Roadie Rage: Digital TV Will Make 80% Of Wireless Audio Devices Useless
Australia is projected to move completely to digital television by 2015 and in the shift the Federal Government has sold off a part of the wireless broadcasting spectrum for $2 billion. How does this affect music? Because up to 80% of wireless audio devices, typically used in live performances by bands, venues, roadies, and gear-heads, will need to be retired as part of the spectrum being sold off to make way for Digital TV. The wireless spectrum in question (694MHz – 820MHZ) has been bought by Telstra and Optus, will get exclusive use from January 1 2015. Around 80% of radio mics will need move spectrums while the use of wireless audio devices like in-ear monitoring systems and instrument transmitters will be reduced by approximately 40% as result. (via The Music Network)
Inertia Purchases Aussie Music Publisher
Aussie indie label Inertia has announced an all-new partnership with Gaga Music that sees them purchasing 50% of the Melbourne-based independent music publisher, licensing agency and rights management group. Since its inception in 2007 by Grant Gillies, Gaga Music now represents over 20,000 copyrights in Australian and New Zealand as well as artists, songwriters, publishing houses and record labels worldwide. The move sees Gaga Music’s board adding Inertia directors Ashley Sellers and Colin Daniels, who remarked that the purchase “now gives us the opportunity to offer artists, managers and record labels a full deck of services.” (via The Music Network)
Streaming Service iHeart Radio Launches In Australia
The Australian Radio Network (ARN) is entering into the Australian digital music streaming service market with the launch of iHeartRadio, the popular US streaming service expanding outside of America for the first time. The Beta web version of iHeartRadio has launched at iheartradio.com.au with the full service to be made available in time for the streaming service’s own Las Vegas-based music festival in September. The deal to launch the internet radio service in Australia was engineered last October and iHeartRadio currently has over 30 million registered users in the US, which it claims is a faster uptake rate than Facebook and Twitter, or competitors Pandora and Spotify. (via Mumbrella)
Vanda And Young Songwriting Competition Reveals 2013 Finalists
APRA AMCOS and Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia have announced the finalists for the 2013 Vanda And Young Songwriting Competition. The 35 finalists were selected by a judging panel of 25 from over 3,300 song submissions from 1,900 applicants. The finalists are in the running for the $50,000 first prize, with second place receiving $10,000 and third $5,000. There is a strong female contingent in the 2013 Vanda And Young Songwriting Competition shortlist, including Courtney Barnett, Bertie Blackman (with two entries), Mama Kin, Emma Louise, and The Preatures. Previous winners include Megan Washington (in 2009) and Kimbra (in 2011). The top three winners will be announced on Friday 16th August. The full list of finalists and details can be viewed at www.vandayoungsongcomp.com (via Vanda And Young)
Grooveshark Settles EMI Publishing Lawsuit
Controversial digital music streaming service Grooveshark has settled the latest of a string of lawsuits, with EMI Publishing who first accused Grooveshark of breach of contract and copyright violations last September. The streaming service has reportedly signed a licensing agreement with EMI Music Publishing to legitimise the use of the labels’ catalogue on the service, which allows users to upload and share their music – regardless of whether it’s licensed or not (or even pirated). Grooveshark has been embroiled in a string of court cases over failing to pay licensing agreements and ignoring takedown requests from major record labels, which has resulted in the service allegedly reducing staff and incurring major financial losses as it struggles to compete with the likes of Pandora, Spotify, Deezer et al. (via The Verge)
Jackie Onassis Sign To Sony
After the success of releasing their debut EP Holiday for free online, Sydney hip hop duo Jackie Onassis have signed on with Sony Music Entertainment Australia, joining a roster that includes A$AP Rocky and Drapht. Long-time friends MC Kai Tan and producer Raphael Dixon found international radio play with their single ‘Crystal Balling’ as well as support from Triple J Unearthed which led to slot on the bill for the Sydney Big Day Out earlier this year. The hip hop twosome are currently on the road around the country for the Smoke Trails Tour. (via Noise11)
Shock Records Adds Mind Over Matter To Roster
Sydney hip hop group Mind Over Matter, have signed to Shock Records imprint label, Permanent Records, expanding the roster which includes label mates Chance Waters, Sugar Army, Steve Smyth, and Strangers. Mind Over Matter’s Willow (aka Rowan Lockyer) and Smiles (aka Martin Brown) are prepping the release of their third album, following on from the single ‘Somebody’s Love’ and support slots with Bliss N Eso, 360, Pez, and Drapht. (via Shock Records)
Remote Control Records Expands With New Publicity Arm
After more than a decade’s experience in the music industry, Remote Control Records is expanding with a new arm of services called Recon Music, which provides tailor-made strategies and publicity services to artists, labels, touring companies, festivals and special events. Recon Music will also provide expertise in the areas of mailing list management, international blog servicing and marketing support. Building on Remote Control’s publicity and promotions division, Recon Records has already executed campaigns for the Sugar Mountain Festival and tour and release publicity for Kirin J Callinan, Forces, Jen Cloher, Jeremy Neale, Go Violets, Feelings and Civil Civic. Recon Music are also currently handling the Dirt Farmer She Shakes Tour (via ReconMusic)
