Future of Music Newsletter #60 | September 6, 2007
To subscribe/unsubscribe to this newsletter, please visit this page.
To view past issues of this newsletter, please visit the newsletter archives.
Hope you all had a relaxing and rejuvenating Labor Day weekend. We've returned from our long weekends just in time for the home stretch to this year's Policy Summit, which is less than two weeks away. Read on for all the reasons that FMC's Policy Summit is a can't miss event.
1.
FMC Policy Summit 07: The Countdown Begins
2. Video Chat with HINT Project Director, Alex Maiolo
3. Indigo Girls To Host Sweet Home New Orleans Benefit on September 16, 2007
4. FMC Seeks Communications Director and Fall Interns
5. 5th Official FCC Hearing on Media Ownership: September 20, 2007
6. How Are We Doing?
Over 70 panelists confirmed for one of the year's best conferences. Online registration closes September 14
Since 2001, FMC has organized six annual Policy Summits to address the critical issues at the intersection of music, law, technology and policy. After a stellar event last October in Montreal and our DC Policy Day in May, we're bringing it back to Washington, DC for our 7th Annual Policy Summit, which will take place at George Washington University's Betts Theatre from September 17-18, 2007.
FMC welcomes keynote speakers
Sen. Byron Dorgan
and
Sen. Ron Wyden
Programming Highlights
FMC's Jenny Toomey will welcome attendees to the Policy Summit, backed by New Orleans musician Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
Marybeth Peters, Register, US Copyright Office, will participate in a special conversation with USPTO's Ann Chaitovitz about her 40 years at the Office, and the impact of new technologies on the copyright system.
Attorney Rosemary Carroll, musician Bob Mould and Mac McCaughan, musician and co-owner of the independent label Merge Records - home of Arcade Fire, Spoon, M. Ward and others - will be joined by top names from law and technology to debate the state of the music industry.
Top representatives from some of today's most innovative music services - Pandora, Rumblefish, Eventful, and Echomusic - will discuss the technologies that are empowering musicians and bringing artists and fans closer together.
International experts, including CISAC's Director Eric Baptiste, Sarah Faulder from MCPS-PRS, RealNetwork's Tim Quirk, DiMA's Jon Potter and CMRRA's David Basskin will tackle global licensing issues.
A star-studded list of panelists will debate about how broadband policy impacts musicians: Ben Scott from Free Press, Peter Gordon from Thirsty Ear Records, Jason Oxman from CEA, and Tim Wu from Columbia Law School.
Pho founder Jim Griffin will moderate a panel about how ubiquitous wireless access may impact the music and broadcast industries. The panel includes Ralph Simon from the Mobile Entertainment Forum, attorney Whitney Broussard, Microsoft's Skip Pizzi, and others.
A three-part track on how musicians can better use technologies, with special sessions on social networking and blogging, podcasting, and DIY licensing.
We're also thrilled to be working with Smithsonian Global Sound on an 4-part track on access to culture on Tuesday afternoon, jam-packed with some of the most interesting names in the field including Smithsonian Global Sound, American Folklife Center, Metabrainz, IODA and National Geographic. The session will start with a presentation by Dan Sheehy, director of Smithsonian Global Sound, followed by a talk by Peter Alyea from the Library of Congress' music preservation division, a panel on orphan works, and a panel on how technology is improving access to culture.
And that's not all. The Summit also includes panels about performance royalties, the state of retail, the new viability of niche musical genres, the sample license clearance process, major label contracts in the digital age, and a policymakers roundtable that includes some of Capitol Hill's top staffers.
It's not all policy talk. Start your Summit off right by joining us for FMC's annual Pho welcome dinner on Sunday, September 16. All panelists, attendees, staff and volunteers are invited to join us for tasty Pho soup and conversation. It's hands down the best way to get to know panelists and participants. More details here. RSVPs go to Chhaya Kapadia at chhaya@futureofmusic.org
On Monday, September 17, join us after the programming in the Grand Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Marvin Center for a cocktail party hosted by
the Consumer Electronics Association, with a performance by Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
On Tuesday, September 18, we'll close off the Summit with a cocktail party hosted by Microsoft in the Grand Ballroom on the 3rd floor of the Marvin Center.
