The US Federal Trade Commission and The European Union both have approved Universal Music Groups acquisition of EMI. So what, right? Well part of this deal requires Universal to ditch a third of its catalog including UK label Parlophone. Still, so what?
Well the artists of Parlophone are pretty upset that they’re not being asked for opinion on this move. My question is why should they. If you’re employer merges or acquires you roll with it- you’re either cut or you’re part of the new company right?
I have just begun to appreciate the band Blur (I’m late- I know) and they seem to be the most vocal on this dealing-but aren’t they broken up?
“Artists are the only people currently being left out of the conversation,” Blur drummer Dave Rowntree said, “which is unfortunate. If the staff at the label are unhappy with the new arrangements they are free to leave, but the artists are not.”
There are other Parlophone artists up in arms. The amazing Lily Allen, and Radiohead both support the Featured Artists Coalition or FAC, who is working to negotiate the ‘dumping’ of the label by Universal.
“The FAC was formed by musicians who were fed up with the industry taking decisions without considering the impact it would have on those who actually make the music,” Rowntree said.
Other Parlophone artists include Coldplay, the Chemical Brothers, Pink Floyd, Tina Turner, Kraftwerk, and Duran Duran. Acts not part of the sale that will remain with Universal include The Beatles, Katy Perry, The Beach Boys, and Robbie Williams. Warner Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and BMG Rights Management are currently potential bidders for Parlophone.
The point of all of this is Blur must be planning to record, the quote ‘may withhold FUTURE releases’, heck yes!
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