Irwin Z. Robinson receives the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing at Midem

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP) has presented Irwin Z. Robinson with the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music Publishing. ICMP Chair, Andrew Jenkins, presented the award at a gala dinner held during Midem. The ceremony was attended by music publishers, collecting societies and senior industry executives from across the world.

Serving as the National Music Publishers' Association Board Member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30, Irwin Z. Robinson has been a key figure in a multitude of copyright and music licensing negotiations and initiatives. His unrelenting commitment to these issues has improved conditions for songwriters and independent and major publishers everywhere.

Robinson was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Famous Music Publishing, President and Chief Executive of EMI Music Publishing Worldwide and President of the legendary Chappell/Intersong Music Group.

On presenting the Award, Andrew Jenkins, Chair of ICMP said: "Irwin Z. Robinson has been involved in the music publishing industry for more than 55 years. He is universally admired and respected for his wisdom, leadership and passion in advancing the interests of songwriters."

"Instrumental in modernising the way music publishers work and extending catalogue and activities across a wide range of areas, Irwin brings energy, innovation and enthusiasm to everything he does," added Jenkins.

On receiving the Award, Robinson said: "It is always an honour to be selected by your peers as an individual who is worthy of any award. This award is very special to me because it represents recognition of my devotion to the global industry and my deep appreciation for all creators of music everywhere."

Ralph Peer II, chair and CEO of peermusic, and an ICMP Board Member said: "Irwin has been a colleague and mentor to generations of people in our industry as well as a trusted and loyal friend to those who have had the privilege of working with him."

"On behalf of ICMP and our publisher members everywhere, I would like to congratulate Irwin for his many years of work protecting and promoting the work of songwriters," added ICMP Director General Ger Hatton.

During the gala dinner, Robinson also received video messages from celebrated songwriters and performers including Linda Perry, Phil Galdston, Tia Sillers, and Brian Molko from alternative rock band Placebo.

"I wanted to congratulate you personally on your award. I feel that it is very, very well deserved and I also wanted to thank you for everything you have done for Placebo over the years and all the help you have given us in our career," said Molko in his tribute.

Robinson was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.

The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013 and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.

European Commission's Digital Single Market Strategy launched

The European Commission's new Digital Single Market Strategy has now been adopted.  The Commission will undertake 16 key actions, under 3 pillars, over the coming 5 years.  The three pillars are (1) better access for consumers and businesses to digital goods and services across Europe; (2) creating the right conditions and a level playing field for digital networks and innovative services to flourish; (3) maximising the growth potential of the digital economy.  Key actions include legal proposals for a 'more modern, more European copyright law', including reducing the differences between national copyright regimes, looking at the role of online intermediaries in relation to copyright-protected work, and stepping up enforcement against commercial-scale infringements of intellectual property rights.  The Commission aims to deliver on its targeted actions by the end of next year. More information can be found at: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-4919_en.htm

Australian Copyright Council commissioned report on the economic contribution of the copyright industries released

The Australian Copyright Council has released the report it commissioned on the economic contribution of Australia's copyright industries from 2002 - 2014.  The report has found that copyright industries continue to comprise a substantial  proportion of the Australian economy. While the report takes into account the disruptive effects of digitisation, it states that copyright is a key piece of infrastructure that supports industries in a modern economy. 

In 2014, copyright industries contributed $11.4 billion to the Australian economy.  This is 7.1% of GDP and makes it the fourth biggest industry (up from 7th in a 2012 study).   

The full report is available here: http://www.copyright.org.au/admin/cms-acc1/_images/1355629560553d73e0a5427.pdf

Irwin Z. Robinson announced as recipient of the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contributions to Global Music Publishing

The International Confederation of Music Publishers (ICMP), of which AMPAL is a member, has today revealed the honouree for the 2015 ICMP Ralph Peer II Award for Outstanding Contribution to Global Music Publishing.  Irwin Robinson, who the ICMP notes 'is one of music publishing’s most respected and innovative leaders', was selected from nominees submitted by ICMP member organisations in over 70 countries.  The Award, initiated by ICMP in 2013, and named after its first honouree Ralph Peer II, recognises visionaries in the field of music publishing, whose roles have helped develop, protect and value the music of composers and authors around the world.  Robinson has served as both a National Music Publishers' Association board member for over 40 years and as its Chairman for the last 30.  Robinson also serves as Publisher Vice Chairman of the ASCAP Board, of which he has been a member for over 40 years, as a board member of The National Academy of Popular Music and as a custodian for The Songwriters' Hall of Fame.  Congratulations Irwin Robinson.     

