October 2002

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

• Office News
• Juno Award Nominations
• Prairie Music Week September 26-29, 2002
• Artist & Studio News
• Status of the Artist Saskatchewan: Advisory Committee Announced
• Industry News

Office News

In Memory
The Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association offers our sincerest condolences to those whose loved ones have recently passed away.

Tesalyn Jade Mary Zizzy-Mustatia, daughter of SRIA member Bev Zizzy and Stan Mustatia of Regina. Tesalyn passed away suddenly on September 21, 2002.

Nancy Jayne Reynolds, mother of SRIA member Ben Reynolds of Caronport. Nancy passed away suddenly on October 7, 2002.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to their family and friends at this difficult time.

Office News...
We are back to "regular hours" again, 9 am to noon and 1 to 5 pm, Monday thru Friday. We wish to note, however, that from time to time we are closed for meetings, illness or industry events, so if you want to be sure you'll find someone here, please call ahead.

Nehal El-Hadi's summer term has ended...and we're really sad to see her go. We hope to have her back occasionally to help with special projects.

Chris Tessmer will be coming in casually over the next month to finish up his summer work term as well. We wish Chris and Nehal both luck in their return to university!

Helen Outerbridge has accepted a promotion at the YMCA, and will be switching from full time to part time hours with SRIA.

Welcome Dawn Martin!
Angie Gélinas, Deputy Minister of Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation (CYR), is pleased to announce the appointment of Dawn Martin as Executive Director of Culture and Heritage for the department, effective July 30. Dawn will remain in Saskatoon, broadening CYR's base of contact with the cultural and heritage sectors in Saskatchewan. Her professional and volunteer accomplishments within the arts and culture community are well known: she has served as an arts administrator consultant, and has taken numerous leadership roles in the community, most recently serving a four-year term on SaskCulture's Cultural Advisory Committee. Dawn looks forward to working closely with the arts and culture communities.

NXNE Showcases
Please notify our office (Lorena Kelly, 306-780-9823) if you plan to apply for a 2003 NXNE showcase. This year, we are a sponsor of the event, and may be able to help you maximize your exposure.

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Juno Award Nominations

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) is now accepting submissions for the 2003 JUNO Awards. The deadline for applications is November 13 for juried categories and January 17 for categories with nominations based on sales. Submission forms are available for download at the CARAS website, www.juno-awards.ca or by calling 416-485-3135 or 1-888-440-JUNO.

Submissions are open to Canadian artists, songwriters, recording engineers, and video producers (citizen or landed immigrant) who have released product during the period of September 1, 2001 to December 31, 2002. In the case of juried categories, the cut-off date for submissions is November 13 to accommodate the critical path for nominating and voting. Individuals and their representatives are welcomed to apply.

While certain categories such as International Album of the Year or Francophone Album of the Year are determined by sales, most of the categories are determined by ballot vote or by a panel of expert judges (for specific details on how the JUNO Awards work, please refer to the document of the same name posted in the Pressroom of the CARAS Web site).

The 2002 JUNO Awards Telecast will be broadcast by CTV in April. Information related to the location and date will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

About CARAS:
The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences/L'academie canadienne des arts et des sciences de l'enregistrement (CARAS) is a not-for-profit organization created to preserve and enhance the Canadian music and recording industries and to contribute towards higher artistic and industry standards. The main focus of CARAS is the exploration and development of opportunities to showcase and promote Canadian artists and music through television vehicles such as the JUNO Awards. Website: www.juno-awards.ca.

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Prairie Music Week September 26-29, 2002

Prairie Music Week is organized by the Prairie Music Alliance, a partnership between the Manitoba Audio Recording Industry Association, the Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association, and the Alberta Recording Industry Association. Visit www.prairiemusicweek.com for more information.

The fourth annual tri-provincial conference, music festival and awards show, held this year in Winnipeg, went off smoothly. Folk Meet 2002 was held in conjunction with the event, which increased the folk content of the overall event, adding workshops and delegates. Thursday evening, the opening reception included remarks by dignitaries and various performances. The first round of showcases began. Friday was largely dedicated to high-school career day, although several Folk Alliance workshops were also by delegates. Friday night, more showcases! Saturday was all-workshops, all-day. MARIA also hosted a party to celebrate the launch of their new web presence. That evening the Prairie Music Industry Awards were held, and then off to more showcases. Sunday began with the annual Bear Pit Breakfast, still more workshops, a Songwriter in the Round Session, the anticipation building up to the artistic awards that evening, followed by a bang-up post awards party featuring the sweet music of Regina's Stepchyle.

