Beat Bulletin February 2014

Dear SAMRO Music Creators,

2014 is in full swing and the first months have set the tempo for another great year for the music industry.There’s a lot to look forward to and in this issue of Beat Bulletin, we’re tuning in to some of the topics that will affect our members this year.

We’re talking about what’s happening out there on the world stage and taking a look at what the future holds for the global music business. We’ll also go into detail about what’s happening closer to home and the exciting plans that SAMRO has.

We’re also excited to announce that Wawela is back, louder than before! We are already starting to turn up the excitement for The Wawela Music Awards 2014. This year’s awards will go behind the song and beyond the stage to celebrate the work of all SAMRO members who add their magic to the music.

So stay tuned. It’s all coming up in this issue of Beat Bulletin. Your comments and ideas for possible inclusion in The Beat Bulletin.

Yours in music,

Tiyani Maluleke

GM Marketing: SAMRO

GLOBAL MUSIC INDUSTRY HEAVYWEIGHTS TO CONVERGE AT MUSIC EXCHANGE ’14

Mos Def (Grammy nominated Hip Hop Artist and Multi Award Winning Actor to deliver the Key Note Address at Music Exchange) MUSIC EXCHANGE – South Africa’s premier music, film and entertainment programme returns to Cape Town City Hall, on the 7 and 8 March 2014, and this year the list of guest speakers is filled with nothing shy of true heavyweight material.

Music Exchange’s latest coupe is the inclusion of Mos Def (aka Yasiin Bey) who will open this year’s forty-eight hour investment in our entertainment economy. Music Exchange is expanding its traditional music focus to include film and entertainment, by securing the attendance of Mos Def -aka Yasiin Bey, who has successfully crossed over from music into film thanks to acclaimed roles in The Italian Job, Def Poetry, 16 Blocks, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Dexter, among others.

South African-born film score composer Dr Trevor Jones, who has carved out a successful career in Hollywood and composed over 120 projects for film and television returns as Music Exchange board member this time. Delegates can look forward to the renowned composer and mentor presenting a talk on his collaborations with the likes of Irish super group U2 and Sinéad O’Conner.

The inclusion of Germany’s World Economic Forum awarded Global Leader for Tomorrow recipientTim Renner, will deliver global insights and cement its reputation as the critically important, game-changing event that it’s clearly become. Tim Renner, who is also Managing Director of Motor Music has developed artists such as Rammstein, Portishead and 2Pac. Rammstein album “Sehnsucht” sold more than 500.000 copies in Germany. In the US it sold more than 1 Million copies which made the album to the most famous German speaking album of all time.

This year will also include the launch of the remix of Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse song “Jive Soweto recorded nearly30 Years ago by International Electronic Dance Music (EDM) UK pioneer Charles Webster.

He returns to Music Exchange under the ADMT (African Dance Music & Technology) hat and will host a 2 day intense workshop and interactive sessions by 2 world class DJ/producers; Charles Webster from the UK (Defected, Miso, Foliage, House Afrika, Freerange amongst many others) and CapeTown’s Dino Michael (Good Hope FM, DJ Syndicate, Motherland Distribution, Defenders of the Deepetc.) A remix competition for attendees to remix one of Charles Webster’s tracks was held last year at the ADMT Electronic Dance Music workshop,the winner will have his remixes released worldwide the week before the 2014edition of ADMT

Panel discussions will draw on the expertise of industry heavyweights, Benjy Mudie, Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse, AKA, Jimmy Nevis, Sophia Foster , R J Benjamin ; Vicky Sampson, Auriol Hays , Estelle Kokot, PJ Powers ; Roeshdien Jazz and Selim Kajee, as well as Mozambican jazz musician Moreira Chonguica.

“Music Exchange is essential for anyone in the industry who wants to connect with the correct stakeholders – be it in electronic dance music, digital trends, entering the live music scene or learning how to generate new income streams,” explains Chairperson Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse. The diversity of topics is truly inclusive and global, delivered by influential thought leaders.

Another Industry first will be a speed networking session where every delegate will have the opportunity to share 5 minutes with their top 10 and get connected to the single most powerful entertainment assembly yet.

Music Exchange extends itself even further by hosting quarterly workshops and Master Classes throughout the year explains Founder of Music Exchange Martin Myers. What does the future hold for the entertainment industry? Find out by booking for this vital window on the local and global entertainment economy, at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets nationwide.

Visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 915 8000. Tickets cost R220 for a single day’s access to Music Exchange 2014, or R400 for the full two-day event.

Music Exchange 2014 Commercial link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t11Ng2IYIuM&feature=player_profilepage

For more information contact: Martin Myers

E-mail: info@musicexchange.co.za

Mobile: +27 083 448 4475

GET ON TRACK – UPDATE YOUR DETAILS!

The SAMRO family is over 12 000 strong and we need to be sure we stay in touch with all of you. So, as we gear up to take on 2014, we’d like to know what’s new with you and to remind you to update your SAMRO details if anything has changed.

