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The Portrait Of The Artist(s) For 2007 And Beyond
May 11, 2007
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"I have fear. I have fear as a businessman that it could somehow impact my ability to take care of my family. But I don't think that fear should be catered to above the idea that I made music because I wanted people to listen to it. I think it's really tough for people to make that leap of faith ... In the long run the thing that no one will be able to download is a live music experience. But I also think that there's a lot of good will that exists between musicians and the people that support them and listen to them. And when they're treated well, I still believe that most people want to do the right thing. Not everybody has a lot of money, so I think that I want people to be able to hear it. I think it would be nice if they paid us back for it. That would be great. It's always going to be a better situation for us if somebody cares enough to listen."
-- Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Interviewed on pitchforkmedia.com about why he believes more high-profile bands and artists actually aren't coming out and saying that downloads aren't the end of the world.While there are many who probably disagree with Mr. Tweedy's thoughts about the Internet and downloading music illegally, it's obvious to me that he is one artist who has seen the future and knows all too well that in the future artists can use the Internet to their advantage despite all the comments made about it destroying the music business.
Let's get one thing straight: The Internet is NOT responsible for the current state of affairs in the music industry. Anyone who thinks that has myopic vision. It was because of myopic vision that industry leaders ignored all the opportunities and potential the Internet had to offer as technology moved at light speed making it easier and easier for people with PCs to trade music files, download illegally, and create online communities to share music. (OK, it wasn't all myopic vision. It was also the fact that billions in profits were generated by CD sales and everybody in the business wanted to hold onto those profits as long as possible.)
Indeed, there is more new music out there being heard today BECAUSE of the Internet than probably ever before. There's no restricted playlists online and artists can create virtual showcases for their songs via their own websites, and such huge social network destinations as myspace.com. There's no need to be signed to a label anymore to now have your music exposed to millions of people. Just ask any of the artists who have done it. (Or reread my commentary about that, 'Artist Development 2007 Style' in the 4/13/07 issue.)
Tweedy is also absolutely right about the "live music experience." He also realizes that the more people hear his music (whether illegally or by purchasing it), the more are likely to become fans and buy tickets to live shows. And as we all know by now, that's where most artists will have to make their money in the future as CD sales literally fall off the graph charts created by the business affairs people. (And once live performances grow in attendance, more revenues will be generated from merchandising, licensing, and strategic partners.)
No matter what DVDs let us see our favorite artists on big-screen TVs that we have hooked up to the latest home-theater surround-sound systems, NOTHING replaces seeing artists live. The concert DVDs are terrific entertainment values, and provide even more value for those who couldn't afford to go to a concert, or want to have relive their attending the show. But, watching a concert DVD is no comparison or substitute to the memorable experience of seeing a great live show. Nobody ever says "I remember the night I saw the DVD..."
That's why DVDs of artists in concert actually increase ticket demand. Just ask Bruce Springsteen or The Eagles (and others) who have released multi-platinum-selling full concert videos and who sell tickets faster than ever when they tour.
More important, most artists thrive on stage and create incredible performances from the energy they feel from an audience.
Elvis Presley said at a press conference prior to his 1973 television special, "Elvis - Aloha from Hawaii, via Satellite": "A live concert to me is exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and on stage. It's my favorite part of the business - live concerts."
Well, duh! There it is again: iPods yay, CDs nay. New format already chosen and that means less space at retail.
Whether or not live performances are their "favorite part of the business," more and more artists will have to get used to the fact that's where their most important income stream will come from in the future. Best selling songs will generate respectable income, and those artists fortunate enough to sell multi-platinum full albums, will of course get big checks. But the majority of artists will find their long-term livelihoods will become more dependent on performing and the ancillary revenue streams mentioned above.
AND NOW THIS
In my April 20th commentary ('Digital Hope Is Not Enough'), I wrote the following: "Music companies of the future will have to be diversified, vertically-integrated with revenue-generating sub divisions, and multi-dimensional in their approach to the changing marketplace and changes in technology."
I'm sure the big money suits at all the major labels already know that. But the industry is certainly keeping whatever plans they have for survival quieter than those in church on Sundays who don't want to wake the sleeping.