This year's PMW had its highest number of showcasing acts as well as showcase venues. Special showcases highlighting Aboriginal, Hip Hop and Jazz were held throughout the weekend and many venues were packed to the rafters.

Keynote speakers included Phyllis Barney (North American Folk Music and Dance Society), Steven Page (Barenaked Ladies) and an interview with Loreena McKennitt (artist).

Workshops covered a wide range of subjects including workshop programming, folk festival programming and marketing, distribution, artist marketing, funding, mentor sessions, agents, A & R, management, women in music, publishing, music in film, radio airplay, websites, drums/guitar/vocal/studio workshops, urban music and demo evaluations.

We're very excited that Prairie Music Week will be in Regina for its centennial next year! The City of Regina had representatives in Winnipeg - including Mayor Pat Fiacco - to observe this year's event and get a feel for how great it'll be next year, back in Saskatchewan! (Our last tri-provincial conference was waaay back in 97 when All Indie Weekend graced the Queen City).

You may notice a disparity among the number of Saskatchewan winners in comparison with the other provinces. We hope all SRIA took advantage of their right to nominate, and vote for this year's awards!

Prairie Music Artistic Awards
(Sask. nominees in bold italics; winners indicated by *)

The following were presented on September 29 at the Burton Cummings Theatre (formerly the Walker Theatre), Winnipeg.

Hall of Fame Inductee: Neil Young

Entertainer of the Year
Ian Tyson
Nickelback
Remy Shand
The Watchman*
Doc Walker
(this category was voted on by the general public)

Outstanding Songwriter of the Year
Nickelback - Silver Side Up*
Remy Shand - The Way I Feel
Dale Nikkel - Still Learning Tricks
Christine Fellows - Last One Standing
The Wyrd Sisters - Sins & Other Salvations

Outstanding Rock Recording
Nickelback - Silver Side Up*
The Watchmen - Slow Motion
Sonic Bloom - Hurry
Greg MacPherson Band - Good Times Coming Back Again
I Witness - Mended
The Beachcombers - It Comes & Goes

Outstanding Pop Recording
Remy Shand - The Way I Feel*
Sweetsalt - Radio Soldier
Alex Murdock - Polyphonic
Shandar Gray - Are you Ready For Me
Christine Fellows - The Last One Standing

Outstanding Album, Major Label Artist
Nickelback - Silver Side Up*
Remy Shand - The Way I Feel
The Watchmen - Slow Motion
(this category was based on album sales)

Outstanding Album, Independent Artist
Ian Tyson - Live at Longview
Nathan - Stranger*
Greg MacPherson Band - Good Times Coming Back Again
D. Rangers - D. Rangers
Sweetsalt - Radio Soldier

Outstanding Country Recording
Doc Walker - Curve*
Ian Tyson - Live at Longview
Jake Mathews - Jake Mathews
D. Rangers - D. Rangers
L.J. Daylee - Vinyl 45

Outstanding Dance/Urban Recording
Inshaalha - Inshaalha* (tie)
Fast Orange - Sextronic* (tie)
War Party - The Reign
Gruf the Druid - Druidy

Outstanding Instrumental Recording
Mitch Dorge - As Trees Walking*
Randy Weber/Richard Craig - The Journey
April Verch - Verchousity
Corny Michel - Medicine Rapids

Outstanding Aboriginal Recording
Winston Wuttunee - The Best of Winston Wuttunee*
Cindy Scott - This Northern Girl
Squaw'kin Iskwewak - Wymyns' Songs
War Party - The Reign
Nakoda Lodge - Dark Realm

Outstanding Classical Recording
Robinovitch (Finjan/Saxology/WSO) - Klezmer Suite*
Nora Bumauis & Julie Shaw - Bach to Bach
Remi Bouchard/Clark Bryan - Consolation
Mount Royal College Conservatory - Morningside Music Bridge
Julie Biggs - My Loving Days "Amorosi Miei Giorni"
(this category selected by peer jury)

