What will this eventually mean for us?????
- Thread starter jillian
- Start date
here is a link to the actual legislation being proposed:
http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200902/020409a.html
http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200902/020409a.html
Right now nothing. the Mobile DJ biz exists in a gray zone between public and private with the complication that what we do we do for a profit that has no real legal provisions for our existence.
Radio broadcasting is another whole can of worms that the record labels are totally clueless and or blind to the real causes. Of course the artists are getting shafted. However they are the ones that sold their souls to the records labels for pennies on the dollar.
Big business has screwed up both industries to the point of almost irreparable harm.
Radio broadcasting is another whole can of worms that the record labels are totally clueless and or blind to the real causes. Of course the artists are getting shafted. However they are the ones that sold their souls to the records labels for pennies on the dollar.
Big business has screwed up both industries to the point of almost irreparable harm.
I understand we operate in a very gray area. It was a statement by one of the bill sponsors that got me thinking about our industry:
“We have introduced the Performance Rights Act to ensure fairness so that any service that plays music pays those who create and own the recordings - just as satellite, cable and internet radio stations currently do."- House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.)
What caught my eye was the "any service that plays music" line.
“We have introduced the Performance Rights Act to ensure fairness so that any service that plays music pays those who create and own the recordings - just as satellite, cable and internet radio stations currently do."- House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-Mich.)
What caught my eye was the "any service that plays music" line.
Until they specifically address our existence, and address the current issues and all that entails, anything they do will also be gray.
I still have to ask myself the question, if the radio stations, the TV stations, cable, Internet radio and DJs did not play the music how in the hell would the CDs be sold? It should be the artists who should be paying the above mentioned entities.
That is like me having to pay Nike every time I wear their sneakers with the Nike logo, out in public.
That is like me having to pay Nike every time I wear their sneakers with the Nike logo, out in public.
Houston,
We had a similar problem with Ford some time ago with calendars of our Mustangs and who owned what. Basically Ford heard us and agreed that we are the ones responsible for the success of the Mustang (Lets face it if we didn't buy it there would be no Mustang and other cars that fall in the same situation).
As DJ's you are basically promoting their stuff and this in fact makes some people want to buy the music. The events you are DJ'ing are private if no admission is charged and to a select few. But if there's a charge at the door that's when the licensing corporations want a chunk of the money. Radio stations make money with advertisers, talk show's etc. so even though they're promoting the music the income to the stations comes from the advertisers. DJ's are small change compared to those and like Ford realized we are advertising their cars for free everyday, so why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
We had a similar problem with Ford some time ago with calendars of our Mustangs and who owned what. Basically Ford heard us and agreed that we are the ones responsible for the success of the Mustang (Lets face it if we didn't buy it there would be no Mustang and other cars that fall in the same situation).
As DJ's you are basically promoting their stuff and this in fact makes some people want to buy the music. The events you are DJ'ing are private if no admission is charged and to a select few. But if there's a charge at the door that's when the licensing corporations want a chunk of the money. Radio stations make money with advertisers, talk show's etc. so even though they're promoting the music the income to the stations comes from the advertisers. DJ's are small change compared to those and like Ford realized we are advertising their cars for free everyday, so why kill the goose that lays the golden eggs
It mans I won't be playing Sheryl Crowe, Will I am and Herbie Handjob anymore 
Not that I play alot of them now
Not that I play alot of them now
It's a variation of the chicken and egg connundrum. Does radio support performing artists or do performing artists support radio?
In my thinking, it's both. Neither would exist without the other. It's an achieved balance. Artists need radio to promote their work. Radio needs artists to promote to keep listeners and sponsors.
Here's another connundrum for you: Since terrestrial radio was first in existence (and has never had to pay artist royalties), why the heck did this loophole not apply to sat radio, webstreaming and others? They're doing the same thing terrestrial radio is doing. In my thinking, they shouldn't have to pay artist royalties if radio doesn't have to.
If the artists are looking for more money, terrestrial radio isn't exactly a gold mine. Radio typically operates on tight budgets as it is. Advertising revenue is already down and we haven't seen the last of it.
Performing artists and musicians can make gazillions from touring, CD sales and licencing. Radio cannot. So the artists ought to be thankful for radio. Radio is what's filling them concert venue seats and selling them CDs.
People buy concert tickets and buy CDs because they like what they hear on radio.
