A new coalition of musicians and songwriters have come out swinging against the music lobby in canada saying “lobbyists for major labels are looking out for their shareholders, and seldom speak for Canadian artists. Legislative proposals that would facilitate lawsuits against our fans or increase the labels’ control over the enjoyment of music are made not in our names, but on behalf of the labels’ foreign parent companies.” The coalition is made up a wide gamut of Canadian artists including big names like Barenaked Ladies and Avril Lavigne through to indie stalwarts Broken Social Scene and *Stars* (further reinforcing my opinion that they are the best band ever)
Find out more on the web site here: http://www.musiccreators.ca/ Be sure also to check out the clip of a very well spoken Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) on CanadaAM.
So, wow, first MP Sam Bulte is ousted, then actual civilized and progressive conversation about copyright policy occurs at the iSummit industry conference and now this. Is Canada finally turning the corner towards an enlightened perspective on copyright?
Let’s hope the new government in Ottawa is listening.
Update: The coalition will be holding an event on Monday at (the legendary) horseshoe tavern. I don’t know exactly what’ll be happening but I expect many of the artists as well as media will be there. I’ll post again here if I can get more information.
Where: The Horseshoe Tavern,
370 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario
When: Monday, May 1, 2006. 10:30 am – 12 noon
To RSVP, or receive further information about the event, please
contact press@musiccreators.ca.
Update2: Word is the event is supposed to be media-only. So if you were thinking of going down to attend, you may not get in without credentials.