SAMRO’s Executive General Manager for Rights Holder Services, is Pfanani Lishiva. He says it is critical that members keep us updated with their latest contact details in order to avoid complications with communication and distributions. This includes any new contact numbers, address and banking details.

Pfanani: “Members need to update their details to enable SAMRO to consistantly communicate with them and pay royalties into correct accounts. It is also important for members to notify SAMRO of all their compositions in order for SAMRO to link active compositions to their names and be paid.” Members are able to update their details in a number of ways. You can call our customer services centre on 0800 247 247 (toll-free from Telkom landlines and for 8ta subscribers). You can email us on 24-7@samro.org.za, or you can utilise the web portal, which offers a number of features for SAMRO members.

To access the portal, visit www.samro.org.za and click “portal login”. You will need to register on the portal if it is your first visit. Once logged in, the portal will allow you to update your SAMRO profile and access other account features. Check out this powerful tool at your disposal.

Lishiva goes on to explain that SAMRO is moving toward more member interaction in 2014, with the opening of a number of contact centres around the country.

MEMBER PROFILE: MUSICIAN ON THE MOVE – SHAI CALEB HIRCSHSON

Around the world there are many South Africans flying the flag, introducing our homegrown SA tunes to foreign shores. Shai Hirchson is one such musician. A SAMRO member since 2008, he has co-written, arranged and mixed various tracks for local SA artists as well as overseas acts. Producing 2 albums and numerous singles. Recently, Shai made his way north, attracted by the cauldron of the European music industry.

The young composer is currently living and working in Germany, composing music for TV and commercials in a post production house. His European travels have brought him into contact with some of music’s biggest names and led him to explore new musical avenues outside of his indie rock roots.

He comments, “When I first moved here, I quickly realised that the level is far more competitive. Guys are dropping tracks faster and better all the time. You either sink, or you learn to swim. It’s pushed me to learn fast and grow up quick. I spent weeks watching Berlin bands and scoping out the scene here. I’ve had to tap into that way of thinking to move my music towards a more international sound. Working commercially, it’s difficult to incorporate my African roots into every composition, but I try to find opportunities to do so.”

Shai says his move to Europe was made easier with the help of SAMRO, who facilitated his smooth transition to become a dual member of SAMRO and GEMA – the German rights authority.

For a relatively young composer, Shai has a number of accomplishments already under his belt. Producing, arranging, mixing an album for SA indie band ‘The Plastics’ entitled ‘Pyramid’. Composing the song “Slam it Hard” for GM’s new Opel commercial featuring the famous Borussia Dortmund Football Team. The song has been a hit with fans and has become quite well known across Europe. He was also recently appointed as music director for the Art Director’s Club Award Show. Composing a 1.5 hour score for the show, which was a unique new challenge.

Shai says one of his most memorable experiences in Europe was the opportunity to work with legendary music producer Engineer Eddie Kramer. Who has produced albums for titanic names such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles. Shai was personally invited to work with Eddie in the south of France, to produce a record. The opportunity to tap into the mind of such a guru was a real honour. Shai simply says, “The amount of knowledge the man has is unexplainable.”

Asked about his views on rights management and the role of SAMRO, Shai says its important to acknowledge the contribution of everyone in the process.

“Copyright law is slightly lob-sided towards the chord/lyricist composer,” says Shai, “but often hits come as a result of a single guitar hook or riff that is added later on. When this happens, it’s important that credit is given where it’s due. Otherwise, it can end in heartache.”

GLOBAL TRENDS IN 2014: TURNAROUNDS, TECHNOLOGIES AND TRANSFORMATIONS

The last 5 years have been tough for the music business. The industry has slowly regained its feet after the 2008 recession struck a devastating blow, wiping out almost 40% of sales and profits worldwide. The good news is that globally, the industry appears to have turned the corner. Experts are predicting that 2014 will be a blockbuster year, with Price Waterhouse Cooper’s (PWC) forecasting 5% growth in music sales in the U.S by 2016. The signs are good that we are emerging into a new and prosperous cycle of innovation and profitability. It seems the music business is back to its best, although things will never quite be the same.

According to PWC, this year will also mark the first time digital distribution revenue will overtake physical distribution in U.S. music sales. In particular, digital downloads of singles are growing at an increased rate. Consumers are buying singles because they are cheaper and easier to obtain. That trend will continue to grow throughout 2014. The rate at which singles are purchased is hugely encouraging, and indicates that the appetite for good music is as strong as ever. But it also means more competition.

At least in the mainstream context, it means singles need to perform extremely well and appeal to a very broad audience. The mass market’s attention span is constantly diminishing in the face of an ever-increasing number of artists and singles releasing daily. The need for pop artists to make music that grabs attention has never been greater.

The increase in digital sales is also particularly interesting in the African context. While Internet penetration remains lower than in developed nations, Africa’s internet growth has outpaced the rest of the world in the last 10 years. The continent is experiencing an average growth rate of 2000% thanks to widespread investment in ICT infrastructure and lowering data prices. With digital sales and internet usage both trending positively, the African picture looks pretty good from where we’re standing.