In my thinking, it's both. Neither would exist without the other. It's an achieved balance. Artists need radio to promote their work. Radio needs artists to promote to keep listeners and sponsors.
Here's another connundrum for you: Since terrestrial radio was first in existence (and has never had to pay artist royalties), why the heck did this loophole not apply to sat radio, webstreaming and others? They're doing the same thing terrestrial radio is doing. In my thinking, they shouldn't have to pay artist royalties if radio doesn't have to.
If the artists are looking for more money, terrestrial radio isn't exactly a gold mine. Radio typically operates on tight budgets as it is. Advertising revenue is already down and we haven't seen the last of it.
Performing artists and musicians can make gazillions from touring, CD sales and licencing. Radio cannot. So the artists ought to be thankful for radio. Radio is what's filling them concert venue seats and selling them CDs.
People buy concert tickets and buy CDs because they like what they hear on radio.
Sweeet....
Longer stupid morning shows....
I'll keep it on the A.M. conservative dial....until Washington takes that away too.
View attachment fairness.gif
Longer stupid morning shows....
I'll keep it on the A.M. conservative dial....until Washington takes that away too.
View attachment fairness.gif
So if all the radio stations quit playing music and went to talk radio....then no one heres the music...it dies....and no one buys the music..it dies....since no one buys it they have even less money....then no one promotes the concerts...and no one goes to them even less money....me thinks the artists are doing to much crack or something
Wanna change it go back to the recording labels and work out a better deal....
Wanna change it go back to the recording labels and work out a better deal....
G
Guest
Guest
What is the concern here, The record companies/artist are already being paid for the common "DJs" playing their music! It is called ASCAP, BMI!
People do desparate things in desparate times.
I think it's obvious that the effects of the economy have trickled into the entertainers world. They are accustomed to a lifestyle.
For example, they must continue buying $7,000 dresses to attend "charity" events in various cities around the globe. They must fly first class and live in extravagant mansions, drive expensive cars, etc.
IF the current economy cannot support them, then they must seek additional revenue from whatever niche is possible without really putting forth much additional effort.
After all, do you have any idea how much it costs to fill up the fuel tanks of a 70' yacht and burn it up in a couple days of debauchery?
I think the bottom line here is that their is a culture of very well paid entertainers, who want to maintain their current lifestyle, and they see a few extra drops of blood to squeeze from somewhere...
IMHO
DJ Deuce
PS, I'm new to this chat board, but not to DJ'ing (20 years)
I think it's obvious that the effects of the economy have trickled into the entertainers world. They are accustomed to a lifestyle.
For example, they must continue buying $7,000 dresses to attend "charity" events in various cities around the globe. They must fly first class and live in extravagant mansions, drive expensive cars, etc.
IF the current economy cannot support them, then they must seek additional revenue from whatever niche is possible without really putting forth much additional effort.
After all, do you have any idea how much it costs to fill up the fuel tanks of a 70' yacht and burn it up in a couple days of debauchery?
I think the bottom line here is that their is a culture of very well paid entertainers, who want to maintain their current lifestyle, and they see a few extra drops of blood to squeeze from somewhere...
IMHO
DJ Deuce
PS, I'm new to this chat board, but not to DJ'ing (20 years)
It is quite noticeable to me that the names of the artists who traveled to DC to promote the cause for this ridiculous legislation are indeed the very same artists whose talent and art has dried up.
Hebie Hancock is a jazz artist who hasn't had a hit since 1983 with his techno cross-over hit Rock-It.
Sheryl Crowe, had a 12 year career with help from Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. (Keith taught her guitar and some great riffs too!)
Her career is currently on the shelf.
Patti LaBelle hasn't had a hit in nearly 50 years!
Dionne Warwick hasn't had a hit in nearly 30 years, since Burt Bacharach dumped her in the early 80's.
Will I Am hasn't got a reason to complain. Most of his music is unsuitable for the airwaves these days.
Time was that an artist paid the DJ to play his song on the air, so that the song would become popular.
As for the argument what came first, the chicken or the egg as it pertains to radio and recording? Well, the music industry is driven by the Air Play Charts--PERIOD! Recording artists need broadcasters if they expect to sell records! Broadcasters certainly use records to bolster the station's existence, but they can very well switch to comedy, drama, even game shows to garner audiences.
This effort to enact legislation is foolhardy at best!
I believe the underlying culprit here is the new Wi-Fi Internet Radio that is forthcoming.
