Artists welcome EU music copyright extension (Reuters)

LONDON (Reuters) – Artists welcomed a European decision to extend copyright for recorded music to 70 from 50 years, after a years-long campaign by performers including Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard who faced their rights expiring in their lifetime.

The move will help the music industry claw back some of the revenues lost as it has struggled to respond to a digital revolution that has allowed widespread music piracy on the Internet with growing online distribution.

"At a time when certain interests seek to weaken copyright for their own purposes, this sends a vital message that the right of creators to earn a living is taken seriously by the EU," the Independent Music Companies' Association said.

Global recorded music sales fell 9 percent last year to $15.9 billion.

"The European Union has finally acted to give performers and musicians in Europe a longer term of protection to ensure that they benefit from their performances, at least in their lifetime," said former ABBA singer-songwriter Bjorn Ulvaeus. "Now I won't have to see ABBA being used in a TV commercial."

"This is a great step forward for artists," said U2's manager Paul McGuinness. "Nearly 40,000 artists petitioned for this change and delivered a loud and clear message that politicians have taken heed of."

The step will bring performers' rights more into line with those of songwriters and authors, and also take the European copyright term closer to the U.S. term of 95 years.

European Union member states will have two years to incorporate the provisions of the directive adopted on Monday into their national laws.

(Reporting by Georgina Prodhan)

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Artists set to win European music copyright battle (Reuters)

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) – Musicians are likely to win longer copyright protection of their work in Europe next week, helping artists and record labels as music revenues decline, and bringing Europe closer into line with the United States.

Artists including Paul McCartney and Cliff Richard have led a years-long campaign to extend music copyright in Europe, as they faced the expiry of the 50-year copyright protection term in their own lifetime.

A European Union official who asked not to be named said on Friday: "Although some countries are opposed, it seems likely an extension of copyright protection to 70 from 50 years will be agreed."

Ministers from EU countries are due to vote on the issue in Brussels on Monday.

The move would provide some extra royalties for record labels including Universal, Sony Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group and EMI -- which may soon be sold or listed by owner Citigroup.

Global recorded music sales fell 9 percent last year to $15.9 billion as rampant piracy cut into major markets, with 19 of every 20 music tracks downloaded from the Internet illegal, according to industry trade body the IFPI.

The IFPI's Chief Executive Frances Moore said on Friday: "Extending the term of protection to 70 years would narrow the gap between Europe and its international partners and improve the conditions for investment in new talent."

U.S. music copyright lasts for 95 years after recording, while authors of written works and their estates keep the rights to their works for 70 years after their death.

Music companies' back catalogs of older music have increased in value as distribution over the Internet makes them more accessible. Older fans are also more likely to pay for digital music than teenagers.

But music analyst Mark Mulligan told Reuters the music industry would do better to focus its energies on meeting the new challenges of the digital age.

"How wise is it to have invested so much effort into trying to defend the historical assets of the music industry, when the disruption that's being driven by technological chance really demands attention?" he asked.

"There is a risk with much focus and lobbying efforts on trying to protect what's been done in the past," he said.

(Editing by Jon Loades-Carter)

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Latin jazz artists sue Grammys for dropping their category (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Four Latin jazz artists are suing the organizers of the Grammy Awards, alleging the elimination of their category from next year's competition has caused them irreparable harm.

Musicians Robert Sanabria, Benjamin Lapidus, Mark Levine and Eugene Marlow accused the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Inc. of violating its fiduciary and contractual obligations in April when it cut 31 categories from the annual awards ceremony, including Latin jazz.

The musicians' complaint was filed earlier this week in New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan.

The lawsuit also accused the Academy of failing to consider the adverse impact the decision would have on the musicians' careers.

"There's nothing like having the ability to say 'Grammy-nominated,' 'Grammy-award-winning,'" their lawyer Roger Maldonado said on Tuesday.

The plaintiffs, who are seeking class-action status, accused the Academy specifically of failing to solicit input from the voting members of its 12 nationwide chapters before announcing the eliminations.

The Academy said in a statement: "The Recording Academy believes this frivolous lawsuit is without merit, and we fully expect to prevail."

In its news release announcing the eliminations, Academy officials said all general musical genres, such as rock, country, and jazz, would remain intact. The number of categories, however, would be condensed from 109 to 78.

"A transformation of the entire awards structure would ensure that all Fields would be treated with parity," the release said.

In the field of jazz, musicians who previously competed for "Best Latin Jazz Album" will now compete for "Best Jazz Instrumental Album" or "Best Jazz Vocal Album."

Maldonado said this puts his clients at a disadvantage. "You would have to submit under the broad jazz category, now. You're competing against any other number of genres that are not going to be viewed the same," he said. "You're also trying to compare apples and oranges in a way that just doesn't work."

(Reporting by Jennifer Golson; editing by Barbara Goldberg and Jerry Norton)

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Artists urge Guatemala security after singer dies (AP)

MEXICO CITY – Musicians and artists are canceling performances and demanding increased security in Guatemala after a visiting Argentine folk singer was shot to death.

The director of an upcoming telethon in Guatemala says several artists on the Sony label have canceled their spots in the event citing security concerns.

Juan Carlos Eggenberger says none of the musicians specifically cited the slaying of Facundo Cabral, but says there has been a "general anxiety" among artists since the killing.

Insecurity has been on the rise in Guatemala as Mexican drug cartels compete for turf and challenge authorities.

Guatemalan officials believe the intended target of the attack that killed Cabral was a Nicaraguan businessmen in the same car.

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