This week the rumors that had been circulating for a few weeks about the Warner Music Group possibly laying off hundreds of people in the midst of more reported losses (and bigger than expected), came true. Cutbacks are in full swing and it's been reported on a variety of websites and a source even told Billboard that as many as 400 people could be pink-slipped before the ax finally finished falling. Sad days indeed.
As one who was blessed and privileged to work in the music industry for two and a half decades, I cannot imagine what it must feel like to carry so much passion inside oneself for the MUSIC, and not now be able to put it to work for a great music company.
As the industry transforms into whatever model takes hold for the future, it's my hope that some of the people at Warner (and at other labels who have suffered the same fate) will actually end up working in new capacities for other music related companies, and that some of them might even be responsible for creating new business opportunities.
I know that at a time like this, words can be cheap and offer little solace to those who have lost their jobs. But this has always been one of my favorite quotes, and a times like these, I felt it worthwhile to put it here: "Progress always involves risk; you can't steal second base and keep your feet on first." --Frederick Wilcox
Go out and steal second, round third, and then when the opportunity presents itself, slide into home plate.
Now, more than ever, the industry needs those who carry the torch so strongly inside their hearts and souls.
One Equity The Latest EMI Suitor
British music group EMI, home to Robbie Williams and Coldplay, said on Friday it had received a number of takeover approaches, after a report that private equity firm One Equity Partners had joined the list of suitors. The news sent the group's share price up 8 percent or 36 to $4.90 in early trading.
EMI Group, which rejected a $4.2 billion bid proposal from long-time suitor Warner Music in March, declined to say how many approaches it had received or who they were from. The statement followed a Financial Times newspaper report which said, without citing sources, that One Equity Partners had approached EMI with an offer that could value the world's third-biggest music group at more than $6 billion.
Read more about it by clicking here.
The P2P Mistake At Ohio University
PERSPECTIVE By Ashwin Navin, president and co-founder of BitTorrentOhio University recently informed students that the use of peer-to-peer technology has been banned from the campus computer network. The reasons cited range from network congestion to malicious software to piracy. While the university acknowledges that there are legitimate uses of P2P technologies, the blanket ban on the technology stands.
By instituting this ban, Ohio University has demonstrated a serious lack of understanding of P2P technology's value and role on the Internet. Furthermore, the school has closed its doors to innovation and shirked its responsibilities as an educational institution.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Apple, Labels Focus On Copy Protection
Higher music download prices could be result of new negotiations
LOS ANGELES - The last time Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs took on major recording companies, he refused to budge on his 99-cent price for a song on iTunes. As a new round of talks ramp up this month, however, Jobs has opened the door to higher prices - as long as music companies let Apple Inc. sell their songs without technology designed to stop unauthorized copying.
Jobs contends that would "tear down the walls" by allowing consumers to play music they buy at Apple's iTunes store on any digital music player, not just the company's iPods.
Read more about it by clicking here.
The First BlackBerry with a Full Keyboard and Camera
If you were one of the people who passed on RIM's BlackBerry Pearl because the SureType keyboard (with multiple characters per key) was a bit off-putting, you will be glad to know that now they can get the best of the QWERTY keyboard along with all the features of the Pearl in 8300 Curve. Yes, this is the first BlackBerry with a full keyboard and camera, and its new desktop software dramatically improves the music and video experience. ( If you already have a BlackBerry Pearl, it's time to switch to this one )
Read more about it by clicking here.
Old Media Turns Combative Against New Media
LLeading media executives took a combative tone against Internet companies on Tuesday, suggesting that Big Media increasingly considers new content distributors like Google to be more foe than friend. At a panel discussion on the second day of the 56th annual National Cable & Telecommunications Association conference, top executives said talk of the demise of traditional media in the digital age was overblown.
While new distribution technologies like the Internet and mobile phones are siphoning television audiences, media companies argued that the Web also brings new revenue streams.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Warner Music Signs Secondary-ticket Deal With Viagogo
Warner Music Group has signed a deal with ticket reseller Viagogo as the two groups look to benefit from the strong demand for live music. Viagogo, which already has ticketing deals with soccer clubs Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea, said under the deal fans could buy tickets that were being resold through Viagogo and receive additional downloads or videos.
