April 19, 2007
The International Artists Union (I.A.U) calls an open forum among artists, the public, and the press on Saturday April 21, 2007 at 12:00pm at Black Star Line Music and Video in Harlem (352 Lenox Ave. and 127th St). Panelists Jeru the Damaja, Steele of Smif-N-Wessun, Reggie Reg of the Legendary Crash Crew and more discuss artists gaining power in the music industry. The goal is to address the exploitation of artists and propagation of racist and sexist stereotypes and present a case for a legal artist union. Not only do recording artists lack the power to disseminate their music into the mainstream without permission they are persuaded with threats of becoming broke if it doesnt sound like whats already out on the airwaves.
The exploitation of artists has been standard practice in the record industry since the oligopoly of Sony, BMG, Universal, Warner and EMI has existed in America. In 2007, the issues are still late or no royalty payment, label piracy, and the usual breach of contract. However, today, with the young culture of Hip-Hop becoming so popular and politically vulnerable, it also includes artists being pressured to release the most violent, sexist, racist and stereotypical music possible.
Artists formally under Universals subsidiaries have admitted having been forced to either release the record labels type of music or become shelved forever. Retaliatory acts by music groups such as withholding the release of an artists album, recouping unspecified expenses from artists have become common practice in Hip-Hop.
The problem is the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) an association representing the interests of Sony, BMG, Universal, Warner, and EMI creates the standards and business practices for Americas music. Five companies own 90% of the music the public hears. This contradiction prevents many artists from being creative, artistic, or accurate. Historically, the only viable weapon for a worker or the public against an oligopoly or conglomerate is an organized workers union.
contact Terry Nakamura 917-940-8961 Icebergsift@Kickgame.com
