Takeaway Takeover
Union Busting Bandcamp, Deep Fake Whack-A-Mole, Fans Purchase UK Venue
TAKEAWAY TAKEOVER
Salient statements from this week’s music news.
1. Songtradr, Epic Games Respond to Bandcamp Union Concerns
Some employees will be laid off with severance despite demands from Bandcamp United that all employees be offered retention.
Takeaway: The new owners also said that they intend to continue existing Bandcamp services, including Bandcamp Fridays, Bandcamp Daily, and its artist-first revenue share.
2. Fund Allowing Fans to Invest in Struggling U.K. Venues Makes First Purchase
The charity-managed project lets the public purchase properties that are leased to most venue operators to help secure the future of the businesses. We wonder if this would be possible given U.S. securities law.
Takeaway: According to the trust, 127 grassroots venues have closed or stopped putting on live music concerts in the United Kingdom in the past 12 months, representing around 16% of its members and depriving new acts of vital spaces to develop their craft in front of live audiences.
3. Popular Discord Server AI Hub Taken Down After Riaa Complaint
A new game of whack-a-mole has begun.
Takeaway: New Discord servers are likely to emerge from the ashes of AI Hub, so the RIAA and other industry bodies’ takedown teams will still have plenty of work in the coming months.
4. Streaming’s Problems Will Not Be Fixed by Royalties Alone
Platforms need to encourage fandom instead of consumption if they really want to help creators.
Takeaway: The problem is that what the public wants creates a system that neither creators nor rightsholders want. Consumers have, at least in part, chosen this path.
5. Indie Companies Worry as Major Labels Intervene in Vinyl and CD Distribution
Logistical problems at the UK’s largest distributor, Utopia Music, hurt indie sales and forced the embattled company to solicit help from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.
Takeaway: There is concern among some independent labels that the bailout by Universal and Sony could be the first step of a takeover by stealth.
6. Live Music Takes Loyalty Programs to the Next Level
A survey conducted by Live Nation shows concertgoers respond to loyalty programs above and beyond average consumers.
Takeaway: By partnering with live-music experiences, brands can bring that emotional, money-can’t-buy magic that will drive KPIs, build positive associations and ultimately deliver more bang for your buck.
