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August is usually reserved for the lazy dog days of summer, but Future of Music Coalition is just getting warmed up. We've got tons of stuff planned for the fall and beyond, including two more musician-education seminars, a panel about sampling and the return of our D.C. policy events. Read on for (most of) the details.
FMC fall 2008 Events and Beyond!
Rock the Net CD is Here!
Net Neutrality and Kronos Quartet
FMC at Pitchfork '08
"Nuggets of Wisdom" on YouTube
How Are We Doing?
1. FMC Fall 2008 Events and Beyond!
We had so much fun with last April's "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in upstate New York that we couldn't resist another road trip. FMC and our brainy associates will be in Chicago and New York City this fall for two more information-packed forums for musicians, indie labels and fans.
Attendees will learn about a range of internet-based promotion and distribution options, how to navigate the health insurance landscape, the importance of open internet structures, local funding opportunities and how copyright law and business models affect musician compensation. If that's not exciting enough, there will also be special conversations featuring prominent music minds, breakout sessions, and everybody's favorite — cocktail parties! It's a great chance to get the latest music-tech-policy scoop, interact with the experts, and exchange ideas and perspectives with other musicians, labels and fans. (Some call it networking; we call it good times.)
The Chicago seminar will take place on Monday September 22 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The NYC forum will be held at the Public Theater on Monday, October 6. Admission for each event is $25, though a limited number of musician scholarships are also available for both events. Space is limited so register today!
What's the Future for Musicians: Chicago Monday, September 22, 2008
12:00 PM — 7:00 PM
Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL
FMC will also be organizing another event in NYC in October or November, date and venue to be determined. "Creative License: A Conversation about Music, Sampling and the Law" will present a robust but balanced conversation about the legal and social challenges posed by music sampling, and the sample license clearance process — hot topics in this Girl Talk era.
FMC goes back to the future with our Washington, D.C. Policy events slated for 2009. Hot on the heels of the national election, we'll be holding a Policy Day at the National Geographic Society on February 11. The one-day forum will look at how changes in the policy landscape might impact the music community. Later in '09, we'll host our multi-day Policy Summit, which will shed even more light on the issues that are emerging as music promotion and distribution moves to a global, digital platform. Stay tuned for more info on all of our upcoming events.
2. Rock the Net CD is Here!
Christmas came waaaay early this year. Rock the Net: Musicians for Net Neutrality, a benefit compilation CD released by Thirsty Ear Recordings on July 29, is already making waves in the music community and beyond. With artists like Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann, The Wrens, They Might Be Giants and more donating tracks, it's easy to see why.
You're probably familiar with this net neutrality business (we certainly talk about it a lot), but if you're not, here's the skinny: Net neutrality is the principle that protects the open internet. It allows musicians and labels to compete on an equal technological playing field with the biggest companies. It also gives fans a plethora of ways to legally access music. But this could all change, if powerful cable and telecommunications companies get their way. If you're a musician or label, you should sign up for the Rock the Net campaign and show your support for the open internet.
You can pick up the CD at your favorite local record store or online through iTunes, Amazon (and the Amazon MP3 store), eMusic and Rhapsody.
We also recently took a look at the FCC's August 1 decision about Comcast's interference with legal P2P traffic. This post at the FMC blog examines the decision's significance alongside FMC's longstanding support of the open internet.
3. Net Neutrality and Kronos Quartet
Speaking of net neutrality, FMC recently talked to Sidney Chen, Artistic Administrator for Kronos Quartet, about what the open internet means to the group. Part of FMC's ongoing Podcast Interview Series, the segment features Sidney explaining how Kronos uses the internet to reach potential listeners, interact with fans, offer unreleased music and more. One of the most interesting things Sidney talked about is how the internet is proving that classical music isn't just for oldsters — there's tons of young superfans who probably wouldn't have been exposed to classical music if not for the internet. It's even better in his own words.
4. FMC at Pitchfork '08
On Thursday, July 17, FMC headed to the Windy City for a special discussion about Public Enemy's classic LP It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back. Co-presented by Pitchfork Music Festival, the free event saw Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee of PE's production team the Bomb Squad chewing the fat with frontman Chuck D. and journalist/activist/Media Assassin Harry Allen. Documentary filmmaker and media professor Kembrew McLeod served as moderator, doing his best to get a few words in edgewise. It was a packed house, and the panel kept attendees riveted for nearly three hours. Check out our blog for more details, and stay tuned for video footage of the discussion courtesy PitchforkTV. In the meantime, check out our blog post about the Public Enemy panel.
The following day, Alex Maiolo from HINT (Health Insurance Navigation Tool) and FMC Communications Director Casey Rae-Hunter rocked the Pitchfork Festival (well, as much as you can rock a table), where they offered information about health insurance, net neutrality and our other work. They even managed to catch a few awesome sets (Caribou and Jarvis Cocker were two faves).
5. Nuggets of Wisdom on YouTube
If you've ever attended an FMC event, you know that they're packed with information and practical advice for musicians. But if you haven't yet been to our Policy Summits or traveling seminars, you can still bone up on the issues at the intersection of music, technology, policy and law at our YouTube page.
We've gathered some of the most informative clips from our events and now present them for your viewing pleasure. These "Nuggets of Wisdom" cover such topics as Low Power FM, the Public Performance Right, how media consolidation has impacted radio, new business models, net neutrality and more. Watch and learn.
You can also check out audio and video recordings of FMC panels and presentations at Archive.org.
FMC Announces Upcoming Events Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Washington, D.C. Policy Day and Policy Summit set for 2009.
August 5, 2008 Press release | Event Page
FMC Commends FCC's Comcast Decision On August 1, the FCC ruled that Comcast violated net neutrality principles; the decision is a positive step in preserving the open internet. August 1, 2008
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
