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A quick update to let you know about Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II - a benefit concert this Sunday in New Orleans for Sweet Home New Orleans, a wrap-up on the the discussion and debates at FMC's successful Policy Day on May 2, and Policy Summit 07 dates for your calendar.
1. Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II: Sunday, May 27, 2007
A Benefit Concert 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
Sunday, May 27th at Tipitina's
501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans
This weekend, FMC folks are heading back down to New Orleans for our second
artist activism camp.
The goal of this event is to bring together artists -- both established and
emerging -- to discuss best practices for artist advocacy. The artists also
go on a tour of New Orleans during their time, visiting the Ninth Ward and
hearing from some of the city's musicians about the efforts to revitalize
their music community.
The three-day retreat concludes with a benefit concert for Sweet Home
New Orleans, a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find
affordable housing in New Orleans and provides rental assistance for Katrina
displaced musicians, Mardi Gras performers and other traditional New Orleans
artists.
The first "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home" event on Nov. 3, 2006 drew hundreds of fans. Steve Earle, Mike Mills of R.E.M. and a number of other artists played for three Hurricane Katrina-related charities: the New Orleans Musicians' Clinic, the Arabi Wrecking Krewe and the Tipitina's Foundation. All three are members of the Sweet Home New Orleans project.
Show time: Doors open at 8 p.m. Music starts at 9 p.m.
Tickets: $20 before the show and $25 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketweb.com.
2. Music, Technology and IP Policy Day: May 2, 2007
On May 2, FMC and the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy
hosted a Policy Day, focusing on the critical issues emerging in the Courts,
Congress and at the Copyright Office. The event was standing room only,
with 160 musicians, technologists, attorneys, policymakers, advocates and
journalists packed in the conference room at the Economic Policy Institute. Webcasts of all the panels and speeches can be found here.
The morning kicked off with a fantastic keynote by Rep. Mark Doyle (D-PA).
As a Member of House Energy and Commerce Committee, and Vice Chair of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Rep. Doyle has quickly
risen to be one of Congress' most informed policymakers on the issues
concerning musicians and the music industry, and his speech was chock full
of promising ideas. You can read his remarks here.
Then we moved into the first panel, Radio Waves, which brought together key
folks from the webcasting, satellite radio, and musician communities. Most
of the conversation focused on the CRB's webcasting rates and their impact
on webcasters and musicians, which was clearly a hot topic following the
webcaster visits to the Hill the day before to lobby Congress for a lower
rate. In fact, a number of webcasters including Live 365 CEO Mark Lam and
SomaFM's Rusty Hodges were in the audience and had questions for
SoundExchange's John Simson. FMC's Brian Zisk did an excellent job
moderating this very informative and productive panel.
After lunch, which included a keynote by CEA's Gary Shapiro, we moved into a
panel called The Net Effect, which generated a heated debate about network
neutrality. But before the panel, FMC's Jenny Toomey delivered a clever
powerpoint presentation called "Network Neutrality: OK Go Style" which
cataloged the internet's role in the band's growing notoriety -- from the
first ping pong video, through the treadmill video (now viewed over 17
million times on YouTube), to their Grammy win.
The Net Effect panel was followed by a keynote from David Carson, Associate
Register for Policy and International Affairs for the US Copyright Office.
In under 35 minutes, David wowed the audience by covering all sorts of
eye-glazing topics like Section 115 reform, webcasting rates, orphan works
and the public performance right for sound recordings with a wit and style
that made even the non-lawyers in the audience follow along with ease. His
remarks dovetailed right into the final panel Stocking the Celestial
Jukebox, which covered the problems with different licensing and royalty
schemes among different digital platforms, and how changes to copyright law
might lead to greater parity, and more equitable compensation for artists.
Then, it was off to the picturesque 10th floor for cocktails and hors
d'oeurves at the Center for American Progress, with music by the Kevin Cordt
Quartet. A perfect finish to a very productive day. Thanks to all who attended!
Mark your calendars! Our seventh annual Future of Music Policy Summit will
happen September 17-18, 2007 at GWU Betts Theatre in Washington, DC.
Online registration and musician scholarships will be open in mid-July.
Stay tuned to the next newsletter for developing details including early
bird rates, programming details and more! For more info about the event or
to learn how to become a sponsor, email us at summit@futureofmusic.org.
Thanks,
Jenny Toomey
Michael Bracy
Walter McDonough
Brian Zisk
Kristin Thomson
Jean Cook
Justin Jouvenal
Chhaya Kapadia
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
