Billboard 200, Top R&B/Hip Hop Charts Undergo Changes

November 10, 2009 - Retail

By Billboard staff

Effective with the 2010 chart year, which commences with the issue dated Dec. 5, 2009, the Billboard 200 will shift from a currents-based ranking of the United States' top selling albums to an all-inclusive list of the top 200-selling albums in the country, regardless of release date.

In essence, the Billboard 200 will reflect the Nielsen SoundScan sales data that has populated the Top Comprehensive Albums chart, which has appeared in the magazine periodically this year and has resided in the billboard.biz chart menu the past three years. Replacing the Top Comprehensive Albums chart online will be Top Current Albums, which will utilize the current/catalog criteria that has fueled the Billboard 200 in recent years. That rule, in place since 1991, stipulates that an album that ranks below No. 100 on the chart, is more than 18 months old, and does not have a current charting single at radio, would be removed from the Billboard 200 and other corresponding album charts on which it has appeared. While the catalog rule will no longer apply to the Billboard 200, it will remain in effect on all other current-based album charts.

"The events of 2009 and the continuing creativity in the repackaging of catalog titles have led us to the conclude that the Billboard 200 would be best served presenting the true best-sellers in the country, without any catalog-related rules or stipulations, to our readers, the media and music fans," says Silvio Pietroluongo, Billboard's director of charts. "The ability of consumers to impulsively purchase new or catalog titles electronically has changed music sales behavior. There is a more immediate cause and effect between artist exposure and album sales in this day and age, and the Billboard 200 should reflect this activity, regardless of an album's release date."

If last week's Billboard 200 were based on overall sales, 11 of the top 100 titles, and 35 titles on the entire chart, would be considered catalog.

"The Comprehensive Chart that Billboard is publishing provides an extensive overview of all sales and popular taste and culture," said Eric Weinberg, president of Nielsen Entertainment. "Nielsen Music and SoundScan remain committed to developing methodologies that accurately reflect our industry and its ongoing changes and evolution to the benefit of our clients."

Concurrent with the Billboard 200's methodology change, the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart will also alter its makeup beginning with the 2010 chart year with the dissolution of the R&B Core Store Panel, a select group of retailers that specialize in urban music. Effective with the Dec. 5, 2009, issue, Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums will be based on overall album sales of current titles, similar to how our other genre charts are constituted (Country, Latin and Jazz, for example). Other R&B Core Store charts, Rap Albums, R&B/Hip-Hop Catalog Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales will also now be ranked based on overall sales.

Lastly, Billboard will be adding a new chart, Folk Albums, to its menu. The Nielsen SoundScan-based survey will house new releases from traditional folk artists such Joan Baez, Ani DiFranco and Monsters of Folk, as well as appropriate titles by acoustic-based singer-songwriters such as Carly Simon, Rosanne Cash and Joshua Radin. The 15-position chart, to be managed by Gary Trust, will run periodically in print and appear weekly on billboard.biz and billboard.com.

"Billboard's Folk Albums chart will reflect retail activity of a niche genre with a rich history. Folk artists are among the most insightful songwriters and intimate storytellers in music, and we're proud to offer a chart highlighting their sales achievements," says Trust, who can be reached at gtrust@billboard.com.

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To MMF Finland & Kari - CONGRATULATIONS-

On their new MMF Finland website. We have just arranged it so that so that when one goes to IMMF site, clicks on Finnish flag, gets that page Welcome to MMF Finland ----etc-- When I went to it ,it automatically offered to translate from Finnish via Google- great tool !! This may be of relevance to some other country chapter sites… I have been away from the office almost 2 weeks on family trip to Minnesota where my father-in-law was dying. Now back in office and at it all full-tilt. I hope to see many of us in early 2010 at Eurosonic, Midem( and our 2010 IMMF General Assembly), CMW , SXSW, Musexpo, Folk Alliance.. Warm regards to all there !!

> 15 oktober

MANAGER / MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS

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Senate Passes Bill That Could Save Internet Radio
Posted: October 1, 2008
WEB RADIO (Hypebot) - There is new hope for Pandora and other webcasters, but any deal is far from done. The U.S. Senate yesterday approved the Webcaster Settlement Act and sent it to the President to be signed. The bill authorizes internet radio services and Sound Exchange (as agents for copyright owners and performers) to negotiate new royalty agreements retroactive to 2006. A new deal could settle rates through 2015. The House of Representatives passed the bill September 28. Now the hard work begins.

