writing music for media?

Full Details & Booking: http://www.musictank.co.uk/events/media-composers-new-rules-of-engagement

Britain's Got Talent is back and "already" we have an "early leader" in the hirsute form of Susan Boyle.

Out she came looking like a charity shop worker and the audience pre-judged her and laughed. Then she sang. And she was good. Not brilliant. Good. Competent. Capable. All right. Not amazing. Not astonishing. But the reaction to her (100m views on YouTube to date around the world) would suggest that she was Nora Batty possessed by the voice of Maria Callas.

The fact, however, that she has become such a sensation says less about her inherent musical gift and more about how low our expectations have been forced down by talent search shows. In the first year of BGT, Paul Potts (who looks exactly like that ball of Blu-Tack in the stationery cupboard) won and last year George Sampson triumphed for being able to dance in the rain while wearing a baseball cap.

When mediocrity is stretched this thin, is it any wonder the world loses its mind for a week when a Scottish virgin can hold a note?

Can The Music Industry Afford To Go Green?

The Transcript for this event on 30 March '09 is now available to MusicTank members - remember to log-in to access!  Become a member of MusicTank for just £30 per year and enjoy privileged discounts on all MusicTank events...

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

Get the transcript here:

http://www.musictank.co.uk/events/sustainability/transcript

Alison Tickell:

"At the end of the day, climate change is much more important than copyright extensions...Legislation is currently letting us down, it is slow and clunky and it actually doesn’t represent this quite awkward and fragmented industry that is full of small creative companies."

"We need to speed up change.  80% by 2050 doesn’t sound much but it will require massive change to everything we do.  The scale of the challenge is enormous, we need to start now.  We’re bigger than the sum of our parts, if the music industry works together we can be more efficient, not just in terms of carbon emissions but also in terms of cost."

Nick Ladd:

"The marketplace is a potent tool, but right now it is failing us.  Legislation has to be clearly looked at. People need to be told that they have to do something. We need the carrot and the stick here."

MusicTank Filesharing Report

It's not too late to access this FREE report...

Following last year’s think tank series of the same title, the report analyses the relationships between the recordings business, ISPs, consumers and Government, in an attempt to help foster progress towards compelling legal alternatives to unlicensed file sharing.

Beginning with a summary of the four events hosted by MusicTank in late 2008, which featured representatives of Government, ISPs, UK Music, BPI and PRS, the report goes on to look at recent UK and global developments, and offers recommendations for maintaining momentum, overcoming differences and developing viable new services.

"Music rights holders - the canaries in the mine of the creative industries - are now focused on working with ISPs to offer fans legitimate alternatives to file sharing.  MusicTank believes that only by building on the dialogue fostered by the MoU process, encouraging increased collaboration and road-testing different models, will the foundations be laid for compelling alternatives to be built".

More... http://www.musictank.co.uk/reports/filesharing/for-free

MusicTank Posts & Twitters

MusicTank now has a facebook Group and a Twitter feed.  Visit us at:

   http://is.gd/mwBa/musictank/facebookgroup

   http://twitter.com/MusicTank

MAY 7-9: City Showcase, London

City Showcase, London’s leading festival for new music, takes place this year during the first week in May with daytime performances in stores, bars and cafés on Carnaby Street and Regent Street and evening gigs at many venues including The Borderline.

The Apple Store, Regent Street will be the hub of the action for this year's event and will be used for hosting all City Showcase's FREE workshops.

Sessions will offer advice on topics like A&R, music promotion, production and on-line marketing. There will also be critique workshops, giving workshop attendees the opportunity to get advice on their recordings and live performances from leading industry experts. Also, for the first time this year we will be co-hosting an “on-mic” talent search with the Rich Mix Centre in Bethnal Green.

Throughout the three-day festival there will be advice from the top “movers and shakers” in the music industry, including Brian Message (Radio Head), Judie Tzuke (artist), Paul Brown (Spotify) and Guy Lowman (Fierce Panda).

Places are free, but registration required.

More... http://www.cityshowcase.co.uk

MAY 12: MPA Royalties & Tracking Demystification Seminar

This convenient one-day training course provides the opportunity to learn all about the nuts and bolts of royalties.  The seminar includes sessions on contracts, PRS for Music licensing and distribution policies, royalty tracking and auditing.

A team of experts in each of these fields will share their knowledge and expertise with plenty of time for participants to ask questions. The course is ideal for all those wanting to learn about this essential and complex part of the business, including all of the most recent developments. 

