11th July 2008:  Merlin, the global rights body for independent music, this week issued a bulletin to it’s 12,000+ members in relation to the launch of Last.fm’s Artist Royalty Program.

 

2 Unique South African music memorabilia items have gone under the hammer on eBay as part of the global Independents Day 08 Charity Music Auction. The auction gives collectors and fans of independent music a once-in-a-lifetime chance to grab a piece of music history - money-can't-buy experiences and personal artist collectibles.

 

The Airco board hereby announces its acceptance of the resignation of Mr. Eugene Mthethwa as it Chairperson with effect from 24 June 2008. Eugene will be concentrating on other engagements within the industry.

 

In September this year key music industry professionals from across South Africa, other parts of the continent and the world will gather in Newtown to share their ideas and knowledge of the music industry at Moshito ’08.

24 June 2008: The National Credit Act (NCA) was introduced to help prevent reckless lending and to address South Africa’s massive credit debt. Unfortunately, certain aspects of the NCA conflict with the way the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) applies its standards of practice and this is affecting the organisation`s Royalty Advance Payments process and the livelihood of some of its composers and authors.

The launch of Independents Day 08 has been announced - a global celebration of independent music that will take place during the Fourth Of July weekend.

 

A new appeal was lodged on Friday at the EC's Court of First Instance in Luxembourg, challenging the EC’s unconditional authorisation of the SonyBMG merger for a second time. IMPALA believes the Commission repeated many of the errors that it made before, despite the court’s judgement in IMPALA's favour in 2006.

Merlin, the Global Rights Body for Independent Music has grown to 8% Share of US Market. Its position is now equal to that of EMI Music, represents the biggest bundle of rights outside the four Major Labels