From the press release:

Jonathan Potter, Executive Director of the Digital Media Association, offered this statement:

"On behalf of DiMA and our Internet radio members, I want to thank Congress for acting quickly to pass the Webcaster Settlement Act. This legislation will enable DiMA and our member companies, and all Internet radio services, to continue negotiating royalty rates with SoundExchange for the years 2006-2015. We are very hopeful of reaching agreement soon, and thereby creating long-term stability that will re-energize the Internet radio business. We express great thanks to Senators Wyden and Brownback, and Representatives Inslee and Manzullo for sponsoring the Webcaster Settlement Act and also being great leaders of the Internet Radio Equality Act. We are also grateful to Chairman Berman, Chairman Conyers and Chairman Leahy, and Ranking Members Smith and Specter for their leadership on the Webcaster Settlement Act and their ongoing support for Internet radio."

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Bertelsmann Wraps Sale Of Stake In Sony BMG
Posted: October 2, 2008
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) (Celebrity-Access e-newsletter) -- Bertelsmann AG said Thursday that it had completed the sale to Sony Corp. of its 50 percent stake in music venture Sony BMG in a $900 million deal.

The transaction gives Sony Corp. full ownership of a roster of artists including Alicia Keys and an enhanced ability to sell music on an array of electronic devices. Bertelsmann said in a statement that the deal cleared regulatory hurdles and was completed Wednesday. "The purchase price for the holding has changed hands, and the music company, to be called Sony Music Entertainment Inc., is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sony Corporation of America," privately held Bertelsmann said.

Sony Music Entertainment will comprise music labels including Arista Records, Columbia Records, Epic Records, J Records, Jive Records, RCA Records and Zomba. Its artists will include Celine Dion, Bruce Springsteen, Justin Timberlake and Usher, among others. Part of the deal, announced Aug. 5, called for Bertelsmann to take over a few selected European music catalog assets from Sony BMG -- representing about $20 million (14.2 million euros), or less than 1 percent of Sony BMG's revenue last year. Bertelsmann's interests range from publisher Random House to radio and television, including broadcaster RTL, magazines and media services. Bertelsmann is headquartered in Guetersloh, Germany, but most of its 97,000 employees are scattered across its divisions.

> 12 oktober 2008

New UK immigration system might effect your artist!
 
This year began the roll-out of the Points-Based System (PBS) - the biggest shake-up of the UK immigration system for 45 years. On 27th November 2008, Tier 2 & Tier 5 of the Points Based System (PBS) will go live. Tier 5 is the tier for temporary workers, which includes any artists performing live shows/appearances/recording sessions etc in the UK. Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a route to settlement in the UK, which will include any artist looking to permanently locate to the UK for their career.
 
On 27th November 2008 when Tiers 2 & 5 of the PBS goes live, the old Work Permit/Visa system will no longer be operating, and it will be impossible to apply for these. From that date it will only be possible to apply for the new PBS Visa.
 
Applications for the old Work Permits/Visas can still be made up to 26th November for dates up to 6 months later, and (if granted) will still be valid.
 
Under the Points-Based System, employers (booking agents, record labels etc) will need a Sponsor licence to bring in temporary or skilled workers from outside the European Economic Area/Switzerland. To become a Sponsor, an organisation will need apply for a licence. Only once the employer has a Sponsor licence can they make applications for the new PBS Visas.
 
We recommend all managers (that have artists from nationalities outside the European Economic Area/Switzerland that are intending to enter the UK), immediately check with their relevant booking agent/record label etc, that these organisations are aware of the new immigration rules for entering the UK, and have registered as a Sponsor. Otherwise your artists may be refused entry to the UK!
 