SPEAKERS - Peter Cornish (Fairwood Music (UK) Ltd), Sarah Levin (Universal Music Publishing Ltd), Ben Newing (Universal Edition (London) Ltd), Jez Bell (PRS for Music), Paul Clements (MCPS), Victoria Campoamor (PRS for Music), Neil Gaffney (EMI Music Publishing Ltd), Jay Mistry (Musical Sleuth).

DIARY - Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm | Venue: PRS for Music Boardroom, Copyright House, 29-33 Berners Street, London W1

COST - £60 + VAT for AIM, APRS, BASCA, BPI, MMF and MPG members | £80 full price

More... http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/files/pdf/Programme_booking_form.pdf
 

MAY 18-21: The Know How 2009, Newcastle

Evolution 09 and Generator's annual convention for the north east is FREE to attend but you MUST register.  Utilise the experiences built up by established music professionals to clarify your career objectives or define direction.

SPEAKERS - Tony Wadsworth (BPI Chairman), Geoff Travis (Rough Trade), James Barton (Cream founder), Ross Allen (Domino Records).

More... http://www.generator.org.uk

JUN 2: MMF Open Meeting

The Music Managers Forum are holding an open meeting on June 2nd.  All members and non members of the Music Managers Forum are welcome.  The venue and timings will be released shortly.

If you would like to attend please email mailto:katy@musicmanagersforum.co.uk

JUL 7 - 8: MPA Induction Course

The MPA Induction Course acts as an essential overview of the music publishing business, its organisations and their roles. The Course has been slightly expanded for 2009 to incorporate a new session on printed music.  Otherwise, it’s the same menu of expert advice and information that has proved so invaluable for newcomers to the business in previous years.

DIARY - Date & Time: Tues 7 July, 09.30 – 17.00pm & Wed 8 July, 09.30 - 13.00 | Venue: MPA Boardroom, British Music House, Berners St, London W1

COST - £130.00 + VAT (£149.50) per deleate for MPA members and MCPS / PRS staff | £210.00 + VAT (£241.50) all others. Tickets incl. lunch on day one and refreshments throughout.

More... http://mpa.weblobe.net/Events/MPA_Induction_Course_for_Newcomers_to_Music_Publishing1.html

John Leckie Address

Faculty Music and Media, University of Westminster’s student operated record label will be hosting an address by renowned Radiohead & Stone Roses record producer, John Leckie, on May 13 May. 

Leckie’s appearance follows his involvement with India Soundpad, which sees four of India’s top alternative bands, Indigo Children, Swarathma, Medusa and Advaita, release an album on Faculty that was recorded by Leckie.

The bands will also come to the UK for the first time for a mini-tour that will take in London, Manchester, Liverpool, Cardiff, Oxford, the University of Westmnster and The Great Escape Festival in Brighton.

The university has been fostering direct and tangible links with the music industry in Mumbai for some time, with discussions currently being held with Bengal music company Sa Re Ga Ma to assist in the establishment of a business training college for the local music industry. In line with this strategy, The Great Escape will be hosting India Focus Panel discussions on May 14 May.

Enquiries: mailto:katie.thiebaud@facultymusic.com

More... http://www.facultymusic.com

Steve Levine To Chair Music Producers Guild

The Music Producers Guild (UK) has announced the appointment of Steve Levine as its new Chairman, with immediate effect.

The appointment follows the resignation of Mike Howlett, who has left the post to take up the position of Associate Professor and Head of Music and Sound at the Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.  As an award-winning producer of international acclaim, Steve Levine is ideally placed to represent the Music Producers Guild.  He is already a member of the Musicians Union’s executive committee and a director of PRS, MCPS and BASCA, which he represents on the UK Music board.

As the Music Producers Guild’s new chairman, Steve Levine will spearhead the Guild’s involvement with the Producer Managers Group of the Music Managers Forum which is currently working to find new ways for producers to be remunerated for their work.  He will also engage with PPL, which is working with the Music Producers Guild to formulate a new process for registering performer contributions to recordings.

Everyone's a winner with Discovery Records' Facts Of The Day microsite, a new day-by-day music facts resource that gives something worth having - information and entertainment - back to music lovers.

Anyone visiting online retailer Discovery, whether or not they buy any CDs, can have fun rooting around on the Facts Of The Day microsite to discover, for example, what Elvis really wanted when his parents bought him a guitar, or when was Ray Charles first admitted to blind school?

More... http://www.rocksourcearchive.com/discovery/dr_select_day.html

In the event of a query, contact Jonathan 020 7915 5412, or e-mail: info(a)musictank.co.uk

You may change your preferences at any time on this page:
http://www.musictank.co.uk/newsletters/subscribers/09407OMyqs/Subscriber_editForm

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 office: University of Westminster, 5th Floor, Copland Building, 115 New Cavendish Street, London, W1W 6UW.