tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post8515519865287750..comments2024-03-04T17:54:32.559+00:00Comments on Iain Dale's Diary: Guest Blog: Death of the Record IndustryIain Dalehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03270146219458384372noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-8676373182428100612008-07-30T10:15:00.000+01:002008-07-30T10:15:00.000+01:00Anonymous 2:35The reason why Naxos can sell CDs so...Anonymous 2:35<BR/><BR/>The reason why Naxos can sell CDs so cheaply is that the license older recordings from major labels so they do not have the expense of making the recording, paying the musicians, artists etc. It's a win-win situation for all - Naxos sells CDs, the public pays a bargain price, the record companies get to recoup money and the artist gets royalties.<BR/><BR/>As to royalties, royalty rates are paid on a rising scale - obviously U2 gets a better royalty rate than a new band. However most people outside the music business miss the point about royalties. The artist only gets their recording royalties after the record company recoups their costs. However, there is also income from publishing (again most artists receive a publishing advance and this must be recouped first). There is also PRS (performing rights) which kicks in every time a song is played so those railing against PRS while crying crocodile tears for the artists take note).<BR/><BR/>While I agree that the major labels are dinosaurs let us all remember that the music industry is a BUSINESS - why shouldn't they recoup their costs? It costs a whole lot of money to record and produce and promote an album as well as tour a band - most record companies will fund the shortfall for the first few tours. Most artists are greedy and self indulgent and do umpteen mixes of their records, demand huge per diems on tours (one dancing member of Shaun Ryder's band demanded we put his Ecstasy on the tour costs and when my partner refused, he punched him in the face; spend stupid money on CD artwork and then wonder why they are in hock to the record label. As a manager I tried my best to curb this and with intelligent bands it worked - others will do what they want and blame you when it goes pear-shaped.<BR/><BR/>I for one welcome the downfall of the dinosaurs and hope that we will see a return of record companies like Sire, Rough Trade and Stiff which made cutting edge music and didn't churn out pap. Not everything these labels released was great - they had to throw a lot of s..t against the wall but it was vibrant. Best news of all - the Stones left EMI and Guy Hands and his private equity compnay can take a flying leap.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-50015755017993871392008-07-30T00:29:00.000+01:002008-07-30T00:29:00.000+01:00I can't remember the last time I actually played a...I can't remember the last time I actually played a CD on my hi-fi. I use my ipod plugged into the speakers rather than trawl through a pile of CD's.<BR/><BR/>In the car I either use an ipod plugged into the car sound system or a CD full of mp3's.<BR/><BR/>If I buy a CD I tend to just burn it to itunes, then stick it with a pile of other CD's. What's the point?<BR/><BR/>Years ago with vinyl at least you often got some "extras" with the album. With a CD you get nothing.<BR/><BR/>I have noticed that sometimes now if you buy a music DVD you get an audio CD of the concert as well or with say a greatest hits collection they put a DVD of the video's in.<BR/><BR/>I understand some record companies are even looking at putting video's on the CD that are already to play on portable devices.<BR/><BR/>That would be useful.<BR/><BR/>I've also suggested why not offer a voucher with a CD that if you say collect 10 of them you can get an album half price?<BR/><BR/>The music industry has always resisted change.<BR/><BR/>How on earth did a third rate computer company (Apple) end up as the worlds biggest seller of mp3 players and music?<BR/><BR/>Sony what were you doing?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-41314124637784909632008-07-29T23:27:00.000+01:002008-07-29T23:27:00.000+01:00@Pete Wishart: if you're really that concerned wit...@Pete Wishart: if you're really that concerned with artist's rights, do something about the extortionate practices foisted upon artists and the public alike by the record companies.Ilja Nieuwlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12159691131779069821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-33585569641242847992008-07-29T23:07:00.000+01:002008-07-29T23:07:00.000+01:00I wasn't going to respond to comments - rather I t...I wasn't going to respond to comments - rather I thought it would be good to let the debate run. However, the fact that the only ill-mannered comment of them all, the least informed and, frankly, least intelligent, comes from the only MP to respond rather draws me out.