It's been a busy month - so much so that it's been more than a month
since our last letter. Hopefully when you read about our recent work you'll
forgive our tardiness. Here are some of the highlights:
Policy Conference for The Future of Music
Enough already with the preaching to the converted in New York and California!
Isn't it time someone gathered the best and brightest rockers, programmers,
academics and entrepreneurs in Washington, DC? Isn't it time to debate
the most exciting and frightening questions regarding music and technology
in a city where our elected representatives and policymakers might benefit
from and participate in the discussion?
We certainly think so! That's why we're organizing a two-day policy
conference in Washington DC, tentatively scheduled to be held January
10th and 11th at Georgetown University's Gaston Hall. Visit http://www.seeuthere.com/events/id=45550
to learn more details, make suggestions for panels and panelists, and
to reserve your space today!
FMC Submits Comments on DMCA
On August 4, 2000 the Future of Music Coalition's Walter McDonough answered
the Copyright Office's Open Request for Comments concerning the Digital
Millennium Copyright Act by filing comments on behalf of FMC. Our comments
-- one of only thirty submitted -- have since been posted. Go here
to check out what Walter had to say. You can be sure it's awfully different
than the major music corporations' comments, which can also be read
at this link.
Tip Jars
Would you pay a dollar a month to support the work of the FMC? How about
five?
One of our main goals as an organization is to identify and explore
new business models that could help musicians to both disintermediate
their distribution process and guard the value of their labor. One of
the most interesting and idealistic models that we've come across is
the Virtual Tip Jar.
With just a few easy steps, musicians can add a tip jar to their
web page, thereby allowing visitors and fans to voluntarily and directly
compensate them for MP3s that are otherwise free. The concept was
so fascinating to Coalition member Jeff Coleman that he wrote to us
and eventually wrote an article about the process.
We challenged him to get a bunch of bands to put Tip Jars on their
pages and then to report back the results. With a similar spirit in
mind we've posted a Tip Jar on our main site.
We encourage you to prove that small amounts of voluntary donations
submitted by a large group of committed supporters can go a long way.
Join us in this experiment by adding a Tip Jar to your own site.
Traveling, Publishing and Evangelizing - What we're up to lately.
This month we've broken down our activities by board member. We've
also printed accounts from Kristin Thomson and Peter DiCola who have
been working so closely with the board that we decided to add their
bios to the FMC "Coalition Members" area:
Walter McDonough
Walter McDonough and the FMC submitted their comments to the Copyright
Office regarding the DMCA. In the coming weeks, after the Coalition
finishes reviewing the other 29 comments that were submitted by interested
parties, we will submit reply comments. Walter also has been working
to establish bridges with independent artists and record labels that
are currently appearing before the European Economic Community's ongoing
review of digital music distribution. The FMC has categorically endorsed
the work of the Artists' Coalitions and the National Academy of Recording
Science's efforts to repeal the controversial "work for hire"
language. Walter is currently interviewing attorneys and law students
who wish to help the FMC. If you want to help, please feel free to
contact him at his e-mail address at digitalmusiclaw@yahoo.com.
Brian Zisk
Brian has been out promoting the Future of Music Coalition through
both online and offline means. He's been working on the organizational
strategy, pushing to formalize its structure as a non-profit. He is
also pulling together a Board of Technical Advisors that will be able
to objectively evaluate any solutions brought to our attention with
both an understanding of the technology and commitment to valuing
the work of musicians. Brian is also trying to find a Development
Manager to handle fundraising for the Coalition. If you know a fundraiser
who has contacts in the music community and appreciates what we're
doing, please send them his way: zisk@well.com.
Michael Bracy
Beyond focusing on helping the Future of Music Coalition incorporate
as a 501c(3) non-profit, Michael and the Government Relations staff
took advantage of convention season to make a quick field trip out
to the left coast, where they enjoyed meeting with a number of folks
from the technology world. We are also focusing in on the policy implications
of the November elections, and preparing for the December Future of
Music policy conference.
Jenny Toomey
Jenny spent much of the last month on the road traveling to Nashville,
Chicago, Los Angeles & San Francisco meeting with members of the
music and technology community and solidifying FMC goals. When she
wasn't traveling, Jenny managed to finish her solo record, publish
new pieces on CNET
and The
Machine and made a guest appearance with Michael and Brian --
who's a regular -- on the Ken Radio show "Speculations".
You can listen to the clips at:
She is currently working with Michael to secure the coalition's status
as a non-profit group and to nail down the details of what will truly
be an amazing policy conference in Washington DC this coming January!
Kristin Thomson
Besides pitching in on the plans for the January policy conference,
Kristin continues her work writing and editing articles for The Machine
at Insound.com. She is focusing on fostering more self-sufficiency
in the community, so that the indie bands and labels can continue
to build a strong, supportive network both online and in the real
world. For example, she is currently researching the variety of options
that are available for exchanging money on the internet, from credit
card processing to PayPal to TipJar. With election season drawing
nearer, Kristin will also be working with Michael Bracy on a voter's
guide - alerting the community about key races and hot issues to remember
in November.