Outstanding Children's Recording
Aaron Burnett - Call of the Wild
Don Freed - Our Very Own Songs
Just Kiddin' - Never Grow Up
Lulu and the Tomcat - All the Cats*
Alex Mahe - Mais Souffle

Outstanding Roots Recording
The Wyrd Sisters - Sin & Other Salvations*
James Keelaghan - Home
Das Macht Show - One Night In Berlin
Dale Nikkel - Still Learning Tricks
Maria Dunn - For A Song

Outstanding Jazz Recording
Martha Brooks - Change of Heart*
Flextime Trio - Expecting you
jeari czapla - for ella
Greg Lowe - Life So Far
Mocking Shadows · Longway
(this category selected by peer jury)

Outstanding Christian Recording
Larry Kunkel - Feel
Steve Bell - Waiting for Aidan*
Debbie Zepick - Fearless
Rule Of Nines - Angel
Randy Weber - The Journey

Outstanding Producer
Remy Shand - Remy Shand - The Way I Feel*
Rick Fenton - Ian Tyson - Live at Longview
Billy Cowsill & Tim Williams - Ralph Boyd Johnson - Dyin' To Go
Murray Pulver & Pierre Guerin - The Wyrd Sisters - Sin & Other Salvations
Olaf Pyttlik - Sweetsalt - Radio Soldier

Outstanding Video
Minnow - Feel
Amanda Stott - To Keep From Missing You
Dino Martinis - Language of Love
Duotang - The Evidence Comes From All Directions*
Doc Walker - She Hasn't Always Been That Way

Prairie Music Industry Awards

(Sask. nominees in bold italics; winners indicated by *)

The following were handed out on September 28 at the Hotel Fort Garry in Winnipeg.

Industry Builder: Sam Baardman

Manager of the Year:
Pat McGannon
Marlene D'aoust
Nikki Shibou
Neil McGonigal
Chris Burke-Gaffney*
Gilles Paquin

Agent of the Year:
Key Entertainment
Paquin Entertainment*
PM GIGS INC
Five Star Productions
Maurice Hogue

Talent Buyer/Promoter of the Year:
Ron Sakamoto*
Chris Frayer
Terry Wickham
Gregg Curtis
Jeff Perry
B.A.D. Concerts

Engineer of the Year:
Brandon Friesen
Barry Allen*
Neil Cameron
Dave Alcock
Johnny Gasparic

Recording Studio of the Year:
Homestead Recorders
Private Ear*
Touchwood Studios
De Capo Productions
Studio 11

Independent Record Company/Distributor of the Year:
G-7 Welcoming Committee
Spirit River Distribution
Stony Plain Records*
Smallman Records
Studio 11

Outstanding Album Design:
Christine Fellows - The Last One Standing
Dale Nikkel - Still Learning Tricks
Jon Loeppky for Sweetsalt - Radio Soldier
Brian Kauste for Steve Bell - Waiting for Aidan*
Doowah Design, Inc. - The Wyrd Sisters - Sin & Other Salvations

Retail Store of the Year:
Megatunes · Calgary
CD Plus - Saskatoon
Homemade Music - Winnipeg*
South Side Sound - Edmonton
HMV West Edmonton Mall

Live Music Venue of the Year:
The Pyramid Cabaret - Winnipeg
West End Cultural Centre - Winnipeg*
Side Track Café - Edmonton
Bud's On Broadway · Saskatoon
Karma Local Arts House - Calgary

Media Outlet:
CKUA · Edmonton
Radio 306 Saskatoon
A-Channel*
UMFM
Star Phoenix

Media Person:
Cam Fuller
Jeff Rogstad
John Kendle
Howard Mandshein
Peter North*
Claudia Garcia De la Heurta

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Artist & Studio News

RELEASES AND PREMIERES...