UK Border Agency information:
 
More information on the new PBS:
 http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/
 
Short informational video on the PBS:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/whatisthepointsbasedsystem/overviewvideo/
 
Overview for Employers/Sponsors on the PBS:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/
 
Information on becoming a Sponsor:
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsfragments/sponsorlicence  

> 29 september 2008 

MMF-US / SXSW MUSIC CONFERENCE SHOWCASE - MARCH 2009

Artist Submissions are being accepted by MMF @ SXSW-2009 subcommittee, with a submissions deadline due on Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Music Managers Forum-US will be presenting its Second Annual Music Showcase at the SXSW Music Conference in March 2009, in addition to planning another pre-showcase networking party, a managers panel and a peer group meeting in Austin, Texas. At the First Annual MMF@SXSW Music Showcase in March 2008, MMF presented at SXSW's newest and most featured large venue - Smokin' Music - and the showcase included musical performances by Canadian acts Blue Rodeo & Friends, Oh Susanna, Austin's own Alpha Rev (subsequently signed to Hollywood Records),  Grammy nominated Jazz pianist Eldar, and other musicians. The pre-showcase networking open-bar party hosted by MMF/IMMF included a special acoustic performance by the legendary Billy Bragg.     

For members of MMF and IMMF, managers may submit their artist(s) for a SXSW Music Conference 2009 Showcase presented and hosted by the Music Managers Forum-US.  Non-MMF members or members who have let their membership lapse may submit their artists for the MMF showcase but must be MMF members to have their artist selected for the showcase.

MMF-US has set up a submission system so that all artists are reviewed by an MMF@SXSW sub-committee.  The subcommittee then suggests a short list of artists to be reviewed by the MMF-US board.  The entire MMF-US board will take a private vote and select up to three (3) artists for the live showcase (pending other ‘national and international' headliners that are currently being considered for the evening showcase total of five to six acts.  There is NO FEE to submit your artist for the MMF@SXSW showcase.  If selected, SXSW artist submission fees will apply by the SXSW submission deadline of November 7, 2008. Apply at:  www.sxsw.com/music/shows/apply

Event Date:           One evening either March 19, 20 or 21, 2009

Showtime:              7:00 PM (estimated start time)

Place:                     Austin, Texas

Venue:                   At a venue near or on 6th Street (venue to be announced in February 2009) 

EASY SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR MMF@SXSW MUSIC MARATHON SHOWCASE:

1.  All genres of music are considered

2.  Artist MUST be able to draw a MINIMUM of 250 attendees to showcase

3.  Send an email with ONLY the below information to the following sub-committee member's email addresses:

     mhtml://{6361BD19-FA0A-46D2-A911-7AF5CEC8705D}mid//00000224/!x-usc:mailto:craighyman@earthlink.net 

    a.  Managers Name and Contact Info (email address & phone #'s)

    b.  Artist Name

    c.  Link to Artist Website which must include:

        *2 or 3 stream-able songs (to hear music from the website) 

        *Bio & Photo 

    d.  Live Performance History (including venues played in Austin)     

   If your artist does not have a working website, then there is no consideration and the submission is disqualified automatically

4.  DO NOT SUBMIT AN MP3 or PHOTO as an attachment with your submission (all song/photo/bio info must be posted at the website), but  email the relevant performance history of the artist in the Austin, TX area please)

5.  DEADLINE for submissions is WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2008 - 6:00 PM-EST

You will be contacted ONLY if your artist is selected/voted to be in the showcase.  MMF-US is reaching out to the ENTIRE global MMF/IMMF membership for inclusion in this MMF@SXSW showcase selection process.

Thank you for your attention and we wish you the best of luck. MMF-US will send further announcements about special registration discount deals for members wishing to register for SXSW and advance information about MMF-US events/panels/meetings during the SXSW Conference March 18-21, 2009.  

Craig Hyman, Steve Garvan & Jack Bookbinder

for the MMF@SXSW SUB-COMMITTEE

www.sxsw.com  

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POPKOMM IMMF/MMF members' global discount

Once again, IMMF is pleased to remind you all that ANY IMMF/MMF members worldwide can register for Popkomm -

in Berlin October 8-10, 2008.

The discount link will be mailed only by Popkomm directly to the attendees. Each member has the option to register for the early bird rate of 215 euros (VAT included) until August 15th. If you are interested, you MUST email: mhtml://{6361BD19-FA0A-46D2-A911-7AF5CEC8705D}mid//00000224/!x-usc:mailto:steve@garvanmanagement.com an email with your address, contact info and of course IMMF/MMF membership country. They will be checked.