The company said the deal marked the first time a major music label had partnered with a secondary ticketing company and said it would allow Warner to tap into the cash stream and marketing information of fans provided by the secondary ticket deals.
Read more about it by clicking here.
Site of the Week: Last.fm
Fed up with FM radio? Does satellite radio leave you still wanting more? If you're about ready to toss the whole idea of broadcasted music out the window, then it may be time for you to consider Internet radio. Last.fm is this week's PCMag.com Site of the Week, and it will have many music lovers hooked on its huge catalog, social-networking features, and events calendar in no time flat. (Did I mention that it's free?)
Read more about it by clicking here.
Why Used CDs And DVDs Are Better Today Than Downloads
From avrev.comMusic downloads, specifically from Apple Computer's iTunes Music Store, have gotten all of the press in terms of music sales in the past five years. Apple has been able to harness the naughty consumer excitement behind stealing music from the likes of Napster and Limewire, resulting in not just the sale of zillions of their sexy and convenient iPods to the masses, but also millions upon millions of legitimate DRM (digital rights managed) music files. The impact on the surface has been so powerful that users of both Mac and PCs use Apple's system as an easy, powerful and convenient way to buy music. Apple's success as both a hardware and software provider has been so impactful that music retailers, ranging from independent yet prominent stores like Aaron's Records to content-minded chains like Tower Records, are now nothing but a bankrupt memory.
There's better value in buying used CDs than buying music online however.
Read more about it by clicking here.
THIS WEEK'S 'WHO CARES?' NEWS ITEMS
ITEM #1: Though Paris Hilton is still the gossip media's #1 darling, it seems they just can't get enough of Lindsay Lohan, and she's coming up a strong #2. (Though god knows why.) Britain's News of the World last Sunday reported Lindsay went on a so-called "marathon cocaine binge" only 20 days after she left rehab. The paper's story also includes what it says are screen grabs from video clips of Lohan, 20, inside the ladies room of Teddy's nightclub in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, with two friends who are also allegedly taking drugs. (The screen grabs have since turned up on other websites as well) A) Is this really news? B) Is it surprising? C) Do we care?
CONGRATS
CONGRATS #1 TO: Killers singer Brandon Flowers and his wife, Tana, who are expecting their first child in July, according to People magazine.
CONGRATS #2 TO: Aretha Franklin, named the 2008 MusiCares Person of the Year in recognition of both her musical achievements and her philanthropic efforts, which include work on behalf of Save the Children and Easter Seals.
CONGRATS #3 TO: Sammy Hagar, who is reportedly selling an 80% interest in his Cabo Wabo Tequila brand to Gruppo Campari, the world's seventh-largest spirits company, for $80 million. Sammy just found out there's more money in booze than rock 'n' roll.
CONGRATS #4 TO: Carrie Underwood, whose debut album, "Some Hearts," was just certified at 6 million in sales. When Carrie won "American Idol," Simon predicted she would become the biggest seller, and it looks like he was right.
CONGRATS #5 TO: To Paul McCartney, who will release his upcoming album "Memory Almost Full" through the iTunes Music Store, making it the first album from the former Beatle to be available for (legal) download.
IDOL FOR BANDS
The folks behind "American Idol" has a new reality series in the works for Fox: "The Search for the Next Great American Band," a show dedicated to discovering the hidden talent across the nation. The series will basically operate exactly like Idol-panel of judges, viewer voting, etc.-but with bands instead of individuals.
A SIGN THAT YOU HAVE TOO MUCH MONEY
BA 1969 Dodge Charger, like the one used as the General Lee on the original Dukes of Hazzard TV series, sold for more than $9.9 million on eBay last Friday, making it the most expensive item ever sold via the online site, provided the winning bidder comes up with the cash. While this souped-up auto isn't the General Lee, it boasts signatures of the show's cast members, including John "Bo Duke" Schneider, who sold the car. And if I was the one that paid this money for this artificial piece of TV Land history, I'd want to remain anonymous. I would not want my friends calling me stupid or insisting I check into a mental institution.
