In an effort to expand public knowledge about policy issues that affect
both musicians and citizens at large, we're compiling various sources
of information that will help you better understand the forces, issues,
and history behind what's going on in the music/technology space.
Analysis of Apple's iTunes Music Store
July 2003
Notes from our trip out to Apple Computer to see the iTunes Music Store
in action. Analysis includes information about iTunes from the consumer
side as well as some forecasts about the impact on both independent
and major label musicians.
Media Ownership Activism March 2003
This page includes background on the media ownership issues currently
up for review at the FCC, and some tips for musicians and citizens about
how to get involved.
Music, Technology, Copyright and Public Policy September - December 2002
Here's a copy of the syllabus and reading list for an undergraduate
class that Jenny Toomey and Gigi Sohn (Public
Knowledge) are team-teaching at Georgetown University Fall 2002.
There's a lot of great books, articles and resources on the list for
folks who want to learn more about the critical issues at the intersection
of music, law, technology and policy.
The Webcasting/CARP Fact Sheet
April 25, 2002
In February 2002, the US Copyright Office released its recommendations
on webcasting rates and reporting requirements. In response, both webcasters
and copyright holders (i.e. labels) have mounted campaigns to express
their often opposing views on the recommendations, urging their supporters
to register their opinions with the Copyright Office and their elected
representatives.
Webcasters, copyright owners and artists are all concerned about the
outcome of these proceedings because of the potential long-term effects
on both musicians and internet webcasting. The FMC understands the concerns
that various parties hold on these emerging issues, and their arguments
are compelling. We support the growth of webcasting as a viable and
necessary alternative to commercial/terrestrial broadcasting, however
we also want musicians whose music is played on webcast stations to
be fairly compensated for their work.
Moreover, the FMC recognizes that the CARP proceedings and the history
behind this whole process is very confusing. In an effort to clarify
some of these complicated issues, we have drafted a detailed fact
sheet. We passed our document by the US
Copyright Office before posting it to make sure the information
is as accurate as possible.
The FMC encourages the webcasting and musician community to use this
fact sheet as a resource to better understand these issues and to learn
how artists and citizens can participate in the decision-making process
affecting webcasting. Read on!
The Major Label Contract Critique
September/October 2001
We’ve all heard the stories criticizing major record label contracts.
Anecdotally we understand that many of the deals signed by artists are
bad, but what does “bad” mean and just how bad are these deals?
This document quotes ACTUAL contract language from ACTUAL record label
contracts, then translated into PLAIN ENGLISH and paired them with easy-to-understand
critiques. We hope that even those who are completely unfamiliar with
the music business can understand the implications that result from
signing a standard major label deal.
News Stream
An ever-growing list of articles by journalists who are constantly reporting
on topics like payola, the music industry, radio consolidation, new
technologies, and artists' rights.
The Library
The beginnings of a learning library, with suggestions about books or
authors that do a particularly good job tackling various interesting
topics.
Check out these websites offer tons of current resources, tips, articles,
links, and connections for bands and artists.
CD Baby A
fantastic, practical way for indie musicians to sell CDs online and to post their digital tracks to all the major online music services.
Host Baby
From the folks at CD Baby, an affordable web hosting service with very
practical features for musicians including an online calendar, guestbooks,
links to online sales, and special email capabilites.
Just Plain Folks
With a membership of over 42,000 songwriters, Just Plain Folks has become
one of the best ways for musicians and songwriters to network, share resources,
and work together.
SoundExchange Is your music played online? If so, you should sign up with SoundExchange to make sure you're receiving your digital public performance royalties. Read our fact sheet to learn more.
KnowtheMusicBiz is an online community for emerging artists, musicians and music executives. KTMB members can find, exchange and contribute valuable information about the business of music plus get advice and insight from industry thought leaders.
Independent
Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) helps independent labels to build a legitimate online
presence and ensuring their fair share in the digital music future.
TuneCore helps indie and unsigned bands have their music available on all the best digital music stores. Band keeps all the royalties for sales.
Ariel Publicity Great website chock full of novel ideas about how to use new technologies to your advantage to promote and distribute your music.
Indiecentre is a great resource for bands, musicians and aspiring labels. Includes
a directory of resources for manufacturing, distribution, and helpful
articles about starting a label, touring, and promotion.
Indie-Music.com A mind boggling amount of information for indie musicians and labels.
Practical articles, links, advice.
TAXI acts as
a liaison between songwriters and major label A&R representatives. Artists
submit songs which are then critiqued by former major label employees,
and the strongest submissions are passed on to the A&R reps.