You will get in return a confirmation and the discount link from Popkomm around August 15th.

The IMMF Popkomm programming is featured at www.popkomm.de click on the button "conference" and you will see the IMMF highlighted. To see the complete announcement go to Preliminary Conference programme 2008

We are looking forward to seeing some of you at Popkomm October 8-10 in Berlin.

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As many of you know, MMF/IMMF has an ongoing relationship with Musexpo- the past 4 years in Los Angeles have been full of quality time networking, information and high-level industry value. Now Musexpo is presenting the first-ever Musexpo Europe- geared to International/Europe in the broadest sense.

Thanks to Sat Bisla, Founder of Musexpo-we at MMF/IMMF wanted to reminder IMMF/MMF Members that they are eligible for a 15% discount to MUSEXPO Europe off the current registration price. Registration badge gives you access to all complimentary networking breakfasts, lunches, tea-breaks, cocktail parties, interactive panels, showcases, int'l networking lounge and more for all three days of MUSEXPO Europe 2008. Please email Bob Bisla at mhtml://{6361BD19-FA0A-46D2-A911-7AF5CEC8705D}mid//00000224/!x-usc:mailto:bob@anrworldwide.com to receive your discount registration if you wish to take advantage of this significant discount. This offer is not available online.

Your registration credentials will give you access to all three days of official MUSEXPO Europe networking breakfasts, lunches, tea-breaks and evening cocktail parties/buffet dinners, the international networking lounge, as well as all interactive panel forums, artist showcases and the opening night cocktail reception at Carbon Lounge.

MUSEXPO Europe's official conference hotel will be The Cumberland Hotel, located in the heart of London next to Marble Arch, Hyde Park and just minutes away from famous London landmarks such as Buckingham Palace. Showcases will be held at two of London's key venues just minutes away from the conference hotel. We have secured discount MUSEXPO Europe conference rate rooms for our delegates, which can be secured by clicking to http://musexpo.net/MusexpoEU08/08travel.html  

As you are aware, MUSEXPO is renowned for its top-tier executive talent participation, informative and inspirational panel discussions, intimate networking events and quality nighttime showcases--and we'd like you to be part of our first European event, which will take place October 27^th- 29^th, 2008. We will have a special focus on those wishing to do business in the UK and Europe, as well as doing business globally - and of course a great opportunity to network directly with key decision-makers and companies attending MUSEXPO Europe.

The inaugural MUSEXPO Europe has an unprecedented list of top worldwide executives already confirmed for this year's event. Please keep an eye out for updates on our speakers, event sponsors, showcasing artists and other pertinent information in the weeks to come, ensuring you have all the relevant details necessary to maximize your MUSEXPO Europe experience, visit www.musexpo.net regularly for full details and updates.

Any further questions in regards to these international conferences, MMF/IMMF participation may be addressed to MMF -US International Representative & IMMF Director of Communications-- Steve Garvan at mhtml://{6361BD19-FA0A-46D2-A911-7AF5CEC8705D}mid//00000224/!x-usc:mailto:steve@garvanmanagement.com  

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In the City

October 5+6+7, 2008

Manchester, England - United Kingdom

This year's ITC keynotes include Culture Secretary Andrew Burnham MP, legendary Rolling Stones manager and ITC guest host Andrew Loog Oldham, iconic photographer Kevin Cummins, the much celebrated film director Dick Carruthers, Warner boss Lyor Cohen, New York's veteran moguls Seymour Stein & Richard Gottehrer, and manager & MMF chairman Jazz Summers - with more to be announced over the coming weeks, so hold onto your hats for that one.

REGISTER NOW

To register as an ITC delegate - or to volunteer as one of their little helpers contact the ITC office on 0161 8393930 or go to www.inthecity.co.uk.

THE MIDLAND HOTEL

To book a room at the special delegates-only price of £109 per night, register online and fill out the hotel booking form. Alternatively, give ITC a call on 0161 839 3930 or email Gavin on mhtml://{6361BD19-FA0A-46D2-A911-7AF5CEC8705D}mid//00000224/!x-usc:mailto:%22gavin@inthecity.co.uk%22.