Scholarships for Working Musicians
Every year, FMC offers scholarships to make sure that musicians are not left out of the music/technology debate. Thanks to some generous contributions from foundations, technology companies, sponsors, and musician advocacy groups, 80 musicians are able to attend this Policy Summit for free.
As of today, only 8 scholarship opportunities are still available. If you've been meaning to apply, now is the time. Musicians: go here to apply.
Volunteers
We're looking for volunteers to assist in a variety of capacities, and 10 hours of volunteer time gets you into the Summit and all its jam-packed craziness for free! Details about volunteering
Still not convinced? Here's why you should attend our Policy Summit
"...a kind of Geneva where all sides in any number of contentious music industry fights can get together and play nice for a few days. Even more importantly, it offers pinstriped Washingtonians a rare opportunity to hear musicians articulate their concerns in person instead of relying on competing lobbying groups that claim to espouse their interests." Washington Post, 2004
"...the coalition's organizers are due a great deal of credit for representing a constituency that is often invoked by others but not represented." Washington Post, 2004
"As independent artists develop and discover shortcuts to get their music out in spite of an inequitable and often corrupt industry, conferences like the FMC's go a long way toward providing them a map." Village Voice, 2005
"You know the time between when a record leaves the artist's hands and before it gets to listener's ears? The Summit covers everything that happens in between."
Pitchfork, 2005
Please plan to join us us this year for another spectacular event!
"The Future of Music Coalition's annual policy summits are where chain links meet cuff links as musicians and songwriters press the issues -- and the flesh -- with the political powerbrokers who help determine their future." Washington Post, 2004
Sponsors
This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts
Programming Partner
Partners
October 3-7 | Montreal
October 3-6 | Montreal
2. Video Chat with HINT Project Director, Alex Maiolo
Are you a musician who has been been meaning to get health insurance, but you just don't know where to start? Our Health Insurance Navigation Tool (HINT) provides free telephone consultations and musician-friendly advice on our website.
To better understand what HINT is all about, watch this video chat with HINT Project Director, Alex Maiolo, who explains how the program works and how it can help you.
3. Indigo Girls To Host Sweet Home New Orleans Benefit on September 16, 2007
It's been hard to miss the news coverage over the last few weeks of the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. If you've been wondering what you can do to help the ever-persevering citizens of New Orleans, take a trip down to the legendary Tipitina's for a benefit concert by the Indigo Girls, with all proceeds to go to Sweet Home New Orleans.
Sweet Home New Orleans is 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.
Tickets for the September 16, 2007 concert are only $20 and are available at the Tipitina's website.
4. FMC Seeks Communications Director and Fall Interns
FMC is looking for a Communications Director to work in our Washington, DC office to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan for FMC. This position is open until filled. See a full description of the position here.
We're also looking for a few good interns for this fall in the Washington, DC office. Interning at FMC is a great opportunity to work on many of the projects we have going including Rock the Net, event organizing and many other projects. This unpaid position runs from September through December and is open until the position is filled.
5.
5th Official FCC Hearing on Media Ownership: September 20, 2007 in Chicago
The FCC is holding its fifth official public hearing on media ownership issues in Chicago on Thursday, September 20. These hearings represent your chance to comment publicly on the FCC's ongoing proceedings on the regulations that govern radio, TV and newspaper ownership.
The hearing will be at Dr. King's Workshop at 930 East 50th Street (corner of South Drexel Blvd.), Chicago, IL from 4-11 pm. Sign up on the Free Press website to receive updates on the hearing directly via email.
To bring together the Chicago musical community in support of stricter ownership rules, FMC is hosting a party at Delilah's on the evening of September 19, 2007 featuring musician/artist Jon Langford (Mekons) and FMC's own Outreach Director Jean Cook along with local DJ's representing the hip-hop community.
If you're in the area, please come down and say hello. Delilah's is located at 2771 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL.
6. How are we doing?
You can always send us notes at suggestions@futureofmusic.org. And we hope to see many of you in two weeks in Washington, DC.
Thanks,
Jenny Toomey
Michael Bracy
Walter McDonough
Brian Zisk
Kristin Thomson
Jean Cook
Chhaya Kapadia
Alex Maiolo
Courtney Bennett
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