Social Media will naturally feature massively in the global music industry in 2014. Musicians are the loudest voice in the social space. According to RIAA, 7 out of ten of the most followed on Twitter are musicians. 9 out of 10 of the most watched Youtube videos of all time are music videos.

From this, it’s easy to see that the ability to garner attention from a plugged-in audience is now the best kind of promotional tool musician’s have at their disposal. You only need to look at masters of the art such as Lady Gaga, or ever-twerking tweet-grabbers like Mylie Cyrus to realise that social sells. Musicians who wish to succeed should learn to capitalise on this opportunity to reach fans this year.

Perhaps as a result of this, the rise of the “indie” label looks to gather speed in the near future. New technology and new distribution platforms are making it easier for musicians to self-publish. Social media has made it possible to reach fans and build audiences and many are taking advantage that opportunity.

While the New Year will bring both opportunity and challenges, the global outlook for 2014 remains the most positive it has been in years. The industry continues to contort itself into new shapes as it responds to the shifting times, but this is a good thing. If the last 5 years have taught us anything it is that there is no doubt that the music industry will continue to thrive. Those who embrace change, will do the same in 2014.

ENTRIES OPEN FOR THE 2014 WAWELA MUSIC AWARDS

The Wawela Music Awards have returned for a second instalment in 2014; music composers, authors, lyricists and publishers across the country are invited to submit their entries for this year’s awards.

Proudly brought to you by the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO), and open exclusively to its members, the Wawela Music Awards celebrate the onstage and behind the scenes talent our country has to offer.

“The Wawela Music Awards recognise SAMRO members who have lit up local and international stages, screens and airwaves with their incredible talent. It is their way of saying thank you to creative trailblazers who’ve gone beyond the norm to produce memorable work,” explained Sipho Dlamini, CEO of SAMRO.

As the only awards ceremony paying homage to our country’s unsung heroes – the composers, songwriters, lyricists and publishers of music-, recognising their diverse musical talent, there is no doubt that the Wawela Music Awards will soon entrench themselves in the industry, becoming a highlight in our country’s entertainment calendar.

Entries open from 20 February 2014 to 20 April 2014.

Works that were active between 01 January 2012 and 31 December 2012 are eligible for entry. Musical magic makers in the following three categories will be awarded;

1. Standard Awards – Open for submission by SAMRO members ONLY.

Best Soundtrack in a Feature Film or Theatric Documentary
Best Song or Composition in a Television Production
Best Song or Composition in a Television Commercial
Best Song or Composition in a Radio Commercial
Best Creative Album of the Year
Publisher of the Year
Songwriter of the Year
Best South African Duo/Group
Best Female Artist & Composer/Co-composer
Best Male Artist & Composer/Co-composer

2. Special Awards – Not open for entry, winners will be nominated and selected by a panel of judges.

Lifetime Achievement Award
Breaking Through the Borders Award
Prolific Catalogue of Works Award
Prolific Publishers Achievement Award

3. Statistical Award The award based on statistical information from SAMRO

•SAMRO Award for Broadcast and Live Performances

Wawela Music Awards will only accept online entries, submissions can be made on www.wawelamusicawards.co.za. For more information regarding the awards, please visit www.wawelamusicawards.co.za. Queries can also be directed to info@wawela.co.za, or on 011 712 8505.

SAMRO’S FORECAST: PLAYING TO WIN IN 2014

SAMRO has big plans for 2014. Strategically and operationally, this is a member-focused year. Everyone at SAMRO is looking forward to taking service up a gear, while setting the stage for the success of itsr stakeholders. That’s you!

HARMONISING OUR MEMBER INTERACTIONS.

As an organisation with more than 12 000 members, we need to make sure we’re all singing off the same hymn sheet. As always, we’ll keep you in the loop through our newsletters, magazines, workshops and online spaces. Moreover, the big news this year is that we will be piloting a member interaction project. We’re super-excited about this programme, which we hope will bring SAMRO closer to members.

We will be sharing the outcomes and feedback of these meetings with members throughout the year and our objective is to ensure that members start seeing how much we value their input, ideas and contributions. This year we also look forward to the launch of our contact centres in the Eastern Cape as we continue to support our contact centre at The Bat Centre in Durban.

We’ll also be reaching out to members on social networks to build a strong community. Stimulating discussion and sharing ideas that will add value to the business we all love.

KEEPING PACE WITH TECHNOLOGY.

Improving the customer experience is a big focal point for SAMRO in 2014. Last year SAMRO invested in upgrading its entire IT infrastructure, placing it on a world-class technology footing in order to deliver faster, more efficient service tor members 2014 will be about making sure that those systems are utilised to their fullest potential. We will place emphasis on using this technology to streamline our processes and become more efficient. Doing things faster and better.

SETTING THE STAGE FOR SUCCESS

As an industry, we are entering a new phase of growth and transformation. 2014 will set the stage for new success in the coming years. SAMRO is looking forward to building stronger relationships with its members and a stronger community of musical talent that will lead to more collaboration and shared success. Let’s kick-start the conversation! Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube. Email us and visit us at our offices. This year will be about taking the customer experience where it needs to be. One-on-one relationships are the name of the game!

Roll on 2014!

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