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MANAGER / MUSIC INDUSTRY NEWS

Major Industry Groups Announce Breakthrough Agreement

September 23, 2008

WASHINGTON --  In a breakthrough that will facilitate new ways to offer music to consumers online, the Digital Media Association (DiMA), the National Music Publishers' Association (NMPA) and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), together with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and the Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), today announced an agreement on how music creators will be compensated for music distributed through certain online models.

The agreement, in the form of draft regulations submitted to the Copyright Royalty Judges, proposes for the first time mechanical royalty rates for interactive streaming and limited downloads, including for subscription and ad-supported services. The agreement proposes a flexible percentage of revenue rate structure, with minimum payments in certain circumstances.

Limited download and interactive streaming services will generally pay a mechanical royalty of 10.5 percent of revenue, less any amounts owed for performance royalties.  In certain instances, royalty-free promotional streaming is allowed.  Outside the scope of the draft regulations, the parties confirmed that non-interactive, audio-only streaming services do not require reproduction or distribution licenses from copyright owners.

The agreement does not address royalty rates for physical product or permanent music downloads.  The Copyright Royalty Judges are expected to issue a ruling on those rates on or before October 2.

"This historic agreement is the foundation for a new generation of music distribution," said David Israelite, NMPA President and CEO.  "This agreement will ensure that songwriters and music publishers continue to thrive in the digital age.  I am grateful for the good faith efforts of everyone involved in the discussions leading to this important announcement."

"This agreement provides a flexible structure to support innovative business models in the digital music marketplace that will benefit music fans, creators and online services," said Mitch Bainwol, Chairman and CEO, RIAA. "The agreement demonstrates that our industries can work collaboratively to solve complex issues."

"Innovative music services will enjoy a more stable business environment because of this agreement and that will benefit music fans and music creators alike," stated Jonathan Potter, Executive Director of DiMA.  "DiMA is particularly pleased with the agreement to end litigation and threats of litigation involving several of our member companies, so that they can focus on building innovative businesses that can effectively fight piracy, the music industry's greatest threat."

Roger Faxon, Chairman and CEO of EMI Music Publishing, who was independently represented in the CRB, also lauded the agreement.  "We're very pleased that these matters have finally been agreed, and that we have reached an agreement that is good for the songwriters we represent, and good for music consumers.  This is a first step to establishing fair rates that properly compensate writers for their creative efforts, and we'll continue to work hard to establish a framework that properly reflects the value of songs in all their digital forms."

"NSAI, the Nashville Songwriters Association, is proud to be part of this historic agreement which assures that America's music creators are compensated, music consumers benefit from the many new choices provided by digital technology, and those who invest in America's intellectual property are rewarded," said Steve Bogard, President, Board of Directors, NSAI.

"Digital music has become the ubiquitous soundtrack of American life," said Rich Carnes, President of SGA.  "The digital age has helped American songwriters create more value for both the economy and the culture than ever before.  With this deal, the Songwriters Guild of America, the music publishers, the record labels, and the digital music services have come together in an historic agreement that creates a workable payment structure and a fair rate for songwriters in the digital music distribution models of today and tomorrow."

Agreement Facts:

►The agreement proposes mechanical royalty rates that cover both limited downloads and interactive streaming, including when offered by subscription and ad-supported services.

►The percentage rate structure in the agreement provides much-needed flexibility for new business models.

►The agreement permits the use without payment of certain kinds of promotional streams, in the interest of encouraging paid uses of musical compositions.

►The agreement confirms that the mechanical licenses issued under its provisions will include all reproduction and distribution rights necessary to provide the licensed limited downloads or interactive streams.

►Outside the scope of the draft regulations, the parties confirmed that non-interactive, audio-only streaming services do not require reproduction or distribution licenses from copyright owners.

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Best Buy To Acquire Napster
September 15, 2008
RICHFIELD, MN (Hypebot) - Retail giant Best Buy is acquiring Napster via the cash purchase of outstanding shares for $2.65. Napster stocked closed Friday at $1.36. The proposed acquisition includes the online music store's 700K subscribers and $67 million in cash on hand. CEO Chris Gorog and key members of senior management have agreed to stay with the company.