Industry code to combat online copyright infringement lodged for registration

1424917450411.png

The Communications Alliance has released the final version of the industry Code designed to help combat online copyright infringement, which will apply to approximately the largest 70 Australian Internet Service Providers (ISPs): http://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/48551/C653-Copyright-Notice-Scheme-Industry-Code-FINAL.pdf.  The Code has now been submitted for registration with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).  The Code is the product of an intensive development process by Internet Service Providers and a broad alliance of Rights Holders from the music, film, television and performing arts industries, following the request by the Federal Government in December 2014.  The Code creates a Copyright Notice Scheme through which residential fixed internet users who are alleged to have infringed copyright online will receive an escalating series of infringement notices designed to change their behaviour and steer them toward lawful sources of content.  The effectiveness of the Code will be independently evaluated 18 months after its commencement.   

Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry valued at more than AUD$200 million

The 2014 survey of AMPAL members has again valued the Australian and New Zealand music publishing industry at just over AUD$200 million for the year. Although the survey included data from the industry collective management societies APRA AMCOS, it only related to royalties flowing through music publishing companies and did not include money paid directly to songwriters and composers. AMPAL members provided confidential information to auditors Rosenfeld & Kant who aggregated the data. 

Fifa Riccobono awarded Ted Albert Award

Fifa.jpg

At the 2015 APRA Music Awards, Fifa Riccobono was awarded the Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music, in recognition of her 40 year career in the Australian music industry. As the CEO of Albert Music, Fifa was the first female CEO in Australian music history. Fifa's publishing company Viola Jade Music is a current AMPAL member, and Fifa has previously served as an AMPAL board director. Congratulations Fifa!

Draft Industry Code to Combat Online Copyright Infringement released for public comment

The Communications Alliance has released a draft Industry Code to combat online copyright infringement: http://www.commsalliance.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/47570/DR-C653-2015.pdf.  The Code is the product of an intensive development process by Internet Service Providers and a broad alliance of Rights Holders from the music, film, television and performing arts industries, following the request by the Federal Government in December 2014.  The Code creates a Copyright Notice Scheme through which residential fixed internet users who are alleged to have infringed copyright online will receive an escalating series of infringement notices designed to change their behaviour and steer them toward lawful sources of content.  The effectiveness of the Code will be independently evaluated 18 months after its commencement. 

The public have 30 days to submit comments on the draft. After that consultation period the code will be finalised and submitted for registration with ACMA, which is the regulator for the communications industry.  Comments can be submitted at:
http://www.commsalliance.com.au/Documents/public-comment. The deadline for public comment is 23 March 2015.

 

CISAC releases 2015 Global Collections Report

CISAC.png

The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) has released its 2015 Global Collections Report.

The Report reveals that total royalties remained stable for the year 2013 at €7.8 billion, with music repertoire accounting for the majority of collections at 87%.  Total collections for music repertoire were €6.765 billion, down 0.6% from €6.808 billion in 2012.

More information and the full report are available at: http://www.cisac.org/Newsroom/News-Releases/CISAC-Releases-2015-Global-Collections-Report 

US Copyright Office releases music licensing study

copyright-header.png

The United States Copyright Office has released a comprehensive study of US music licensing arrangements entitled Copyright and the Music Marketplace.  The Copyright Office makes a number of recommendations for the US dealing with existing statutory licenses, the role of performing rights organisations, terrestrial performance rights for sound recordings, federal protection for pre-1972 sound recordings, access to music ownership data, and the concerns of songwriters and recording artists.  More information and the full report can be found at: http://copyright.gov/docs/musiclicensingstudy/

AMPAL Director Ian James nominated for International Music Industry Award

Ian+James+Mushroom+bw.png

AMPAL board director Ian James has been nominated for the Music Publisher award at the International Music Industry Awards to be announced at MUSEXPO on 29 April in Los Angeles.  Ian is the Managing Director of Mushroom Music Publishing (Australia).  For more information see: http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/137762/musexpo-announces-nominees-for-international-music  Congratulations Ian!

The MPA has produced a series of videos on music publishing

mpa-full-colour (1).jpg

The Music Publishers Association in the UK has produced an entertaining and informative series of videos  that cover all aspects of publishing, from synchronisation to royalty collection and sheet music, while the final piece discusses the future of music publishing.

The trade body invited prominent figures to contribute, including Nigel Elderton (Peermusic), John Truelove (Truelove Music), Becca Gatrell and Caroline Elleray (Universal Music Publishing), Natasha Baldwin (Imagem), Sarah Osborn (Schott Music) and Jake Gosling (songwriter/producer).The videos are available for viewing on the MPA website: http://www.mpaonline.org.uk/videohomepage  

2014 Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition winners announced

VandaYoung+3.jpg

The winners of the 2014 Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition have been announced, with Husky Gawenda taking out first place, Meg Mac in second place, and David Le'aupepe in third.  The Encouragement Award went to Andy Bull.  

AMPAL was proud to again sponsor the $10,000 second prize.

The Vanda and Young Songwriting Competition is one of the world’s most prestigious songwriting competitions with a first prize of $50,000. This is the largest first prize for any songwriting competition in the world.  The 2014 competition saw 3,400 entries from 1,949 songwriters in 17 separate countries, with $170,000 raised for Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia. 

More information can be found at http://www.apraamcos.com.au/vandayoungsongcomp/

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to all of the entrants!

