Stream ripping site faces legal action from labels
The music industry has taken its first legal action against what is described as “the world’s largest site dedicated to offering illegally 'stream ripped' music,” Youtube-mp3.org. Stream ripping is the process of ‘ripping’ or creating a downloadable file from content that is available to stream online. The three majors – Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment – have filed a lawsuit filed before the District Court of California against Youtube-mp3.org and the founder of the site, 25-year-old German Philip Matesanz, as well its operating company PMD Technology. The defendants are accused of copyright infringement and circumventing technological measures. The legal action was taken on behalf of the recorded music companies by US trade organisations the RIAA, with global trade body the IFPI coordinating legal and communication efforts. The action was supported by independent labels' bodies WIN (Worldwide Independent Network), the UK's AIM (Association for Independent Music) and the USA's A2IM. IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore said: “This is a coordinated action to protect the rights of artists and labels from the blatant infringements of YouTube-mp3, the world’s single-largest ‘stream ripping’ site."
Drake's Views reaches 1 billion streams on Apple Music
Drake's Views is the first album to reach 1 billion streams on Apple Music. Apple CEO Tim Cook, SVP of internet software and services Eddy Cue, and Apple Music's head of content Larry Jackson presented the rapper with a plaque to mark the achievement. (Billboard)
Pandora poaches new Chief Marketing Officer from LinkedIn
Ahead of the launch of its subscription services, Pandora is beefing up its marketing team with the arrival of Nick Bartle, who will join the US music streaming platform on October 3 as chief marketing officer. Bartle comes from business networking site LinkedIn, where he served as VP of member marketing and communications for the last year. In a statement, Pandora said that Bartle "will bring Pandora’s next chapter to life through compelling marketing and communications as the company gives listeners the most personal music experience in the world".
The Stone Roses announces three UK shows for 2017
The Stone Roses have announced three UK shows for 2017. The band, who played four sold out nights at Manchester's Etihad Stadium in June, will perform at The SSE Arena, Belfast, on Tuesday, June 13, London's Wembley Stadium on Saturday, June 17 and Hampden Park, Glasgow, on Saturday, June 24.
Acts confirmed for Oxjam Dalston Takeover
Miss Baby Sol, Yassassin, Free Money, DJ Simbad, Brother Zulu, BORN n BREAD and Roses Gabor are among acts confirmed for the Oxjam Dalston Takeover on October 15. The evening will see five venues in Dalston host live shows, DJ sets and club nights in a bid to raise £10,000 for Oxfam. Birthdays, The Victoria, Servant Jazz Quarters, Hub 16 Studio and Farr’s School of Dancing will welcome up to 30 acts who are all taking part for charity – all of which can be accessed by purchasing a wristband.
Bucks inks deal with Francobollo
Bucks Music Group has signed a worldwide administration deal with Swedish band Francobollo, the first signing to producer Charlie Andrew's new publishing venture Big Tree Music. BRIT Award and Mercury Prize-winning producer Andrew, whose production credits include albums from alt-J, Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Money, launched Big Tree Music alongside sister label Square Leg Records in August. The now London-based Francobollo are also the first signing to Square Leg. Under the new admin agreement, Big Tree Music and Francobollo will be able to take advantage of Bucks Music Group's global reach, resource and infrastructure.
BBC Radio 1Xtra partners with Liverpool festival
BBC Radio 1Xtra has partnered with LIMF (Liverpool International Music Festival) Academy on a range of bespoke outreach sessions ahead of 1Xtra Live - the station's annual flagship live music event. Running until Friday, October 7, 16-24 year olds in Liverpool will have the opportunity to learn all about the music industry from some of the biggest names in the business, before the city welcomes 1Xtra Live on Saturday, December 8.
Trevor Nelson unveils new album concept
DJ and broadcaster Trevor Nelson's latest compilation album concept, Trevor Nelson Club Classics, is set for release on November 4, through Universal Music On Demand (UMOD). The album follows on from the major success of Nelson’s previous trio of compilation albums, which established him as the most successful DJ-fronted compilation brand in recent years.