With subscription sales flat and iTunes as competition, Napster has struggled to gain consumer traction. Sales of physical CD's have been tumbling at Best Buy who recently announced it will shrink CD floor space to make room for new music instrument sections. Together may be able to find on and offline cross-promotions and other synergies that will differentiate them from online only iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody.

The transaction has been unanimously approved by the board of directors of Napster, and Napster's directors and executive officers have agreed, in their capacities as stockholders, to tender their Napster shares and otherwise support the transaction.

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WILD(Life) SPLIT!

London, England-based artist management company Wildlife Entertainment co-founders Colin Lester and Ian McAndrew, who have worked together for more than six years, will go their own separate ways. The parting is said to be amicable but neither manager would comment on the separation. Wildlife Entertainment's management roster includes Arctic Monkeys, Travis and Craig David.

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MySpace Music Will Include Indies

September 11, 2008
BEVERLY HILLS - Sources now confirm that MySpace Music will include music from indie labels and artists that currently offer product via its apparent download provider Amazon MP3. No official announcement of the partnership has been made.

*Amazon is confirmed as the download provider guaranteeing deep catalog at launch - if all the tech works properly

*In a major challenge to the closed iTunes/iPod ecosystem, Amazon has created a custom application that to routes downloads directly into iTunes or the Windows Media player

*Users will be able to create, post and share as supported custom playlists of tracks from Universal, Sony BMG and WMG. Talks are ongoing with EMI and

*most indies are just now being offered contracts to participate in streaming.

*Sony Pictures, Toyota, McDonald's and State Farm Insurance have all signed on as major advertisers

Hypebot reported that there was no evidence of deals between indie labels or distributors and MySpace's new music service scheduled to launch later this month. But MySpace Music's choice of an outside download provider makes new deals unnecessary and existing contracts between Amazon, labels and distributors that have resulted in a catalog 6.1 million DRM-free tracks deep will be used.

There may be some holes in the catalog when MySpace Music launches. Unconfirmed reports point to some technical integration issues and some digital distributors like IODA require that artists and labels opt in to new download opportunities. Others like The Orchard and CD Baby automatically offer all content unless opt out is requested.

ALSO in MYSPACE NEWS:

The launch of MySpace Music has been delayed a few days but should be this week. They are getting closer to a new CEO with the LA Times reporting two top candidates:

*Andy Schuon - former head of programming at MTV and Infinity Broadcasting and longtime Universal Music executive  

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< 29 september 2008 

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PERSBERICHT

Hilversum, 2 september 2008

MARC HOFSTEDE VERLAAT THE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Marc Hofstede, Manager Music, heeft besloten The Entertainment Group te verlaten en voor zichzelf te beginnen. The Entertainment Group betreurt het vertrek van Marc maar respecteert zijn beslissing. Marc Hofstede en The Entertainment Group zullen in de toekomst wel nauw blijven samenwerken. ‘De creatieve kennis en ervaring van Marc is van grote waarde voor The Entertainment Group. Daarom blijven we in de toekomst graag gebruik maken van zijn expertise te beginnen met de in oktober geplande Wit Licht concertreeks van Marco Borsato. Ook zal Marc nauw betrokken blijven bij de verdere uitbouw van de carrière van Guus Meeuwis', aldus Niel van Hoff, algemeen directeur van The Entertainment Group.

Marc wil terug naar de basis van de muziekbusiness en zich concentreren op het creatieve proces binnen het muziekvak. ‘Ik heb The Entertainment Group volwassen zien worden en vind het fantastisch dat ik daaraan heb mogen bijdragen', aldus Marc Hofstede. ‘Marc heeft een belangrijke bijdrage geleverd aan de groei en ontwikkeling die The Entertainment Group de afgelopen jaren heeft doorgemaakt. Zijn kennis en expertise hebben een belangrijke rol gespeeld bij diverse successen van onze organisatie', aldus van Hoff.

In Marc Verschoor, Manager Artist Management, heeft The Entertainment Group de opvolger gevonden voor wat betreft de afdeling Artiesten Management en Recordings, die onderdeel uitmaken van de Divisie Music. The Entertainment Group bekijkt op dit moment hoe de andere onderdelen van de functie van Marc Hofstede in de toekomst zullen worden ingevuld.