IMUS SUES
Don Imus doesn't intend to go gentle into that good night with the racist and sexist comment that put him millions of dollars out of pocket. The radio host, who was fired last month for his offensive comments about the Rutgers women's basketball team, plans to sue CBS Radio for the sizable portion of his $40 million contract that was left unpaid, his attorney said Thursday. ABC News says a draft copy of the Imus grievance indicates that the lawsuit will seek a total of $120 million from CBS when all is said and done. And who said, "talk is cheap"?
IDOL ELLIOTT BACK
Former "American Idol" star Elliott Yamin returns to the show May 16 to perform his new single, "Wait for You " which is already receiving airplay at radio. Chris Daughtry, Taylor Hicks, Katherine McPhee, Kelly Pickler, Bucky Covington, and now Elliott. Six finalists from last year all with chart success. This year, there won't be such a field to choose from.
HBO HAD EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO THE FIGHT, BUT NOT THIS ONE
HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht was arrested in Las Vegas early Sunday on suspicion of assaulting his girlfriend outside the MGM Grand Casino, following the fight between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr., which was broadcast by his network. After the incident, Albrecht announced he was taking a temporary leave of absence and recommitting to Alcoholics Anonymous, but it wasn't over. He then resigned and said he had stepped down "with great regret, at the request of Time Warner."
COURIC GETS MORE BAD NEWS
In a new Gallup poll released last Thursday, one-third of Americans said they had a negative view of the 'CBS Evening News' anchor Katie Couric, putting her behind both Charles Gibson and Brian Williams in the popularity contest. Just 51 percent of those surveyed said they had a positive view of Couric, while 62 percent felt positively about Gibson and 59 percent about Williams. Since taking over the CBS Evening News Anchor, Couric has consistently placed third against the competition.
DESPITE THE JUMPING ON THE COUCH ROUTINE THAT MADE HIM LOOK RIDICULOUS, ALL THE RUMORS, THE SCIENTOLOGY GOSSIP, FROM "THE WHEN YOU GOT IT, FLAUNT IT" DEPT.
Tom Cruise has plunked down $35 million for a Beverly Hills home for himself, Katie Holmes and baby Sure, the Los Angeles Times reports.
NARAS T-SHIRTS, BOOKS, MUSEUM ON THE WAY...WHAT ABOUT THE RIDE?
The Recording Academy will mark the 50th anniversary of the Grammy Awards with the launch of a Grammy Brand clothing line, the publication of an illustrated Grammy coffee table book and the construction of a Grammy museum, slated to open in September 2008. The awards show is scheduled to celebrate its 50th birthday on Feb. 10, 2008 and nominees will be announced on Dec. 6.
PRINCE TO HEAD ACROSS THE POND
This week Prince announced he will play 21 concerts in London this summer and fall, charging 31.21 pounds ($62) per ticket in honor of his most recent album, 3121. After he completes the run of shows, the performer said he plans to take time off from music to study the Bible.
THEY DEFINITELY WERE NOT LISTED AS 'MYSPACE' FRIENDS, OR WHEN SOCIAL NETWORKING FAILS
Annie Lennox now knows the dangers of having teenage daughters after this dozens of gatecrashers assailed their $5.5 million London home last weekend. The Eurythmics singer is facing a sizeable repair bill following the weekend carnage, reports Britain's Daily Mail newspaper. What was intended as a small gathering of 30 friends, turned into a mass free-for-all after details of the party began circulating on MySpace.
DON'T DREAM, IT'S NOT OVER
Crowded House will release its first studio album in 14 years in July. The reunited band is made up of founder members Neil Finn and Nick Seymour, former member Mark Hart and new drummer Matt Sherrod. Time On Earth will be dedicated to the memory of original drummer Paul Hester who died in 2005.
NO LET-UP IN POTTER MANIA
More than 1 million advance orders for 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' have already been placed through Amazon.com, the online retailer said Tuesday. The final book in the boy wizard series is due for release on July 21.