 

 

US National Music Publishers' Association CEO discusses issues with digital streaming services

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, David Israelite, CEO of the US National Music Publishers' Association, discussed current issues in the US with digital streaming services.  Watch the interview here: http://www.bloomberg.com/video/digital-music-streaming-are-songwriters-getting-ripped-off-19A898LbSLK6V8yAMS~G8Q.html

Music Australia Program for 2015

Music Australia has now published its program of events for 2015. The program can be found here: http://musicaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Music-Australia-Program-2015.pdf.

Music Australia is a fifty member not-for profit national umbrella body representing all aspects of Australian music. It is the only organisation in the country devoted to music in its entirety with activities spanning education, community and the professional industry.

 

New Director Elected at AMPAL Annual General Meeting

Jaime Gough was elected to the Board of Directors of AMPAL at the AGM on Thursday 13th November. Also re-elected were Matthew Capper, Clive Hodson, Ian James and Damian Trotter. Matthew Capper and Clive Hodson were subsequently reappointed as chair and deputy chair respectively.

Jaime Gough is General Manager at Native Tongue Music Publishing (Australia), an independent music publisher with offices in Melbourne, Auckland, London and Los Angeles.  After completing a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and Bachelor of Business (Management) at Monash University, Jaime started working in the family business as Copyright and Royalties manager from the company’s inception in 2004, before becoming Creative Manager in 2007 where his role evolved to include A&R, Licensing and International catalogue management.  Jaime recently spent almost 4 years based in London expanding Native Tongue’s operations in the UK, Europe and US markets.  Prior to joining Native Tongue Jaime worked for music licensing company Mana Music and prior to that at Mayday Management representing The Go-Betweens, Mia Dyson, Renee Geyer and David Bridie.  Jaime has served on the board for non-profit youth music organization The Push.

Music Talks - limited places still available!

 Music Talks Is a new series of talks, seminars, and panels and discussing topical issues in music. They are future focused with many geared to the independent sector. All feature expert presenters and speakers, and each targets a particular professional audience.  Panel sessions include a skilled Chair with expert speakers, moderated discussion, and questions from the floor.

 Music Copyright – the Artist and the Internet

 Our second Music Talks seminar takes a look at Copyright. We are delighted to present Music Copyright – The Artist and the Internet sessions in Brisbane, Melbourne and  in Sydney, each presented with local partners.
 About the Seminar:
This Q&A/Panel Discussion looks at the latest developments to enhance protection for composers and creators from their content being used on the internet without authority. Our expert panel explains what is happening here and overseas, unpacks the terms involved, and answers your questions. Attend this seminar to understand what a ‘safe harbour’, a ‘takedown notice’ and ‘web blocking’ is, and the copyright issues involved for musicians and music makers.

Brisbane Session

Date: Tuesday 18 November 2014
Time: 6.00 – 8.00pm
Location: River City Labs
Presented By: Music Australia in association with QMusic
 
Brisbane Panel:

  • Chris O’Neill – Panel Chair, National Team Leader – Writer Services APRA AMCOS
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia, Music Rights Advocate
  • Rick Chazan – Manager, GROUNDCONTROL Music Management (AUS)
  • Matt McCormick – McCormick Lawyers

This session is free to attend, More information here. Bookings are essential.  Register to Attend.

 Sydney Session

 Date: Wednesday 19th November 2014
Time: 4.00 – 6.00pm
Location: Erskineville Town Hall
Presented By: Music Australia in association with Music NSW

Sydney Panel:

  • Michael Smellie – Chair, Music Australia, Panel Chair
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia
  • Lindy Morrison – Artist
  • Fiona Phillips – Executive Director, Australian Copyright Council

Tickets to the event talk are $20 with refreshments provided, free to Music Australia members. More information here.   Bookings are essential.  You can book here.

 The Music, The Artist and The Internet - The Latest in Digital Rights

 Melbourne Session
Date: Friday 14th November 2014
Time: 2.40 – 3.40pm
Location: The Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd
Presented By: Music Australia and Face the Music

This lively discussion brings together users, artists and experts to look at the future of digital music rights in Australia. The Government’s recent Online Infringement discussion paper is a hotbed for discussion for rights advocates and artists who want the right to choose how their music is used, and those who make their living from composition or recorded music.  From the latest developments for composers and right holders, to artists wanting to know more about sampling to media and users who want to understand fair dealing, we've got you covered. We'll explore and demystify copyright as our expert panel explain developments here and overseas, unpack the terms involved, and answers your questions.

Melbourne Panel:

  • Nicholas Jones – Tone Deaf: Moderator
  • Vanessa Hutley – General Manager, Music Rights Australia, Music Rights Advocate
  • Frank Rodi – Deputy Director Writer Services, APRA AMCOS
  • Ben O'Hara – Head Of Music Business, Box Hill Institute / Business Writer thebiz.com.au
  • Artist - To be announced

This session is open to delegates to the Face the Music Conference.  Registration is essential. You can register for the conference here.