• Jane Gusdal held her CD release party at the Godfrey Dean Cultural Centre in Yorkton on June 22.
• Sisters have released their fourth single, "Look A Little Deeper", to country stations. They are pleased to announce their new distribution deal with Spirit River Distribution. They are currently rehearsing in preparation for a tour this fall to support their CD "Night & Day" with band Johnny Knox (bass/background vocals), Bob Martinson (lead guitar), Grant Honig (steel & lead guitar/background vocals), Ronnie Knox (acoustic guitar/harmonica/background vocals) and Don Pokletar (drums). They recently attended the CCMAs in Calgary. Visit their website for current touring dates, news updates and band highlights, www.sisters.ca.
• The Songcatcher Entertainment Group is very proud to announce that it has signed a management deal with one of Canada's most promising new country music artists, Melanie Laine. Melanie's newest single, "Jump Right In", written by herself and Dean Kush, is currently being spun at radio stations across the country. Melanie was a co-writer on the tune. Melanie recently "wowed" the crowd at her CCMA showcase on September 7. For all the exciting information on Melanie you can visit www.melanielaine.com.
• Butterfinger's Saskatoon CD Release was held on October 9 at the new Louis', U of S.
• Brad Johner's video for his debut solo single, "Hello" debuted on CMT on October 7. It was shot August 24-25 in Saskatoon. It's Johner's 11th music video, but his first without brother Ken at his side, and his first to be shot in Saskatchewan. The shoot took place at Walter Murray Collegiate and featured a large cast - 150-200 people in all - making it one of the largest in the province's history. Special appearances include SCMA Female Vocalist of the Year nominees Jessica Robinson and Melanie Laine. Brad is currently putting the finishing touches on his much anticipated debut solo CD "Subject to Change". Brad recently performed in Thanksgiving weekend's "Say Hay" charity concerts for Alberta's drought stricken farmers.

NEWS...