<BR/>Pete, congratulations. All the trademarks of the intellectually-bankrupt political hack are present. Let's run through the check-list:<BR/> * arguing a point that was never actually made (stealing people's work is generally fine) - check<BR/> * introducing a nationalistic argument which wasn't there before ("our" artists Pete? Are other people's less worthy?) - check<BR/> * missing the entire point (the argument here is about stiffling creativity. You suggest artists are suffering if their music is downloaded for free, but somehow manage to miss, or ignore, the essence of the article which is about the underground, the ability to become known. In other words yes, you're right, Elton John probably would become annoyed if people downloaded his songs without paying, but the dozens of bands out there who can't get a break because they don't have a commerical footprint of a scale which gets them into HMV or onto iTunes would be delighted) - check.<BR/><BR/>On this basis we should all stand for election; raise the bar a bit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-69970064132748883692008-07-29T22:32:00.000+01:002008-07-29T22:32:00.000+01:00It's a pity Kodak couldn't have persuaded the gove...It's a pity Kodak couldn't have persuaded the government to make it illegal to take pictures without a film.Twighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16698620636313191152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-26414809474655307682008-07-29T18:00:00.000+01:002008-07-29T18:00:00.000+01:00Good on ya Pete Wishart. Too many people, I suspec...Good on ya Pete Wishart. Too many people, I suspect, settle on an argument (sorry, justification) for file sharing because they like not having to pay for the music.<BR/><BR/>Generalised 'Wolfie Smith' style whingeing about the record companies comes under this kind of misdirection masquerading as an argument.<BR/><BR/>I am not totally against it though - for example, I will download something I bought on iTunes so I can play it on my non-iPodular MP3 player.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-27624291557955977022008-07-29T14:35:00.000+01:002008-07-29T14:35:00.000+01:00Ah this all bring back memories of the 1970s when ...Ah this all bring back memories of the 1970s when EMI used to sell LPs made out of recycled vinyl - definitely an inferior product than that of DG. They just wanted to make the most money possible.<BR/><BR/>If Naxos CDs can be sold for £6 in shops then why the extortionate amount for other brands of CDs?<BR/><BR/>Also what percentage of the CD money actually makes to the artist?<BR/><BR/>Sorry record companies - the way you manipulate what we hear on tTV and Radio by means of this copyright cartel means I shed no tears at all for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-71763509362473723982008-07-29T12:09:00.000+01:002008-07-29T12:09:00.000+01:00July 29, 2008 10:30 AmNiccolo Machiavellisorry for...July 29, 2008 10:30 Am<BR/>Niccolo Machiavelli<BR/><BR/><BR/>sorry for confusion nicollo but if you read my comment again you'll<BR/>see i was already in total agreement with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-79804209365183249422008-07-29T11:59:00.000+01:002008-07-29T11:59:00.000+01:00"Alan Douglas - Van Morrsison was always an asshol..."Alan Douglas - Van Morrsison was always an asshole and much as I admired his music I couldn't listen to it because he is such a beast. What a jerk he is and how right you are."<BR/><BR/>As you say, Van the Man is a notorious curmudgeon who has always treated his fans like shit. He is just acting true to form. If you don't want to be treated like shit, best not be one of his fans, life's really too short.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65670219649260745862008-07-29T11:36:00.000+01:002008-07-29T11:36:00.000+01:00What a load of rubbish this nonsensical article is...What a load of rubbish this nonsensical article is and as always there is no mention of the musician and his or her rights and livelihood It’s easy to rail against those big bad record companies but the truth is that most musicians survive on an income of less than £10 000 per year - there is no such thing as a minimum wage for the thousands and thousands of jobbing musician. Musician’s income is based on their creativity. Their product is their talent. It is this that’s to be conveniently forgotten about in order to continue to secure their work for free.<BR/><BR/>Here’s an example. You can now buy your groceries on line from Tesco. But imagine the response if you refused to pay because you were merely “file sharing”, you would quite rightly be laughed out of court. But seemingly it is fair game if you steal someone’s creative work or Intellectual property. Just because music does not exist in some physical form it seems it is fair game and not to be treated the same as all other commodities.<BR/><BR/>File sharing is an example of people wanting something for nothing, but as always in these situations there is a victim, and the victims in this case are our musicians and artists. The UK has an ambition to be the world hub for the creative industries. If we don’t learn to respect intellectual property properly then that will never be realised.<BR/><BR/>Pete Wishart MPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-46547033004880120342008-07-29T10:32:00.000+01:002008-07-29T10:32:00.000+01:00Incidentally, there's no real purpose for the big ...Incidentally, there's no real purpose for the big record labels anymore - anyone can create music and, if it's good enough, sell it via the online stores.<BR/><BR/>The only thing you need is a mic, some software, a laptop and an internet connection.