Just for Fun and Inspiration

Sometimes, when grappling with the thorny issues of ownership, synergy and technological convergence, you just need to listen to great music.  It helps to clear the mind.

The Crippling Power of a Record Company - Can the Artist Fight back?

Azealia Banks has used Twitter to voice her dissatisfaction with Universal Music. She's actively looking to leave her label Interscope (owned by Universal) -read about it here and here .  However, can't because she's contracted to them.  So what's an artist to do when they are so clearly 'owned' by a label.  All that's left to them is to go public with their complaint - as Prince and George Michael have done in the past.  Twitter and social media make it easier for the artist to do this - no elaborate change of name (ala Prince) needed to get global attention for your grievance.   It's also interesting that she complains about the supposed out of touch nature of those at Universal who make decisions about her music and career.  It seems she has previous on this, having made similar complaints about her time at XL (part of the Beggars Group).

Lighting Tips

A quite exhaustive guide to different types of lights.  Towards the end he gives some useful tips on using cheap every day lights to improve your shots.

Easy Listening on the Music Industry

BBC Radio 4 just broadcast a great half hour on the present and future of the music industry, featuring both Billy Bragg and Moby (discussed in class).  It will be broadcast again on Sunday night.  Find out more here.

What have we learnt from living with digital technology?

Jeremy Silver is the author of Digital Medieval, a book that traces the music industry's response to the growth of and impact of digital technologies.  Go here to read his Top 10 lessons of the recent digital years.