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US court puts studio and labels' MegaUpload lawsuits on hold, for now As previously reported, in April the US film and music industries both launched civil action against Dotcom and his MegaUpload cohorts over allegations the former digital business enabled rampant copyright infringement prior to its forced shutdown in 2012. But, of course, the US authorities are still pursuing a criminal case against Dotcom et al over the same allegations, so lawyers for the Mega team quickly requested that any civil lawsuits be postponed until after the criminal action was complete. Otherwise defendant testimonies in the former might be hindered over worries they'd affect the latter. Neither of the trade bodies that represent the US movie and record companies, the Motion Picture Association Of America and the Recording Industry Association Of America respectively, had much of a problem with the postponement plan, but they wanted certain conditions included in any 'motion to stay', and in the main the judge, Liam O'Grady, has obliged. Under the motion, the MPAA and RIAA are free to add extra defendants and otherwise modify their lawsuits while the matter is on hold. And most importantly, O'Grady said it was fine for the plaintiffs to try and stop moves in New Zealand and Hong Kong to return previously frozen MegaUpload assets to Dotcom and co. The studios and labels have expressed fears that if the former Mega management get their money back they could move it off-shore, so that if and when the content industries are rewarded damages, they'll be no cash to pay them. According to Torrentfreak, the judge remarked: "The court finds that each of the plaintiffs' proposed conditions are reasonable under the circumstances of this case because of the possibility that defendants' assets abroad may become unfrozen. Plaintiffs may institute and pursue any action in the United States or a foreign jurisdiction to preserve defendants' assets in the event that such action becomes necessary". The MPAA and RIAA's litigation is now on hold for seven weeks, until 1 Aug. Meanwhile the criminal case against Dotcom et al moves along at pretty much the same speed as those protesting taxi drivers in London the other day. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Paul Weller's wife calls for new laws to protect child privacy rights As previously reported, the Wellers successfully sued Mail Online after it published pap photos taken in California showing the one-time Jam man shopping with three of his children and his wife. The singer said the photos were "plainly voyeuristic" and a "blatant impediment to the natural social progress of children", and were taken despite him specifically asking the photographer to leave them alone. The Mail argued that: the snapper in question did not violate any Californian laws, the photos were harmless, Weller had discussed his family in interviews, his wife had tweeted photos of their twin sons, and his teenage daughter had modelled with Vogue. But the court ruled that the Mail, as a UK-based paper, was governed by European privacy law oblivious of where the photos were taken, and that the website had breached those laws by publishing the snaps. Weller was awarded £10,000 in damages, though the Mail vowed to appeal. Speaking outside the High Court in London yesterday, Hannah Weller said that their case had confirmed the privacy rights of the children of celebrities under European law, but that - while their children were now likely safe from the paparazzo's lens, having proven their willingness to sue - the tabloids and gossip sites continue to publish a flood of pointless photos showing the offspring of the rich and famous. To that end, said Weller, "it should be a criminal offence to violate any child's right to grow up free from media intrusion. Our children are not famous people - most children are not famous". According to the Press Gazette, Weller went on: "As it stands, the decision about whether or not to thrust children into the media spotlight lies with the discretion of the editors of money-hungry newspapers and online gossip websites who are often more concerned with their own bottom line than the best interests of children. These people have shown repeatedly that they cannot be trusted to make the right choices and so it is time to take this decision from them and make it a criminal offence to expose children in this way". The newspapers - most of them already unhappy with the ruling in the Wellers' civil case - will definitely fight any moves to make child privacy rights a criminal matter, likely pointing to the ongoing overhaul of voluntary press regulation in the UK post-Hackgate and Leveson. "Give that a try" will be the likely line. But, Weller told the 'Today' programme, not using "a person's fame or notoriety as full justification to print information about a child's private life" has long been in the newspaper industry's voluntary code, "yet they continue to do it almost on a daily basis". -------------------------------------------------- More web-blocks and an ad industry commitment in Italy's anti-piracy crusade As previously reported, while web-block orders are becoming common in an increasing number of countries, especially in Europe, in the main music and movie companies which want to force ISPs to block access to file-sharing operations must take the matter to court first. However, in Italy AGCOM has been given the power to web-block itself. And it's using that power. It's one of a number of initiatives which is making Italy, where the copyright system was once criticised for failing to help rights owners tackle illegal file-sharing, one of the most proactive countries in the anti-piracy domain. Also this week representatives of Italy's advertising industry published a 'memorandum of understanding' it has signed