<BR/><BR/>It's great that they're losing their stranglehold..................................https://www.blogger.com/profile/09387648864595329094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-65816134619300709622008-07-29T10:30:00.000+01:002008-07-29T10:30:00.000+01:00koop July 28, 2008 6:48 PMI think you misread what...koop July 28, 2008 6:48 PM<BR/><BR/>I think you misread what I wrote, and we probably agree more on this than you may think, given that I'm a DJ and producer 'n all.<BR/><BR/>Incidentally, I do not, never have, and never intend to listen to rock music. House is my cup of tea..................................https://www.blogger.com/profile/09387648864595329094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-52153127842731552372008-07-29T10:19:00.000+01:002008-07-29T10:19:00.000+01:00Reality check: music sales are plummeting. If the ...Reality check: music sales are plummeting. If the industry takes no action CD sales will fall to near zero.<BR/><BR/>It's no good theorising about why this won't happen. *It is happening!!*<BR/><BR/>Warren Buffett said "The internet is good for capitalism. But not for capitalists."<BR/><BR/>Free music at the touch of a button is a music lover's dream. Juts don't expect the music industry to start applauding as their industry's revenue shrivels up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-85277022865042210582008-07-29T10:14:00.000+01:002008-07-29T10:14:00.000+01:00Some small tax on mp3 devices and indeed PCs would...Some small tax on mp3 devices and indeed PCs wouldn't be a bad idea and would probably see this silliness off. cf blank cassette tape levy idea.<BR/><BR/>Paying a few pennies for a trial download ahead of a purchase doesn't seem too bad. And would at least get something for the authors from the knock off nigels of the world.<BR/><BR/>The recorded music industry and publishing have been well behind the wave of technology. It has ever been thus.Chris Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15679067503215414300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-5982090334223555932008-07-29T09:37:00.000+01:002008-07-29T09:37:00.000+01:00Wrinkled Weasel - it has been a long time since ba...Wrinkled Weasel - it has been a long time since bands were ripped off - pray tell how did Paul McCartney lose control of his music? As for Brian Wilson, the man was bonkers - he lost control because he was manipulated by his bogus shrink and his gargantuan drug habit. While there had always been shameless excess in record companies it can't compare with the excess of many of the artists. It was a two way street. I don't feel sorry for any record companies but I don't feel sorry for any artists either -with the exception of the black American blues musicians who were ripped off blind in the 50's and early 60's. THAT was a crying shame, not the snivelling little wussies that are around today. <BR/><BR/>Alan Douglas - Van Morrsison was always an asshole and much as I admired his music I couldn't listen to it because he is such a beast. What a jerk he is and how right you are.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-50707357451956063962008-07-29T09:28:00.000+01:002008-07-29T09:28:00.000+01:00Ronnie - You are so right, I too worked in the mus...Ronnie - You are so right, I too worked in the music business with Talking Heads, B52s. Ramones, Deborah Harry, Big Audio Dynamite,<BR/>Black Grape and last but not least, the incomparable Muddy Waters. The record companies stuck their heads in the sand but of course they have been run by lawyers since the 90's who have absolutely no vision or creativity and have ruined the music industry. Live music and merchandising was ALWAYS the way for bands to make money as few of them ever recoup their advances because they don't sell enough and they all think they are spending the record company's money when it is really their own.<BR/><BR/>Before the rest of you get all teary eyed about the artists, while I have had the good fortune to work with some of the nicest, except for the foul Shaun Ryder, the good majority have over-inflated opinions of their own talent, are influenced by their jackass friends and would gladly sell you down the river for a dime. The music business now expects managers to work for nothing as do the artists which is why I packed it in. It is now run by lawyers and their hand picked flunkies who manage the acts. Tv talent shows sounded the death knell for music. We had manufactured bands in the sixties sure enough but not on the level it is now but then again music today reflects our society - venal and third division.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-9339412405370377652008-07-29T08:40:00.000+01:002008-07-29T08:40:00.000+01:00@Richard Havers: of course performers, producers a...@Richard Havers: of course performers, producers and distributors (i.e. record companies) ought to be paid for their work. The question is: how often and up to what price? Is it reasonable to ask fees for a download? Yes. Is it reasonable to ask it again and again, for each location and each medium you play it on? No. The current download practice has grown also because people try to dodge expenses that they feel are unreasonable - the more so thanks to the incredible arrogance on the part of record companies.