Music Mensch Podcast
By Matt Van Hiel
Music Mensch PodcastMar 14, 2019
Ep. 29: Streaming Wars 2 - Is Spotify Suing Songwriters?
The Copyright Royalty Board published a decision in 2018 to raise songwriter royalties by 44% between now and 2022. In the eleventh hour, Spotify, Amazon, and Pandora submitted an appeal that not only opposed the rate increase, but would also be used as a divisive tactic to roll back royalty rates by one-third, according to NMPA chair David Israelite.
Is Spotify technically suing songwriters? What will happen if the royalty rate increase is confirmed?
And more importantly... Could this mean the end for Spotify?
For a full transcription of this episode, click here.
Ep. 27: Turning Of The Tides
Warner/Chappell and Spotify go to war over the Launch in India
Article 13 reaches its final voting process, which is set for April
The stats from the RIAA 2018 Year-End Report are in, and they are oh-so beautiful!
You should also look at the Billboard Article that breaks down what this means. Music streaming stats are interesting.
The music industry is doing good things! And you should learn all there is to know about how you can get it on the action! Subscribe to the mailing list to get the FREE pdf-downloadable Essential Music Tools that show you how to balance your budget, tips for practicing, and what to do when releasing your music. Stay ahead of the game!
Ep. 22: Hail Mary, Full Of ICE
Maroon 5 gets a big thumbs down for their Super Bowl performance. However, there brings to mind one question: Were you advocating artists to step down in solidarity with Kaepernick? If so, you have no right to complain about the quality of the show.
21 Savage faces deportation, and apparently nobody is allowed to joke about his recently discovered heritage. Demi Lovato learned this the hard way after she was forced to delete her Twitter account.
The two candidates for the position of the new Mechanical Licensing Collective get into a bloody battle as the decision continue about who will represent songwriters when it comes to mechanical royalties from digital downloads.
Ep. 23: Grammys and Whammies
This week we cover 5 TOPICS!!!
Grammy's Fiasco: Ariana Grande pulls out due to a fight with Grammy producer Ken Ehrlich, Cardi B thanks a dead celebrity for sending her flowers (whoops), and Childish Gambino is a sour puss despite the fact he won all the awards he was nominated for.
AEG/SMG Merger: Onex cuts a deal with SMG to merge with AEG subsidiary AEG Facilities, creating the new ASM Global. This new venture will own and manage 310 venues worldwide.
Kane Brown Lawsuit: Heaven isn't quite like this. Kane Brown blatantly disregards a deal he cut with his past producer Polow da Don of Zone 4 Records and instead continues his unauthorized deal with RCA Nashville, resulting in a lawsuit filed by da Don for all the royalty money he missed out on.
Fight Fyre with Fyre: Billy McFarland has been ordered by a New York County Court Judge Joel H. Cohen to pay EHL the $3 million they invested into Fyre Festival, plus the 30% interest they were promised in the contractual agreement. McFarland's net worth sits at a wonderful negative $5 million.
New Controversial Michael Jackson Documentary: The Sun Dance Film Festival unveiled a new documentary by Dan Reed that follows the account of two boys (now men) who claimed to have been sexually abused by Michael Jackson when they were kids. How did audiences react? But more importantly, when can you watch it?
Bonus: At the end of this episode, catch a small clip of the interview being released Friday with lighting assistant from Pantera's 'Cowboys From Hell' Tour, Dale Bridges. Teaser: He tells a great story about Dimebag Darrell
The End Of Commentary
Deadmau5 takes to Reddit to vent his frustration about Twitch suspending his account after using a homophobic slur. 'Hate speech' is against their personal policy... But is that the best policy for Americans?
Article 13 reaches its final stages and the proposal has changed so much, many large corporations, songwriters, and publishers are wondering whether or not it will have the same affect... Or would it just harm thousands of businesses to same just one?
Ep. 25: TIK TOK On The Scandal Clock
Ja Rule has plans to start another festival and app, because his last ventures worked so well.
Both R. Kelly and Ryan Adams are under fire for new sexual assault allegations.
TIK TOK is catching heat after Inida, which makes up 40% of its fan base, believes that the app is adding to 'cultural degradation'.
Spotify spends $340 million on new podcasting acquisition, which make them the Doctor Evils of the podcasting world.
Ep. 26: Qobuzzing Against The Airwaves
YouTube accidentally uses Fortnite to facilitate channels that are owned by child predators... and it's being monetized. A former YouTube creator also talks about how this type of material is accessible in less than 10 minutes or, in some cases, less than 5 clicks.
The Local Radio Freedom Act is looking to end new taxes or royalty payouts from radio stations for the third time, but most music rights advocacy groups are crying foul, saying that there is nothing "local" about this 5-alarm hose job.
Tidal is offering up $1 million through its newest musician grant program which is set to unveil in Detroit on March 1st. The newest program is called Tidal Unplugged and it could be the closest thing we have to an honest production team.
Qobuz is dubbed the 'premium gasoline' of music streaming, but can it compete with services that are offering the same services for cheaper?
We're looking to give you all of the tools you need to boost your music career. Join the mailing list to get the 3 Essential Music Tools FREE pdf download.
MMP Interviews: John Marlin
Guitarist for Granger Smith, John Marlin, stops in for a quick interview about life on the road, helping to define personal success, and why the process should be the goal.