This topic is something all artists/writers should read and use to help them as they reach their career goals. The industry is cutthroat and filled with snakes. With that said, make sure all your work is protected and licensed. According to International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), the recording industry has gained support from payment providers to tackle illegal online sale of unlicensed music. As reported in London, England March 2011 the industry has partnered with MasterCard, Visa, and the City of London Police to do away with illegal online services selling unlicensed music worldwide. If an artist plans to promote and upload music on the Internet, they need to make sure it is protected.
There are many publishing and licensing companies such as BMI and ASCAP that will help artists gain royalties and protect their music. Countries have been infringing the rights of artists, songwriters, and producers for year by selling music without paying for the rights to use or sell. So, if you are currently an independent artists or aspiring artist this post is for you. Don’t think everyone has your best interest in mind. I have dealt with a number of independent artists on the rise. One thing I always profess is to have their music protected and licensed. The music industry earns billions of dollars annually. You do not want to miss earning your piece of the pie.
Russia and Ukraine are the main countries operating websites that sell unlicensed music for years. International consumers are buying albums at low rates because the websites are not paying for the rights. Being an artist in the United States where you want to be. However, our technological era has made everything level out. People all over the world have access to download and share music. Law enforcement and payment providers in the UK have come together to help protect artists’ work. It is the responsibility of the artist to be proactive.
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