• The John Arcand Fiddle Fest 2002 was a great success with attendance over 2000, including quests from England, Indiana, Quebec, NWT, BC, AB and MB. This was also the first year for Fiddling and Jigging Workshops. 185 kg of food were collected for the Saskatoon Food Bank. 41 fiddlers and 28 jiggers competed throughout the weekend. Plans are underway for the 6th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest - August 8-10, 2003!
• 2nd Avenue Mitch is a new 4 piece band from Regina consisting of John Bellamy (lead vocals) and Rick Soloduke (drums, back vocals) formerly of Skin Tight Orbit, Wade Bittner (bass) of The Intangibles, and Sean Treble (all guitars), a soul-filled player from Regina. Preproduction on a debut album is already nearing completion at The Electric Backhand, with a release slated for fall. The music is guitar rock based, combined with 3 parts rhythm & blues, 2 parts groove, 2 parts stoner trip rock, and a dash of mainstrem rock. The band also plans to make tracks over as many Saskatchewan stages as possible!
• 5 Star Productions is pleased to announce the signing of the rock group CurvedWorth, whose debut CD is completed and is targeted for an early 2003 release. Their official website will be launched soon, www.curvedworth.com. The band was formed in 2000, consisting of Chris Grant (vocals, guitar) recruited Rob Martens (vocals, rhythm guitar), Trevor Hay (vocals, bass, guitar) and Jason Antoski (drums) on drums. They combine influences from the British invasion, the thrilling sounds of the seventies and eighties through to today's groundbreaking innovative music. CurvedWorth takes music out of each of the four decades to come across with a style rich in vocal melodies and awesome underlying tones. The name CurvedWorth represents the melding of styles and the liberation from labels. RipperTrain recorded their debut CD with Steve Dodd engineering & mixing, Pat O'Handley & Miles Patrick Yohnke producing. It will be released at Charlie's Pub (Regina) December 6-7, and at Bud's on Broadway (Saskatoon), December 12-13. Samuel, the Black Shaman recorded their debut CD for early 2003 release date, recorded & mixed by Steve Dodd with Miles Patrick Yohnke producing. Garland Headley has been laying done his vibe with Toronto's Trole and most recently a special performance with Tango Sierra at the Odeon in Saskatoon. Garland is presently working on new material for a forthcoming CD.
• On August 14 Faster Gun had the pleasure of being involved with the shooting of the movie "Betrayed", which will air on CBC in the new year. Faster Gun played the part of a band (what a stretch!!) and the boys even had a few lines in the movie. Three Faster Gun songs were used in the movie. Two new singles are being worked on with Bart McKay of Sound Edge Studios in Saskatoon - "The Finger" and "If You Don't Love Me By Now".
• Regina's Ghost211 had a busy summer of festival performance success including Rock 'n the Valley and the Warehouse District Festival. A video shoot for the single "Love Was Affection" took place at the Pump on August 27. The video will be used in promotion via their EPK, local media and a motion graphics TV spot. Ghost211 performs music that charts on popular radio and consists of Brad Wiebe (guitar), Rod Mochoruk (drums), Derek Leverington (guitar/vocals) and Scott Harwood (bass and vocals).
• Dave Taylor was Alberta bound for a few solo dates in September followed by an opener for Bocephus King in Regina. Dollar Store Mary continues writing new material for their third release, to come out in spring, and is planning another show this November. Dave, and Pat Andrews also from DSM, produced/recorded Sylvie's newest album earlier this year and have just completed production work on Despistado's forthcoming release. Dave and Pat will also be working together as producer/mixer for an upcoming album by Regina's November Samurai.
• Portage la Prairie rock band (and SRIA members) The Blair Hordeski Sandwich released their live CD, "Welcome to the Soundcheck" via the internet on September 26. The ten song CD was recorded live over three nights at Winnipeg's Pocket's Bar and Grill and boast the talents of guitarist Murray Pulver, bassist Mike Rendulic, and drummer Daniel Roy. Check out the album via www.thesandwich.net!
• A new professional sound, lighting and entertainment service, BassEnhanced Xtreme Productions, recently opened in Radville.
• Congratulations to the following, who placed exceptionally at the National Music Festival in August: Karen Charlton of Conquest (vocal, first place); David Dick of Regina (brass, second place); and Junelle Rayne of Regina (woodwinds, third place).
• Dr. David Kaplan, Saskatoon, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada on May 1. He has made varied and exceptional contributions to the musical life of his province. Professor Emeritus, he is the former head of the University of Saskatchewan's Department of Music. As well, he founded the Saskatchewan Music Council and chaired the Canadian Music Centre's Prairie Regional Council. A man of many talents, this gifted clarinetist, composer and conductor devotes much of his time to his community. He has served on numerous boards and has organized events such as the Festival of Faith for Multi-Faith Saskatoon, as well as the musical activities for the annual Holocaust Memorial and Remembrance Day services.
• Joni Mitchell was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada on May 1. She is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of her generation. Folk, pop, rock, jazz and worldbeat - she has embraced them all and made them her own. From Yorkville coffeehouses to international stages and on to gold albums, Junos, Grammys and Hall of Fame inductions, she has engaged and inspired audiences and musicians for nearly 40 years. She has crossed musical boundaries and created new ones to be crossed. Her independent style has been emulated by many popular artists and has paved the way for today's young female singers. Her music and lyrics have become part of our collective memory. Widely respected as a visual artist and poet as well, she continues to add to the creative legacy indelibly woven into our cultural mosaic.
• Afculen (Afro-Cultural Ensemble) is a versatile non-profit community choir-band whose musical genre combines three powerful elements - traditional African drumming, traditional African harmonic forms and European harmonic forms. The ensemble has 3 sections. The Choir Sections comprises 12 voices (5 sopranos, 4 altos and 3 tenors). The Instrumental Section is made up of an electric piano and an electric bass. And the 6 instruments in the African Percussion Section include 4 African drums, a shaker and a gong. They will be staging their 5th Annual Christmas concert at the Knox Metropolitan United Church (2340 Victoria Ave.), Regina at 7:30 pm. $10, children $5. Tickets are available from Bach & Beyond, Baldwin-Yamaha Piano Centre, Cobb Swanson Music, Zebra Crafts, Book & Brier Patch.

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Status of the Artist Saskatchewan: Advisory Committee Announced

During a September 21 arts reception, the province released the names of the individuals who will form the Minister's Advisory Committee on the Status of the Artist. The committee will research, study and report back to government on substantive labour and social equity issues for artists.

"We introduced the Status of the Artist legislation this spring," Minister Crofford said. "Striking the advisory committee reaffirms government's commitment to the equitable treatment of artistic and cultural workers in Saskatchewan." The advisory council will investigate issues such as labour relations and collective bargaining rights in the arts sector, the application of workers' compensation legislation and occupational health and safety legislation to artists; pension plans for artists; education, professional development and training programs for artists; and taxation of artists.