The Entertainment Group
The Entertainment Group is een full service entertainmentbedrijf dat zeer actief is in vele disciplines op het gebied van entertainment. Zo produceert zij o.a. bedrijfsevenementen, concerten en TV programma's, doet boekingen en verzorgt het management voor vele Nederlandse artiesten en personalities waaronder Marco Borsato, Guus Meeuwis, Trijntje Oosterhuis, Ilse DeLange, Jeroen van der Boom, Leco van Zadelhoff en Daphne Deckers. Daarnaast ontwikkelt zij voor het bedrijfsleven innovatieve entertainment concepten.
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MMF-US - E-NEWSLETTER (September 2008 ] - Extra MMF-US FEATURE
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MEMBER/MANAGER ANNOUNCEMENTS

CMJ MUSIC MARATHON REGISTRATION DISCOUNT FOR MMF-US/IMMF MEMBERS

EFFECTIVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON OCTOBER 1, 2008!!!

CMJ MUSIC MARATHON

October 21 to October 25, 2008

at NYU & Various Venues, New York City

MMF-US offers all members a deep registration discount of $200.00 for a CMJ Full Festival Badge from now through Midnight on October 1, 2008.  Please keep in mind that the regular price per badge will cost $495.00 after August 19th so with the MMF discount, MMF members stand to save almost $300.00 dollars.

To register, please go to:       www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=228247   

Click:  REGISTER ONLINE NOW

Click: CMJ Music Marathon 2008 : FULL FESTIVAL BADGE (powered by Ticketweb.com)

At the ORDER TICKETS PAGE,

enter the access code:  MMF1204

Click:   Apply Access Code

Then:   Make your badge purchase of only $200!

www.CMJ.COM

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MMF-US Presents a CMJ Panel:

Three Hundred and Sixty Degrees: A Discussion with the Managers of MMF:

Date/Time:        Thursday, October 23rd - 12:30PM to 1:45PM

Location:           NYU Kimmel Center - 60 Washington Square South on LaGuardia Place, NYC

                        Shorin Performance Studio, Room 802 (8th Floor)

Moderator:
Steven Scharf / President, Steven Scharf Entertainment/Sr VP Creative, Carlin America - New York
 
Panelists:

Jake Gold / The Management Trust - Toronto, Canada

Dave Steunebrink / Showdown Productions - Nashville, TN

Jim Cooperman / Wind-Up Records - New York

Brian Hetherman / Cerberus Artist Management / Curve Music - Toronto, Canada

Mike Worthington / Tommy Boy Records - New York

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  

MMF-US Presents a Peer Group Meeting for all members and managers:

Managers Peer Group Meeting:

Date/Time:        Thursday, October 23^rd - 2:00PM to 3:15PM+ (right after MMF's Panel)

Location:           NYU Kimmel Center - 60 Washington Square South at LaGuardia Place, NYC Room 909

The Manager Peer Group Meeting is an opportunity for all MMF/IMMF members and interested managers to meet privately together

in a room offered by CMJ Music Marathon to discuss manager-related issues, MMF/IMMF upcoming plans/events and membership

benefits to interested prospective members. Several MMF-US board members and overseas affiliates will also participate in the Peer Group Meeting.

www.CMJ.COM

Guest Speakers now confirmed for Sept 29th Management Development Programme

We are very pleased to confirm two additional guest speakers to complete the excellent line-up for our next Master Class on Monday
September 29th:

KORDA MARSHALL - (MD) WARNER BROS RECORDS, and

MARK ASHELFORD - LEE & THOMPSON join

TIM CLARK - (MD) I.E. MUSIC

to explode the myths and explore the positive, practical realities of working together in 2008 and beyond. The session aims to discuss,
explain and provide an update to all those attending about artist, management & record/entertainment company teamwork & relationships,
industry opportunities and changes in the digital age.

This Master Class is the first of four new sessions designed and developed as part of the MMF/MPA/MMF Training Management Development
Programme 2008. The focus of each of the next four sessions is on exploring the practical realities and positive opportunities of
recorded music, live music, owner-management and cash flow/finance in today's new music landscape (dates given below).