Very soon, thousands of DJ's will take to the Inter-Net airwaves, with their own unlicensed radio stations, as the automobile industry gears up with in -the-dash Wi-Fi enabled internet receivers.
These receivers will receive text messages, real time traffic information, and..........Inter-Net Radio Broadcasts!
It is my understanding that most people will be able to receive these broadcasts coast to coast.
Surely the recording artists who are not earning the money they need, will want to cash in on this.
What better way than to build the foundation right now. Make it the law of the land that recording artists get paid whenever anyone plays their work. Oops---I thought they already has that provided via ASCAP and BMI?
Oh, but these copyright holder clearance houses don't have authority over most radio broadcasts, nor free-lance disc jockeys.
So, let's get a law on the books that includes these rogues, so that the artists can make more money.
Friends, it is inevitable that we DJ's will one day have to pay royalties.
Big business once again tosses a fly in the ointment!
Hebie Hancock is a jazz artist who hasn't had a hit since 1983 with his techno cross-over hit Rock-It.
Sheryl Crowe, had a 12 year career with help from Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. (Keith taught her guitar and some great riffs too!)
Her career is currently on the shelf.
Patti LaBelle hasn't had a hit in nearly 50 years!
Dionne Warwick hasn't had a hit in nearly 30 years, since Burt Bacharach dumped her in the early 80's.
Will I Am hasn't got a reason to complain. Most of his music is unsuitable for the airwaves these days.
Time was that an artist paid the DJ to play his song on the air, so that the song would become popular.
As for the argument what came first, the chicken or the egg as it pertains to radio and recording? Well, the music industry is driven by the Air Play Charts--PERIOD! Recording artists need broadcasters if they expect to sell records! Broadcasters certainly use records to bolster the station's existence, but they can very well switch to comedy, drama, even game shows to garner audiences.
This effort to enact legislation is foolhardy at best!
I believe the underlying culprit here is the new Wi-Fi Internet Radio that is forthcoming.
Very soon, thousands of DJ's will take to the Inter-Net airwaves, with their own unlicensed radio stations, as the automobile industry gears up with in -the-dash Wi-Fi enabled internet receivers.
These receivers will receive text messages, real time traffic information, and..........Inter-Net Radio Broadcasts!
It is my understanding that most people will be able to receive these broadcasts coast to coast.
Surely the recording artists who are not earning the money they need, will want to cash in on this.
What better way than to build the foundation right now. Make it the law of the land that recording artists get paid whenever anyone plays their work. Oops---I thought they already has that provided via ASCAP and BMI?
Oh, but these copyright holder clearance houses don't have authority over most radio broadcasts, nor free-lance disc jockeys.
So, let's get a law on the books that includes these rogues, so that the artists can make more money.
Friends, it is inevitable that we DJ's will one day have to pay royalties.
Big business once again tosses a fly in the ointment!
At least for the mobile DJ, none of us will ever pay royalities until our industry becomes legit in both the eyes of the public and the law. Thanks to technology and the ease which people can get equipment and music, our industry will never be a completely legit one.
I don't know. I consider this Mobile DJ Industry to be a legitimate industry. We advertise, we work, we make money, and we pay taxes. We have several national business organizations who lobby for us. We have several business conventions each year. There are schools for DJ's. I list my occupation on my Form 1040 as a Mobile DJ Entertainer. The feds have a category for "Banquet Announcer". I have credit established at the major music stores to purchase sound & lighting equipment.
All seems legit to me!
All seems legit to me!
Ah yes, while there are many of us out there who operate as legitimate professionals, there are just as many (if not more) who don't.
What about the person who DJs strictly as a hobby or the guy with the iPod of illegal music? At least in the state of Indiana these guys are on the same level as the professionals. You see, Indiana doesn't recognize a mobile DJ as a legit industry.
Nationwide there is no organization that will accredit a DJ because the standards vary from region to region. I know that Ducky and I found this out firsthand in planning for our wedding. What is standard practice for DJs in the Northshore area of Boston is vastly different from the Lafayette area in Indiana. I know that there is the ADJA, but they don't have a chapter anywhere in Indiana, hmm can't be that great at representing DJs if they can't even have at least one chapter in every state.
Then there's the public perception and with the sheer number of crackpot DJs running around out there, the professional ones are fighting an uphill battle the entire time.
Look, in the end we're not a single industry with certain rules like a lot of us would like to think. Instead we're a hybrid of various things, most of them artistic in nature. The problem is you can't regulate and enforce standards on an art form.