with the local music and film industries to try and cut off ad revenue from websites that enable or encourage piracy. Confirming Italian advertisers planned to be more proactive in stopping their ads - and ad revenues - from going to piracy set ups, Carlo Noseda of the Interactive Advertising Bureau Italy said at an event this week: "In a growing digital market, piracy is a huge obstacle: only a secure and ethical web can enable the digital economy to continue to grow, making our country more attractive to investors and therefore creating new opportunities on the economic and employment fronts". He went on: "By fighting advertising on pirate websites we eliminate one of the major sources of funding of this parallel market, which threatens the development of a healthy market and the legal drivers of competitiveness for the country system. The goal of this collaboration [with the music and movie industries] is to develop new models of governance of business practices in order to limit the illegality on the web, and to protect content owners, the operators of the advertising market, the investors and even the user". These moves in Italy mirror recent work by Mike Weatherley MP, IP Advisor to David Cameron, and the City Of London Police to, as Weatherley puts it, "go after the money" in the battle against piracy. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kobalt signs Goat They headline this year's Liverpool Psych Fest on 27 Sep, thereafter playing live dates at Glasgow's SWG3 (28 Sep), Newcastle's Northumbria Uni (29 Sep), the Brighton Concorde (1 Oct), Bristol's Trinity Centre (2 Oct), and the London Roundhouse finally on 3 Oct. So now you know. And chanting as one in reaction to the deal, Goat said: "Music is spirituality, spirituality is togetherness, togetherness is love, love is music". Meanwhile, taking the traditional tack with his little speech, Kobalt's Johan Ekelund added: "Goat are the most original and adventurous band to ever emerge from the cold outskirts of Korpilombolo. We are dazzled that they have trusted us to be their partner in music publishing". -------------------------------------------------- Sony/ATV signs Chrissie Hynde Paying her respects with regards the new deal, Chrissie says: "I've been with these guys for a while now. And Guy Moot [Sony/ATV's UK President] introduced me to Bjorn Yttling so he's partly to blame for my new project". Fran Malyan, Sony/ATV's Senior VP A&R/Catalogue, says: "Chrissie Hynde is one of the most iconic songwriters and musicians of the last 40 years and we are thrilled to extend a relationship with her that goes from the early days of The Pretenders right up to her fantastic new album. Her catalogue is a joy to work with because it contains so many synchable songs and remains in high demand globally". Taken from 'Stockholm', which is out now, this is the single 'You Or No One'. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Disc Makers re-opens vinyl pressing plant Good news, though. US CD and DVD manufacturer Disc Makers has entered the vinyl pressing market. Or re-entered the market - launched as a vinyl manufacturer in 1946, the company got out of the vinyl game fifteen years ago when it ceased to make financial sense. But now it's back. "Vinyl got back onto our radar, as a new generation of enthusiasts got into it", explains CEO Tony van Veen. "The market at first was small and hyper niche-y. Every year for the past five years, literally every year, we asked ourselves if it made sense to get back into vinyl. Finally last year, my team convinced me. We're a full service provider of products to artists. It became an ever bigger hole in our range of services". The company has bought back the machines it sold all those years ago and refurbished its old factory to offer runs of as few as 200 records. Of course, this might mean that another vinyl pressing plant went out of business in order to get Disc Makers up and running again, but that would take the shine off the story a bit. Let's just assume the presses were rusting in a shed or something. "It's not back to the future from our perspective; it's forward to the past", said van Veen. Though as he stood waiting for some sort of recognition for this comment, everyone just shuffled around and looked at their shoes, then someone changed the subject by making this overly dramatic video. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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No Boardshorts, No Cry: Marley fashion line to launch Designed by Cedella Marley and apparently based on stuff her dad used to wear, the Marley Apparel fashion range will be sold by Universal's merch company Bravado. Amongst the things you'll be able to buy are Marley Apparel Boardshorts, the Marley Apparel Field Jacket, plus a range of stuff in the Marley Apparel Denim Collection and limited edition Marley Apparel Soccer Capsule Collection. Woo and indeed hoo. "It's an honour for me to spread my father's legacy to a loyal fanbase that continues to expand", says Marley Jr. "Working with Bravado is endlessly rewarding as they truly understand the importance of my father's music and messages and have been key to bringing these inspirations to life through the medium of fashion". Bravado CEO Tom Bennett added: "As Bravado continues to expand and moves further into the fashion apparel space, we take great care that our product lines to remain true to the spirit of the music that inspires them, and this collection is no different. Bob Marley was one of the most important recording artists and cultural icons in history. We're thrilled to continue to work with Cedella and the Marley family to bring their vision to fruition in such a unique and special way". The official US launch will take place at Miss Lily's and The Surf Lodge in New York tomorrow. You'll also be able to see all the stuff at wearmarley.com, except the Marley Apparel Fall/Winter 2014, which is only available to view by appointment. I'm free next Wednesday, if anyone wants to team up. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Fatdrop announces software relaunch The biggest update to the software, which is currently in invite-only beta, is the ability for users - ie journalists, DJ and other opinion formers - to follow labels, and a recommendation engine to help them to find new labels whose music they might be interested in. Founder Alex Stacey explains: "Fatdrop has always been an advocate of the record label, and Fatdrop 5.0 puts labels back at the centre, re-establishing them as the tastemakers they once were. We're really excited to launch this new platform, which I believe has the potential to revolutionise the way people promote and discover music". Watch a video showing the new features here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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James Arthur "moves on" from Syco Actually, he said he had decided to "move on and do something different". But we all know what that means, really. He tweeted: "Just to clear things up - I am no longer with Syco. I would like to thank all at the label for making a great record with me. I now have to move on and do something different - the future is bright! #LOVE". Arthur's career since winning 'X-Factor' back in 2012 has been one filled with controversy, not least when he was accused of homophobia and racism, due to some homophobic and racist lyrics in one of his songs. He got in further lyrical trouble earlier this year when he included the line, "I'm gonna blow up your family like I'm a terrorist" in a new song, 'Follow The Leader'. Arthur denied that there was any need to be angry, saying that the track was written as a letter from "a demented fan" akin to 'Stan' by Eminem. 'Follow The Leader' also contains the line, "I'd fucking wear you to dinner like you're a pair of clogs". Please remember, this song is about a fan - James Arthur does not wear clogs to dinner. I hope that's not why Syco dropped him. -------------------------------------------------- Slipknot percussionist to unveil new art collection today Fehn's watercolour landscape paintings aim to capture the peace and tranquillity to be found when surrounded by nature. No, not really, they're "a collection of artwork built from rhythm and fused with hidden imagery to uncover with each viewing". The limited edition pieces are being made available today because it's Friday the thirteenth. You can find out more at Fehn's website, and watch a short teaser trailer here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Lily Allen gives away unofficial World Cup single The track, written with producer Kid Harpoon, doesn't feature on her recently released 'Sheezus' album. An homage to mid-90s rave culture, you can grab your free download of it here. If you don't fancy signing up to Lily's mailing list to hear the track, or you're just not one of those weirdos who still downloads music, you can have a listen to it via YouTube here. In other unofficial World Cup single news, The Official Charts Company notes that 'Noble England' by Rik Mayall is on track to reach the top ten and may trouble current chart leader Ella Henderson for the number one slot. As previously reported, a campaign to get the 2010 World Cup single to number one was launched following Mayall's death earlier this week. -------------------------------------------------- The Bug bugs both Angels and Devils to collaborate With Death Grips, Grouper's Liz Harris, Gonjasurfi, Inga Copeland, Justin Broadrick, Flowdan and Roll Deep MC Manga all on its pretty freakish team of 'featured artists', 'Angels & Devils', which is built on various dualities, is due via Ninja Tune on 25 Aug. Get in on its tracklisting below, and a player previewing the LP here. Void (feat Liz Harris) -------------------------------------------------- Kyary Pamyu Pamyu announces third album The album sees her working again with Capsule's Yasutaka Nataka on songwriting and production duties. This album even features a cover of a Capsule song, 'Do Do Pi Do', which must have saved him a bit of time. The record will include latest single 'Kira Kira Killer', which came out this week. Though before you think she's gone all edgy, you should probably note that there's another song on the album called 'Family Party'. Now, view this 60 second trailer for the album for further hints at its contents. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Warped celebrations to hit Poland Getting going on 14 Sep with an all-new Squarepusher set featuring the Sinfonietta Cracovia and additional players Olivier Messiaen, Iannis Xenakis and György Ligeti, the celebrations will go on with 'Warp Works & 20th Century Masters' on 19 Sep, which will find Warp signee Mira Calix and, again, the Sinfonietta Cracovia, playing new interpretations of tracks by Boards of Canada, Aphex Twin, Gyorgy Ligeti and Steve Reich. The celebrations' final climax is a big showcase-come-party on 20 Sep. Autechre and Battles, neither of whom have played live since 2011, will both do so on the night, premièring new songs; whilst an AV PA by LFO and drop-ins by Rustie, Plaid, HudMo, Darkstar, Patten and Bibio are also part of the package. Get details and tickets here, and stream a Warp 25 playlist via Spotify here. -------------------------------------------------- You'll find Everything (Everything!) in a library The biblio-collaboration, banner-titled 'Chaos To Order', will find the group and Mancs organisation Brighter Sound working with lots of artists and creatives on a series of 'experiments' designed to test the limits of a modern library. Whilst exactly what the experiments will entail is still a big secret, this is in basic terms what's going to happen: "During that week