Barbara Young of Regina will be Committee chair. Members are Patrick Close, Michael Burns, Allen Lefebvre and Joe Van Koeverden, all of Regina; Kent Allen, Louise Halfe and Eileen Laverty, all of Saskatoon; and Charley Ferraro of Meacham. Representing the Government of Saskatchewan are Dawn Martin from Culture, Youth and Recreation and Jim McLellan of Saskatchewan Labour.

Saskatchewan is the first province outside of Quebec to adopt legislation which identifies equity for artists within the workforce. The Status of the Artist Act, passed June 6, recognizes the contribution cultural workers make to the enrichment of society.

Culture, Youth and Recreation has set up an email address at skstatusofartist@excite.com for people to contact the Minister's Advisory Committee on Status of the Artist. This is an opportunity for you to have direct communication with the committee and forward you ideas for the legislation.

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Industry News

Federal: "Creativity is the Driving Force of Economic Growth"

This was the title of the pre-budget submission the Canadian Conference of the Arts presented to the Standing Committee on Finance, September 9. This year marks ten years since the Status of the Artist legislation received Royal Assent in Canada, legislation which has not succeeded in making the difference to the working lives of artists that its drafters originally intended. As set out in the legislation, a review of Status of the Artist is currently underway - a report is expected this fall.

Following consultation with its membership and others in the cultural community, and with advice from its Policy and Planning Committee, CCA has made a number of recommendations to the Committee designed to improve the working environment of Canadian artists, including:

• Urging the government of Canada to reintroduce income back averaging for self-employed individuals;
• Requesting a full and comprehensive study into self-employment by the Department of Finance;
• Implementation of income tax exemptions for artists for: up to $60,000 of annual copyright income, and subsequently, up to $60,000 of all artistic income;
• Ensuring that following the three year duration of the Tomorrow Starts Today money (announced May 2001) is extended indefinitely and support increased;
• Urging a return to core operating support for not-for-profit organizations (from project-based funding).

The full submission and recommendations can be found on the CCA website at www.ccarts.ca.

MIDEM 2003 Canada Stand

Cannes, France, January 19-23: MIDEM is the premier international music industry marketplace. Since 1967, Midem has been bringing together key music industry decision-makers and performers from all over the world to meet under one roof and conduct business. Because of the scope of opportunities, MIDEM has long been the market of reference for music executives and performers who are seriously looking to sign deals. Situated on the shores of the sunny Mediterranean, MIDEM runs for five whole days, giving you the opportunity to do a volume of business with a vast range of contacts which would normally take you weeks, months or even years to achieve on your own.

The key to MIDEM is the diversity and quality of the music industry executives who come to the market from all over the globe. Top decision makers from every facet of the business are there. Last year, Midem attracted over 9,000 participants and 3,600 companies from 90 countries around the world. Over 70% of the participants are from Europe. There is also a healthy representation from North and South America, the Asian and Pacific Rim including Australia, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Mainland China etc. and numerous countries in Africa. Every type of music is represented at Midem: electronica, rock, pop, dance, techno, house, classical, jazz, reggae, hip hop, funk, r & b, worldbeat, folk, blues and more.

The market has three components: the bustling trade show area of 10,000 square metres with over 400 exhibitors on four floors; the Midem concert series with 55 concerts showcasing well over 200 groups, soloists and DJs; and the Midem conferences with 15 top level panels where the most pressing global music industry issues are discussed and debated. There are many ways to advertise your company at Midem such as ads in the Pre-Midem News, the Midem Guide or the Midem Daily News, billboards on the show floor or with your own page on the Midem Web Site.

MIDEM is a must if you want to:

• secure international distribution for your product
• license finished masters for canada or to other territories
• acquire or sell publishing rights
• make international business contacts

The Canada Stand is your home base at MIDEM, the ideal place to make contact with international and Canadian business associates. This well-known group stand is strategically situated close to the main entrance of the trade show floor.

Attending Midem with the Canada Stand is an economical and hassle-free way to participate in the biggest international music market in the world. CIRPA (the Canadian Independent Record Production Association) has organized and administered the Canada Stand for the past twenty years. By participating in the Canada Stand, you can take advantage of their organizational experience and expertise. They're available to handle the many important details that will help make MIDEM 2002 a successful venture for your company.