<BR/><BR/>Allow me to give a parallel example of the copyright maffia: if we record a piece of classical music, I have to rent the sheet music from the music publisher, pay copyright for actually using it in performance, pay again for using the music on a cd and pay several fees to individual editors (thank you, Dr. Sawkins!) independently from the publisher (for good measure, it's OUR responsibility to find and compensate the editors, not the publisher's. In other words: we're paying four or five times for the same notes. <BR/><BR/>The whole thing has become so incredibly complicated that it's become practically impossible to keep track of even your own responsibilies. And when you're trading internationally it's even more difficult of course, because practices that would get you prosecuted here are entirely legal in other countries, and vice versa.Ilja Nieuwlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12159691131779069821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-91074555677219220672008-07-29T08:30:00.000+01:002008-07-29T08:30:00.000+01:00Nah- what went wrong was 'pop' tried to go 'cred' ...Nah- what went wrong was 'pop' tried to go 'cred' in the nineties and hence went 'up the sh*tter'. I bought hundreds of singles throughout the mid to late 80's because the pop scene was fantastic and the price of a 7 inch ( the single- just in-case any Liberal Democrats get confused) was relatively low. Once the cd single arrived it was 'rip-off' heaven for the music companies and hence the product devalued by costing so MUCH. Single sleeve design went up the sh*tter too thanks to the cd single. Plus the bible of the 80's for us pop fans (smash hits)collapsed during the 90's and 00's because the material around was/is so shite. The 'industry' only has itself to blame.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-73242665033505441202008-07-29T07:47:00.000+01:002008-07-29T07:47:00.000+01:0037 my arse!37 my arse!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-70429306865707754802008-07-28T23:14:00.000+01:002008-07-28T23:14:00.000+01:00Quote from the PRS (Performing Right Society):"As ...Quote from the PRS (Performing Right Society):<BR/><BR/>"As it is a legal requirement to gain permission from the music creator to play their music outside of the home, if you continue to play copyright music without a PRS Music Licence you may have to pay costs or damages if PRS has to take legal action"<BR/><BR/>Make sure you pay that licence before you play your legally obtained music on your MP3 on the beach this summer...<BR/><BR/>Don't shoot the messenger - this was on one of the letters sent to thousands of businesses in the past few months.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-15289083070375859132008-07-28T21:05:00.000+01:002008-07-28T21:05:00.000+01:00well said wrinkled weasel 12:13pm"Home Taping Is S...well said wrinkled weasel 12:13pm<BR/><BR/>"Home Taping Is Skill In Music"@molesworth_1https://www.blogger.com/profile/12278870362360637173noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-61374284930083947592008-07-28T21:01:00.000+01:002008-07-28T21:01:00.000+01:00James, I think you're confusing the medium with th...James, I think you're confusing the medium with the message. The fact is that sharing tracks is so much easier these days with MP3s. Many people do not consider music to be an essential purchase, like you and I probably used to, is what has done for the industry. <BR/><BR/>Think about it, should you not be paid for your efforts? If you had written and recorded something would you not want to get some money for your efforts? Is it any more complicated than that?<BR/><BR/>Of course it's easy to pick on 'record companies' but as often as not they've advanced a lot of money to an artist for them to record their material.<BR/><BR/>p.s. You are the exception to the rule....Richard Havershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15309594787689405779noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-47204659914058298622008-07-28T20:39:00.000+01:002008-07-28T20:39:00.000+01:00You cannot take this seriously when ISPs look both...You cannot take this seriously when ISPs <A HREF="http://curly15.wordpress.com/2008/07/24/net-firms-join-fight-against-piracy/" REL="nofollow">look both ways at the same time</A>!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-39368799097160489472008-07-28T19:08:00.000+01:002008-07-28T19:08:00.000+01:00Well well well. The industry that has undermined t...Well well well. <BR/><BR/>The industry that has undermined this country and the West for the last 40 years ("Back in the USSR/How lucky you are""God Save the Queen/The fascist regime" etc ad infinitum) is finally going to be axed in the head by the anti-social narcissistic indifference to law and property-rights it has created.<BR/><BR/>Pardon me while I dance on its grave.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6214838.post-5040741744426978352008-07-28T18:48:00.000+01:002008-07-28T18:48:00.000+01:00Niccolo Machiavelli July 28, 2008 3:33 PMtypical r...Niccolo Machiavelli <BR/>July 28, 2008 3:33 PM<BR/><BR/>typical response niccolo from people who think the world begins and ends with rock music,<BR/>some fine dj musicians and arrangers out there<BR/>nicola conte,jazzanova,marc mac,gilles peterson to name a few.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com