LETTERMAN & CBS DO ELVIS WEBCAST
Elvis Costello & the Imposters will perform an exclusive Webcast concert on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' on Monday. The performance will be streamed live on cbs.com that evening at approximately 8:25 p.m. ET, while the band's appearance on the show will be broadcast on May 18.
STING STUNG BY DECISION
An employment tribunal ruled Thursday that Sting and Trudie Styler discriminated against their chef, Jane Martin, by firing her after she got pregnant. The couple, who are now faced with having to cough up a hefty compensation, said they were "devastated" by the ruling and planned to appeal.
2006 Industry Conferences
Name Date Location ReMix Hotel May 18-May 20 NYC, NY Mobile Entertainment Summit May 23-May 24 Los Angeles, CA Digital Hollywood June 11-June 14 Santa Monica, CA
Quotes of the week
"People think Tom and the Church of Scientology got something on Kate? They don't. Kate is running her own show."
-- Jada Pinkett Smith to People magazine, defending the actress formerly known as Katie Holmes' marriage to Tom Cruise."I made an error in judgment. We all make mistakes; however, this is about accountability. Under no circumstances should anyone consume alcohol while driving. I could have jeopardized the lives of others and I am grateful there was no accident or harm done to anyone. This was my wake-up call. I also want to apologize to my fans, ABC Television and my design team for my lapse in judgment and the embarrassment I have caused."
-- Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's Ty Pennington, after being arrested for drunk-driving in West Los Angeles. Apparently, Ty needs an Extreme Makeover: Personal Edition"I told the truth. I feel that I was treated unfairly and that the sentence is both cruel and unwarranted. I don't deserve this"
-- Paris Hilton, talking to reporters outside the courthouse after a judge sentenced her to 45 days in County jail for probation violation because she was pulled over for speeding and driving with a suspended license. Ah, poor, poor Paris. Boo-hoo. You break the law, you pay the price Paris. And we can't wait to see you in that designer orange jump suit. And as we expected Paris Hilton will probably only have to serve three weeks or less behind bars because of state law allowing for early release for good behavior."I do it on airplanes. I do it behind the puzzle board at Wheel of Fortune between rounds."
-- No, she's not doing what you think. Vanna White, on her crocheting hobby, on DIY Network's DIY Inside: Craft and Hobby Show 2007"I am perfectly aware that I did something very wrong and got into my car when I was unfit to drive. I was not in my normal physical state, and I'm perfectly prepared to accept the correct punishment for that and I would have accepted it a long time ago."
-- George Michael, pleading guilty this Tuesday morning in London to driving while under the influence of drugs"Just to set the record straight, I was pulled over because the police said my exhaust pipes were too loud, I had tinted windows and platinum motor plates. Nothing more, nothing less."
-- Janet Jackson's man, Jermaine Dupri, in an exclusive statement to E! News, explaining why L.A. cops pulled him over-then let him go-Tuesday in West Hollywood. Just to make it clear Jermaine, those were more than enough reasons to pull you over."I am a loyal girlfriend and a good friend. I hadn't spoken to Heather in quite a few months when Richie and I got together. I wasn't her best friend who said, 'By the way, I'm sleeping with your husband.'"
-- Denise Richards to OK! magazine, on getting together with her former friend Heather Locklear's ex-husband, Richie Sambora. This is your definition of loyalty Denise?
The B-Side - 'Blips'
THE ONION (www.theonion.com) STORY OF THE WEEK:
Blues Singer's Woman Permitted To Tell Her Side
One of the funniest stories The Onion has ever written.
Read the rest and laugh hard: http://tinyurl.com/2h5nhs.
The Blogs
Check out a great blog (that I contribute commentary to) by Jerry Del Colliano, the Director Executive Programs, Clinical Professor Music Industry & Recording Arts, at the Thornton School of Music,University of Southern California, by clicking here: http://www.insidemusicmedia.blogspot.com.
Box Office
Check The Daily & Weekly Box Office (and more film info) at: www.boxofficemojo.com.
TinyURL
Check out www.tinyurl.com where you can make a smaller URL that will work for any webpage you wish to link to or reference. (As you can see, I'm using it in my news stories above!)
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