The Canada Stand fee covers your share of Stand costs and services and your MIDEM registration. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, accommodation and other expenses. Contact the Canada Stand Co-ordinator for estimates on these other costs. The fee is first person $2700 ($2500 CIRPA members), second person $2300 ($2000 CIRPA members).

The cut-off date for getting your name in the MIDEM Guide is December 15. Stand co-ordinator: Mary Vrantsidis. For info/to register contact mary@cirpa.ca, www.cirpa.ca (see Events) or 416-485-3152.

The Domestic and International Business Development Program, administered by FACTOR, will provide eligible companies with up to 50% of the Stand fee, airfare and a set per-diem. Check the FACTOR website for applications and eligibility criteria ­ www.factor.ca or call 416-351-1361.

Other Big News:
Downloading = Decreased Purchasing?
U.S.: Figures released by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) indicate that music sales for the first six months of 2002 are down 7% compared to the same period a year ago. Unit shipments are down 10%. RIAA, as well as the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), continue to place blame for declining music sales on MP3 file trading and CD burning, with RIAA releasing another study seemingly confirming this theory. Conducted by Peter Hart Associates, it found that 41% of active online file-traders, who said they had increased their downloading during the past year, had purchased less music. (19% stated they were purchasing more music.) Further information on the music-buying activities of non-Internet users will be available this fall.

However, a report recently conducted by Jupiter Research disputes that, concluding that online music sharing and downloading actually increases music sales. The report suggests that file exchange services expose music fans to new, different or catalogue music they might not otherwise have been aware of. Of those file-traders surveyed by Jupiter, 34% stated they had increased their music purchases, while 15% decreased their purchases, and 50% reported no change. (The New York Times and Reuters)

Canada: Figures released by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) indicate that sales for the year to date are down 7% from 2001. (In 2001 there were 58 million albums sold in Canada, with a value of $684 million.) However, CRIA also estimates that Canadians illegally downloaded 739 million songs, or the equivalent of 62 million albums worth $740 million. CRIA also estimates that sales of legitimate albums in Canada in 2002 will decline to approximately 51 million in total. (Canadian Music Network)

European countries also report a decrease in sales for 2002. (Variety and Reuters, August 26, 2002)

U.S. State Senate to Examine Music Firms Royalties:
The state Senate has widened its probe of music industry accounting practices and is investigating whether major record companies defrauded artists out of royalties through undisclosed licensing deals with record clubs and video channels. In a July 23 hearing, artist representatives accused the world's five largest music companies of collecting millions of dollars annually from licensing deals with record clubs and video channels which was never shared with artists. Attorneys also alleged that companies employ fraudulent accounting formulas to bilk artists out of earnings on music sold overseas.

The accounting issue is the latest alarm in an ongoing debate over artists' rights in the recording industry. Performers and musicians have complained to lawmakers that music companies use unfair contracts that bind them longer than other workers and use accounting tricks that reduce their wages and health-care and pension benefits.

Country singer Clint Black and former Eagles drummer Don Henley are just two of the artists who testified this month about the way the record industry does business. Black testified that even after he sold $20 million in albums, his record company claimed he hadn't covered his expenses and still owed them money. And Henley wants a penalty instituted for negligence and under-reporting royalties. Henley is one of the founders of the Recording Artists Coalition, which is working for artists' rights.

Canada-Saskatchewan Soundstage Opens in Regina:
Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert joined with Public Works and Government Services Canada Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Secretary Of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) and Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco to officially open one of Canada's most modern film, video and new media production facilities on September 20.

The $11.9 million, 82,000 square foot facility is a state-of-the art production and training space that provides Saskatchewan and the film industry with an opportunity to continue to diversify its economy. Saskatchewan is home to over 40 film, television and post-production businesses that brought 239 million of production to our province from 1993 to 2001. The Canada-Saskatchewan Soundstage accelerates growth in the industry, maximizes previous investments and creates new value-added activities through collaboration, education and new opportunities.

"With the opening of the soundstage, this province has become a world class film location," Premier Calvert said. "We're not only creating an excellent environment for Canadian and foreign investment, but we're providing our young people with training opportunities and a chance to make their living at home."

The Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan each contributed approximately $3 million for the construction of the soundstage. The remainder will be funded by the film industry, with the City of Regina allowing a seven-year waiver of payments in lieu of property taxes.

HMV Canada Inc. - Indie Pool Merger
This national distribution partnership has Indie Pool acting as a vendor of independent product for the retail chain - which recently made a decision not to accept individual independent product on consignment.

"Radio Payola" becoming a little too standard
U.S. radio chain Clear Channel recently granted three promotional companies exclusive rights to place songs with their 42 urban-formatted radio stations. Record labels now pay $800-$3000 (per radio station) for every new song that makes the station's weekly playlist. In return, the promoters pay Clear Channel over $100,000 in annual fees for each station to which they have exclusive access. Clear Channel's pop and rock stations are each also being licensed for upwards of $250,000 annually. Other radio chains have adopted similar practices...and while record labels are concerned, they are afraid to publicly comment for fear of jeopardizing airplay for their artists.

In a related story, Universal Music Group (U.S.) announced it has cut what it pays its music promoters by 50% - now, down to approximately $200,000 per song.

The situation involving independent promoters is already being investigated by the U.S. government due to allegations that record promotion practices violate the country's anti-payola law. This law was enacted to ensure that the selection of songs for airplay on radio stations is not influenced by financial transactions.

A group of U.S. music industry associations have joined together to urge the American government to put a stop to payola. The group includes labels, the AF of M, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and the Future of Music Coalition. In 1996, the U.S. government deregulated its radio industry, leading to the formation of large radio station chains owned by conglomerates. The music industry contends that broadcast chains Clear Channel Communications Inc. and Radio One Inc. abused their market position when they recently ordered record labels to only use specific record promoters when pitching new songs to their stations. Clear Channel owns the largest chain of radio stations in the U.S. - approximately 1,225 stations or about 10% of the market, and also owns the biggest concert promotion company in the world. The coalition contends that Clear Channel uses its market clout to dictate which venues artists will perform at (including appearances at its own stations' concerts), leaving artists with little choice if they want to be added to playlists. Country music labels are also caught up in payola in that they know they have to offer certain stations money for a "time buy" or "T-shirt" support. Both labels and radio stations are nervous about the practice, fearing the situation is out of control and will ultimately come crashing down. (Los Angeles Times and Billboard)

Germany considering its own version of CANCON:
The lack of music performed by new German-language artists on German radio stations has prompted that country's Minister of Culture to support a proposal requiring state-funded radio stations to broadcast 50% music by newer acts, of which 50% must be in the German-language. The German music industry strongly supports this initiative, saying only 11% of the top-100 songs on German radio in 2001 were produced locally. Broadcasting in Germany is regulated at the state level, not nationally, and an effective quota system would require the support of each state's government. Funding reviews for state-funded radio stations are to be conducted, at which time the German music industry plans to lobby states for support of a quota system. (Billboard)

Fees for Web Broadcasters:
Canada does not yet have an established tariff for Internet radio, although SOCAN has proposed a tariff of 25 cents per listener per month, plus an additional 10% of advertising revenue. The Copyright Board will consider SOCAN's proposal next year. Despite the fact that more and more Canadians are tuning in, Internet radio is still not a viable business - more listeners are needed to attract advertising revenues. Internet webcasters fear that a flat-fee tariff based on the number of listeners, such as the one established in the U.S., will both scare off investors and discourage webcasters from ever turning a profit. They would instead prefer a percentage-of-revenue model where companies pay the tariff after they have earned revenues, not before, such as the flat-fee model would require. Meanwhile, the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) strongly believes that the Canadian recording industry should not be put in a position of subsidizing the webcasting business, until a suitable business model is found. (Globe and Mail)

U.S.: At least 200 Internet-radio webcasters have ceased operations because of fears they cannot pay the new royalty rate of 70 cents per 1000 listeners. The most vulnerable operations are non-profit stations such as those run by universities and colleges. All Internet radio stations, commercial and non-commercial, must pay royalties. In addition, royalties are owed retroactively to 1998, and payment is due October 20 of this year. SoundExchange, the organization in the U.S. that will collect the royalty payments, says it is willing to reach a compromise with non-profit operations before the deadline, with RIAA suggesting these operations will not pay more than $500 per year.
(USA Today)

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