• The largest survey to date of music consumption and music piracy in the UK has unveiled some startling figures. Undertaken by the University of Hertfordshire, for British Music Rights, the findings suggest that, of those surveyed, a whopping 63% admitted downloading music illegally and a further 42% admitted to uploading music for others to share.

    Age is apparently a key factor with the main offenders across all areas predominantly being under the age 25.

    Some other startling results were that 95% percent of those questioned copied music in some form, whether it be CD to computer or CD/mp3 duplication, and in the average mp3 collection (of 1771 tracks) around 48% (or 842 tracks) have not been paid for. That’s £665 in iTunes language.

    See the results here

  • Rolling Stones are about to end their 31-year-short relationship with EMI as the band have been rumored to be courting with Live Nation. The events promotions company turned all-encompasing, omnipresent music monolith looks set to capitalise on the lucrative touring potential of the Stones should a deal go through. It is fairly well known that the Rolling Stones don’t do too well with record sales, their success (and money) being mainly in live gigs and merchandise (suiting far more the structures in place at Live Nation) however the loss of another big name from EMIs roster may leave a sour taste in Guy Hands’ mouth.
  • Sentric a web-based company from Liverpool is working to help small bands claim the money they should be owed from live performances and broadcasting. By helping bands to claim the money that they’re due from the PRS the company aims to help unsigned acts see some of the £60 million going unclaimed that the PRS holds onto every year. Visit their website or go here to learn more.

...amazingtunes.com