What about the person who DJs strictly as a hobby or the guy with the iPod of illegal music? At least in the state of Indiana these guys are on the same level as the professionals. You see, Indiana doesn't recognize a mobile DJ as a legit industry.
Nationwide there is no organization that will accredit a DJ because the standards vary from region to region. I know that Ducky and I found this out firsthand in planning for our wedding. What is standard practice for DJs in the Northshore area of Boston is vastly different from the Lafayette area in Indiana. I know that there is the ADJA, but they don't have a chapter anywhere in Indiana, hmm can't be that great at representing DJs if they can't even have at least one chapter in every state.
Then there's the public perception and with the sheer number of crackpot DJs running around out there, the professional ones are fighting an uphill battle the entire time.
Look, in the end we're not a single industry with certain rules like a lot of us would like to think. Instead we're a hybrid of various things, most of them artistic in nature. The problem is you can't regulate and enforce standards on an art form.
In the entertainment business, it is the audience that decides who is good and who is not. It doesn't take long to get a poor reputation. However, it does take time to earn a good reputation. As for the differences regionally, absolutely, I agree with you wholeheartedly. Wedding receptions are conducted entirely different from the Northeast as compared to the Mid-west for example,
But in the end, a good DJ Entertainer makes or breaks the event! Clients have come to learn this via the school of hard knocks.
Indeed there are many free-lance hobbyists out there that cause grief for the true professionals. But these hobbyists also help bolster the reputation of legitimate professionals, through their (The hobbyists) poor business practices.
Equally, there are many hobbyists out there who are great entertainers!
Hopefully they will heed the call and go legit to help bolster the numbers of the great DJ entertainers in the country.
As for local chapters of nationally recognized associations, that is entirely up to the local business owners to organize and get established.
One of these, the ADJA, is doing a good job promoting ethics and business practices, and acts as a national mouthpiece for the DJ industry. NAME is another such association.
Here in New Jersey, many of us are members of ADJA and NAME, but we have no local chapters of either association. Instead, we have formed The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network. We are an association of professional DJ Entertainers who last year, made a marked presence at the DJ Times Int'l DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ. Our Association members presented more than 6 major seminars, and had four members in the DJ of The Year Competition. The Emcee for that event, Mike Walters, is also a member of our association.
My point? The local chapters, or associations, need to be started and established by the local business owners. Why not consider starting one yourself? n I know that Dr. Drax, President of the ADJA, would be more than willing to assist you.
Last year he aided DJs in the Washington DC area to form a very viable ADJA Chapter which today encompasses parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
Here in NJ, our members have banded together to have an on-going educational seminar series each month, extensive networking among each other, and establish friendships among our contemporaries instead of cut-throat competition. I have to tell you--it's working!
But in the end, a good DJ Entertainer makes or breaks the event! Clients have come to learn this via the school of hard knocks.
Indeed there are many free-lance hobbyists out there that cause grief for the true professionals. But these hobbyists also help bolster the reputation of legitimate professionals, through their (The hobbyists) poor business practices.
Equally, there are many hobbyists out there who are great entertainers!
Hopefully they will heed the call and go legit to help bolster the numbers of the great DJ entertainers in the country.
As for local chapters of nationally recognized associations, that is entirely up to the local business owners to organize and get established.
One of these, the ADJA, is doing a good job promoting ethics and business practices, and acts as a national mouthpiece for the DJ industry. NAME is another such association.
Here in New Jersey, many of us are members of ADJA and NAME, but we have no local chapters of either association. Instead, we have formed The New Jersey Disc Jockey Network. We are an association of professional DJ Entertainers who last year, made a marked presence at the DJ Times Int'l DJ Expo in Atlantic City, NJ. Our Association members presented more than 6 major seminars, and had four members in the DJ of The Year Competition. The Emcee for that event, Mike Walters, is also a member of our association.
My point? The local chapters, or associations, need to be started and established by the local business owners. Why not consider starting one yourself? n I know that Dr. Drax, President of the ADJA, would be more than willing to assist you.
Last year he aided DJs in the Washington DC area to form a very viable ADJA Chapter which today encompasses parts of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware.
Here in NJ, our members have banded together to have an on-going educational seminar series each month, extensive networking among each other, and establish friendships among our contemporaries instead of cut-throat competition. I have to tell you--it's working!