you will be invited to enter the library as you would your own mind, with curiosity and imagination, and watch a mix of installations, performances and ideas unfold, exploring the theme of a library as a place where chaos lies latent. A place of thoughts, feelings and observations of a changing and conflicting world are all captured, coded and categorised, only to be returned to the chaotic and creative spaces from where they came once found and read". Everything Everything say this: "We have long been attracted to chaos. Documenting the overload of information in which we live - its overwhelming vastness, its beauties and its dangers - has been central to our work. We are also attracted to the egalitarianism of the public library as an institution. Anyone can enter and indulge any interest. We want to curate a residency that will reflect and explore this". Details here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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CMU Beef Of The Week #210: Morrissey v Cliff Richard "What could he be afraid of?" you might ask. Well, there's the fear of being upstaged by a consummate professional, that's a given. But there was also Richard's statement back in February that he hoped that Morrissey "might eat some meat" before their show together, to celebrate his special guest's arrival at the venue. Now Morrissey, you might have noticed, is rather outspoken on the subject of meat and not thinking that people should eat it. Indeed earlier this year he likened meat eaters to paedophiles. Strong words indeed, but it's one thing to say that in an online Q&A with fans, and quite another to have to say it right into the face of Cliff Richard just as he walks through the door. So, there you have it. It's an open and shut case. The body of evidence is too strong to deny. Morrissey cancelled his US tour as a result of a long-brewing meat dispute with Cliff. Well, there's beef in all this somewhere. Richard, meanwhile, issued a statement saying that he was "very disappointed" that Morrissey had turned down the offer to share some meat with him. Well, OK, he said that he was "very disappointed to confirm that Morrissey has just cancelled the remaining dates on his tour", but we call know what he was thinking. He did then wish Morrissey "a full and speedy recovery", but, erm, you know, tensions, burgers, fall outs. OK, so, you might be thinking this beef is a little made up. And you'd be right. But I already invented a new buddy-cop TV show for Morrissey and Paul McCartney this week, so I figured while I was on a role, I might as well channel these incredible creative powers of mine. Actually, while I've been banging on about Cliff, there has been an actual dispute related to this show, and a fake illness to talk about too. Not Morrissey's illness, no. Stop that. The illness of the support act who was joining him for the entire tour, Kristeen Young. The True To You website said that Morrissey had collapsed after his Boston show on 7 Jun, and was diagnosed with an "acute fever". However, the makings of this fever dated back to 31 May in Miami, where Young had, the site said, "confessed to 'a horrendous cold', the symptoms of which were passed on to Morrissey". "For the good of all, Kristeen was asked to step down from the immediate upcoming shows", the statement continued. "But instead she decided to leave the tour entirely. Morrissey and the band wish her well and hope she is now in good health". So, there you have it. It's an open and shut case. The body of evidence is too strong to deny. Except that Young's story is slightly different. Writing on Facebook, she said: "Regarding the recent True To You statement from Morrissey: I did not 'confess to a horrendous cold'. On Monday, 2 Jun, I had an allergy attack that was over within sixteen hours. I went to a doctor (on Monday, 2 Jun), an allergy specialist, who gave me drugs for allergies... and they worked. I explained this (early on Tuesday, 3 Jun) and offered this doctor's phone number to Morrissey personally, via email, and the tour manager, Donnie Knutson (for proof, since they seemed to doubt me). But, they NEVER followed up with me or said doctor". She continued: "Also, it is incorrect that I 'decided to leave the tour completely'. I was asked to leave. Was called (in the presence of my band as witnesses) by Morrissey's booking agent, Dave Tamaroff, and told that there would be a new support band in Boston. I am very sorry that Morrissey is not feeling well. But I will not tolerate these lies... particularly about my health. This is really too much and bizarre". Oh, well that complicates things. Bizarre is right though. And what with the false announcement of his publishing deal lapsing, the fake Twitter account, and trying to force another band to cancel their show in a neighbouring venue, it's just the latest bizarre thing to occur in the Morrissey domain in recent weeks. Cancelling tour dates due to illness though, that's not a bizarre thing in the world of Morrissey at all, as this definitive list of the many times he's pulled out of shows and his reasons for doing so attests. -------------------------------------------------- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Send ALL press releases to musicnews@unlimitedmedia.co.uk - this is checked daily by the whole editorial team meaning your release will definitely get to the right person. For details of the training and consultancy services offered by CMU Insights click here - Andy and Chris are also available to provide music business comment, just email them direct. To promote your company or advertise jobs or services to the entire UK music industry via the CMU bulletin or website contact Sam on 020 7099 9060 or email ads@unlimitedmedia.co.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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