In This Issue: For the first time in history digital music has outsold physical purchases, Liberation Music resolves copyright legal dispute, Gudinksi listed on Billboard’s ‘International Power Players List’, and more.
Digital Music Outsells Physical Sales
A 2013 wholesale report released by The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) showed that digital music sales have exceeded physical sales for the first time in history.
The release showed that digital music revenues make up 54.7% of the market in comparison to the 45.3% revenues derived from the physical product.
In an interesting turn of events, vinyl sales continue to rise, with an increase of 77% over the past 12 months.
Liberation Music resolves copyright legal dispute
Aussie record label Liberation Music have settled a legal case with political activist and academic Professor Lawrence Lessig after admitting that Professor Lessig’s use of the Phoenix song ‘Lisztomania’ was both fair use under US law and fair dealing under Australian law.
The song had been used in one of Lessig’s lecture videos. After Liberation issued a take down notice to YouTube, Lessig initiated legal proceedings via the District Court of Massachusetts in the USA.
Liberation’s Managing Director, Warren Costello, said “We regret that Liberation issued a take-down notice with respect to Professor Lessig’s video. It was removed by a member of our staff without being reviewed and under a misunderstanding of the relevant law. Upon learning of the mistake we immediately reinstated Professor Lessig’s video, amended our review process and have worked co-operatively with Professor Lessig to resolve this matter as quickly as possible.”
Liberation Music will amend its copyright and YouTube policy to ensure that mistakes like this will not happen again.
Michael Gudinski on Billboard’s ‘International Power Players’ list.
The Mushroom Group’s head honcho Michael Gudinski has been included in Billboard’s ‘International Power Players’ list.
The list, which is compiled by Billboard Magazine, is limited to 50 people and recognises the successes of executives who drive the music industry forward with their artistic and business vision.
This latest award adds to an already impressive list of acknowledgements for Michael Gudinski over the past year, which has included a Rolling Stone Award, a GQ Award for Lifetime Entrepreneur, The Age Music Victoria Hall Of Fame induction, 2012 Melbournian of the Year and the inaugural ARIA Industry Icon Award.
Katy Perry Video Stirs Muslim Protest
An Arabic pendant branding the name Allah in Katy Perry’s video for ‘Dark Horse’, has been removed after a Change.org petition saw over 65,000 petitions asking for its removal. The video initially included footage of the pendant being destroyed, which prompted the online petition.
“The video is considered as highly controversial to its viewers as a result of its portrayal of blasphemy,” the petition claimed.
Welcome To The Jungle Music Business Book Released
Ravens Nest Consulting and Melbourne entertainment and media lawyer, journalist, presenter and educator Andrew Watt has released a new music business book ‘Welcome to the Jungle – Navigating The Music Business in Australia’.
The 680 page ‘anecdotal textbook’ features material from interviews with over 90 of the industry’s movers and shakers, combined with Watt’s first hand experience in the field.
‘Welcome To The Jungle – Navigating the Music Business In Australia’
is available now at www.musicbusinesseducation.com.au as either a paperback or an e book.
Judging panel announced for DISCOVERED at Marble Bar 2014
Social media driven competition DISCOVERED at Marble Bar have revealed their top notch judging panel. Singer/songwriter Mahalia Barnes, Rolling Stone Australia editor Mathew Coyte and theMusic.com.au's News Editor Scott Fitzsimons will sit in the judging panel.
The exciting music competition sees artists upload their demos through Marble Bar’s Facebook page, in the hope of winning the mammoth prize of a 2 month residency at Sydney’s iconic Marble Bar. The general public will judge the contestants and by their vote the top 5 finalists will be selected, who will battle against each other at a finale showcase held at the venue on Wednesday 26 March.
AIR Chart news
SINGLES
1. ‘Drop The Game’ - Flume & Chet Faker
2. ‘Talk Is Cheap’ - Chet Faker
3. ‘Only One’ - John Butler Trio
4. ‘Stand Still’ - Flight Facilities Feat. Micky Green
5. ‘Streamers’ - Wave Racer
6. ‘Always’ - Panama
7. ‘Holdin On’ - Flume
8. ‘Melt’ - Chet Faker Feat. Kilo Kish
9. ‘Pizza Guy’ - Touch Sensitive
10. ‘Ride’ - JTR
ALBUMS
1. Flesh and Blood- The John Butler Trio
2. The Brink- The Jezabels
3. The Dead Daisies-The Dead Daisies
4. Thinking in Textures - Chet Faker
5. King Amongst Many- Horrorshow
6. This Was Tomorrow- Seth Sentry
7. Change of Heart- Kingswood
8. S.C.O.T- Kerser
9. Caress Your Soul- Sticky Fingers
10. Learn to Exist-The Jungle Giants