Peter DiCola
Peter's previous article "The Economics of Recorded Music : From
Free Market to Just Plain Free" has the honor of being the most
commented upon piece in the history of The Machine. In the near future,
Peter will be sharing the results of a focus group conducted on music,
technology, and all things Napster. The participants? His 17-year-old
sister and her friends, who did not disappoint. With their considerable
insights and formidable bantering skills, these kids had plenty to
say. Also on the horizon from Peter: a look at a real-life example
of the possible future of music, and a socioeconomic discussion of
the devaluation of musicians' work.
Document our Numbers
If you haven't read and signed the manifesto
please do so. It is imperative that we document the large number of
musicians, programmers and music fans whose pro-technology/pro-compensation
perspective is not being represented. Tell your friends, link us to
your sites, and spread the good word!
Press
Check out the News section of the Coalition's
website for a list of links to articles about the FMC that have run
in CNET, ZDTV Radio, Dmusic & The Industry Standard. Expect more
press coverage in the near future!
Original Research & Articles
a) Survey Results
Back in December 1999, we created a fairly simple and cursory survey
to try to get a handle on the indie community's relationship to the
Internet. By June 2000 we had collected our first 100 responses -
http://www.insound.com/machine/essay.cfm?id=44
b) Busking as a Form of Online Compensation by Jeff Coleman
"I present my music on the net because it's the busiest street
in the world. I'd like people to stop and have a listen. If they want
a copy for their own, fine, throw me coin." http://www.insound.com/machine/essay.cfm?id=40
c) A Quick Lesson in Digital Downloads by Kristin Thomson
"Okay, we don't claim to be the experts here, but we'd like to
lay out the basics of digital downloading." http://www.insound.com/machine/essay.cfm?id=42
How are we doing?
If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions please send an email
to suggestions@futureofmusic.org,
and let us know how we're doing.
Thanks for your support.
xo Jenny Toomey
Acting Executive Director of The Coalition for the Future of Music
Public Enemy Frontman, Production Team and Insiders Discuss Landmark Album On July 17, FMC and Pitchfork Music Festival will host a free discussion about Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at Chicago's Cultural Center, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
July 8, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Files Brief to Protect Creative Expression
FMC and the Center for Creative Voices in Media filed a brief at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FCC's indecency policy has a chilling effect on creativity and expression and deprives the public of access to protected speech.
July 2, 2008 Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)
Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann & more "Rock the Net" on Compilation CD
Thirsty Ear Recordings to release album on July 29 to benefit FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality.
June 2, 2008 Press release | Rock the Net
Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008 Press release FMC's HINT program
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008 Event details | RSVP
Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008 Press release
Spoken testimony
Written testimony
Rock the Net
New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres. March 7, 2008 | Event details
Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality. February 15, 2008
OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5. February 4, 2008
Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson. January 21, 2008
Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008 Press release | Event details
Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey January 3, 2008
Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama January 2, 2008
FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC’s Interim Executive Director Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors November 26, 2007
Seattle "Rocked the Net" Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality;
joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives October 31, 2007
Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle’s Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30 October 26, 2007
Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed. September 10, 2007 Summit home page Press Credentialing
AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity". August 13, 2007
Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit August 13, 2007 Press Release Summit home page Press Credentialing
FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast August 9, 2007
FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality June 29, 2007
FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates June 27, 2007 Press Release | Testimony
Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right. June 22, 2007
Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country. June 22, 2007
FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC June 11, 2007
FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007 Press Release | Details
Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 25, 2007
A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality. April 17, 2007
Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy. April 16, 2007
FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices. April 13, 2007
Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007 Press Release | Rock the Net
Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality March 23, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola March 5, 2007
FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding January 16, 2007
FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola. January 16, 2007
Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006 Press release Report details
FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006 Read press release Read press coverage
Job
Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects
of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules August 9, 2006
FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton August 9, 2006
FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet Opinion Piece on ABC News June 29, 2006
FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM June 28, 2006
FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding June 21, 2006
Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy June 13, 2006
Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research
Council May 25, 2006 Press Release
FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality May 17, 2006
FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006 Media Advisory May 15, 2006
FMC Statement on Release of Feingold's Radio and Concert Disclosure
and Competition Act of 2005 November 18, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Commerce Committee in Support of a
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings October 19, 2005
Top Names in Music, Law, Technology and Policy Return to Debate Critical
Issues at Fifth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
September 6, 2005 Media Advisory | Policy
Summit home page
FMC Announces Health Insurance Navigation Tool
August 9, 2005 HINT Home Page
FMC Press Release: Music Mashes with Policy at DC Policy Day April 8, 2005
FMC's Michael Bracy Testifies in front
of House Judiciary Committee on "Digital Music Interoperability" April 6, 2005
FMC files comments at US Copyright Office on "Orphan
Works"
Comments also ask Copyright
Office to consider status of out-of-print recordings March 25, 2005
FMC Sends Letter to Senate Stating Concerns about S 193, Broadcast Decency Enforcement
Act March
10, 2005
FMC and artist groups file joint reply comments at FCC on localism in broadcasting,
MB Docket 04-233
January
3, 2005 PDF of document