Law Society members that attend any of these Master Classes may claim 4 hours accredited CPD time per module. Each Master Class is also
accredited by ILEX and fellows who attend may claim the time spent on the Master Class against their CPD requirement as stipulated in the
ILEX fellowship agreement.
Members of the ICAEW, AIA, ACCA and AAT may claim the hours spent on this Master Class against their CPD requirements as stipulated in
their membership details.

If you would like to reserve a place please contact Angela at the MMF Training office and return the booking form with your payment. A copy
of the booking form can be found on our website http://www.mmf-training.com/

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ARTIST & RIGHTS MANAGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL AGE: Practice versus Theory & Ringing the Changes
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GUEST SPEAKERS CONFIRMED SO FAR:

Monday 29th September 2008

KORDA MARSHALL - (MD) WARNER BROS RECORDS

TIM CLARK - I.E. Music Ltd (Clients include: Robbie Williams, Sia,
Archive, Craig Armstrong, The Casuals, Passenger, The Asteroids
Galaxy Tour, Winona).

MARK ASHELFORD - LEE & THOMPSON join

Subjects include:

- Making a living: who's paying the bill?
- Teamwork: working with the record / entertainment companies - not against!
- Musical chairs: 360 degrees comes full circle. What's actually happening right now, and who'll end up in Court?
- Big business, little artist: this doesn't involve you. What?
- What music publishing can teach the rest of us
- New right, no change: does it matter?
- How we can learn from America, and what America can learn from us

DATE: Monday 29th September 2008
TIME: 6.30 - 9.30pm
VENUE: MCPS/PRS Alliance, 6th Floor Boardroom, Copyright House, 29-33
Berners St, London, W1.

FEES PER MODULE:
MPA/MMF members & MCPS-PRS Alliance Staff: £29.79 plus £5.21 VAT =
£35 per module
AIM, APRS, BACS, BPI, IAMA, MPG members: £46.81 plus £8.19 VAT = £55
per module
Non-members: £63.83 plus £11.17 VAT = £75 per module

Forthcoming Modules:

Module Two:
Monday 20th October 2008 (6.30pm-9.30pm)
UK & International Live Music: are you talking to me?

Module Three:
Monday 10th November 2008 (6.30pm-9.30pm)
Income from Overseas: Licensing & Distribution. When is a Record
Label not a Record Label.

Module Four:
Monday 24th November 2008 (6.30pm-9.30pm)
Show me the money: alternative sources of Funding. The Reality?

Regards

Angela Renshaw
MMF Training
PO Box 161
Romiley
Stockport
SK6 3WQ
Tel: +44(0)161 430 8324
Fax: +44(0)161 430 8333
Email: angela@mmf-training.com
Web: http://www.mmf-training.com/

Publishing Training in London

Please find below details of the next Music Publishing master class as part of the MPA/MMF Training Music Publishing Professional
Development Programme 2008.

Law Society members that attend this master class may claim 4 hours accredited CPD time per module. The master class is also accredited by ILEX and fellows who attend may claim the time spent on the master class against their CPD requirement as stipulated in the ILEX fellowship agreement. Members of the ICAEW, AIA, ACCA and AAT may claim the hours spent on this Master Class against their CPD requirements as stipulated in their membership details.

If you would like to reserve a place please contact Angela at the MMF Training office and return the booking form with your payment. A copy of the booking form can be found on our website http://www.mmf-training.com/

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Part One: MUSIC PUBLISHING & THE RECORD INDUSTRY
Part Two: MUSIC PUBLISHING & THE LIVE MUSIC INDUSTRY
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GUEST SPEAKERS CONFIRMED SO FAR:

Monday 7th July 2008

KENNY McGOFF - EMI Music Publishing (Head of A&R)

AMBER DAVIS - EMI Music Publishing (Creative Manager)

MARK ANDERS - Bug Music Ltd (Managing Director/President of
International)

Tuesday 8th July 2008

GILL GRAHAM - Music Sales Group (European Information Director)

DAVID ROBINSON - The Really Useful Group (Head of Music Licensing)

Subjects include:

Part One: Music Publishing & The Record Industry
- Creator/Artist and Record Company/Music Publisher relationships and
dynamics
- A&R, Marketing, Royalty Accounting, Business Affairs, Media
Licensing and International: roles, interdependency and activities
- Song Plugg