Tag: songwriters
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Songwriters pal with IT to counter the Google lobby
by
Andrew Orlowski
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There’s a new lobby group in town – but unusually, this one unites traditional adversaries from tech, telecoms, and media companies. Backers include the American Songwriters Guild representing creators, Microsoft, Cisco, and AT&T, and media companies including Viacom and NBC. Everyone but Google, it seems.
The launch in New York today was well attended by songwriter’s reps. Arts and Labs’ mission, the group says, is “robust and intelligent networks needed for the swift and safe delivery of the online content … Read More
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Billy Bragg: Why should songwriters starve so others get rich?
by
Andrew Orlowski
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How the digital revolution screwed songwriters. Twice.
by
Andrew Orlowski
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This may not be news to most of you, but in light of DiMA’s Jonathan Potter blaming music publishers for the sorry state of digital downloads, it’s a topical reminder.
Music companies – and we blur the distinction deliberately for the moment, for the sake of simplicity – paid songwriters in two ways. For what they called ‘licensing’ – for masters and movie soundtracks, for example – the artist took home 50 per cent of the deal. For ‘royalties’, the … Read More