By Tony B. (212.56.114.168) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 08:21 am:

More details here or here

Does this mean there won't be Motown re-issues on Universal for much longer?

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 09:07 am:

Don't worry - it's only the publishing (the Jobete songs) that the deal covers. Motown's recordings are still under UMG's control :o)

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 11:31 am:

OK, so where does the reported possible sale of Universal Vivendi (or at least it's recording division) to Apple--the computer folks--fit into this whole mess?

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 11:57 am:

According to several market analysts - nowhere, as they seriously doubt that the deal would actually be a profitable one for Apple, and therefore isn't likely to happen.

By Vickie (205.188.209.38) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 12:38 pm:

Does this mean music can be used in a movie easier..

just curious, no particular reason..

just wonderin'

Vickie

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 01:11 pm:

Vickie - that's an interesting point. I'm no expert on US publishing, but it makes me wonder - as EMI now hold the controlling interest in Jobete - does this mean that BG's forfeited his right to limit (or even veto) any proposed use of the songs?

By Fred (152.163.188.68) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 11:41 pm:

According to published reports, Gordy retains 20% ownership with a couple options to sell the remainder over the next two years. As the press releases say encouraging things about Gordy's continued "involvement," I am sure he retains some veto power.

Even so, I think this will be a good deal. EMI knows how to work a catalog.

By BankHouseDave (195.93.50.9) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 05:36 am:

The sixty million quid BG got on the present deal should pay his green fees for a while. It would be the end of an era if he backed away completely from the catalogue.

By Tony B. (212.56.114.168) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 01:03 pm:

So for what exactly does EMI receive money? New cover versions of Motown songs, or re-issues of the originals, or both, or none of the above?

By Fred (152.163.188.68) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 01:46 pm:

EMI as publisher earns money on any use of the compositions in the catalog; new recordings, re-releases, tv and movie synch licenses, commercials, cellphone ring tone licenses, the whole shooting match. If a high school band plays a Jobete song at half time somewhere, EMI gets paid.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 09:09 pm:

Maybe now, EMI will release the still vaulted Motown goodies.

By Kegtapper (65.56.112.36) on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 09:27 pm:

Thanks guys I got some info I needed. Anybody got an idea what a royalty payment would be? Of a Jobete title? (example) 30cents/85cents any clue? Wondering how K-Tel and Rhino are doing it.

I am doing something and will be needing that type of info. Also if anybody can refer me to a good entertainment attorney. re:rights and use of those songs.
[MAIL Me if possible]

EC Mayo

By Fred (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:32 am:

If the composition has been previously recorded, you can license it through the Harry Fox Agency (and they have a website which makes it easy if you have a credit card). The statutory rate is currently eight cents per copy for a song of five minutes or less. Minimum of 500 copies.

The licenses are compulsory, meaning if you have the cash, you get the license, and that's how K-Tel and Rhino do it. The way things are going at EMI there days, I doubt they are giving too many breaks on the fees unless you can pretty much guarantee sales of a couple million units.

By Fred (152.163.188.68) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:33 am:

"...." said "Maybe now, EMI will release the still vaulted Motown goodies."

EMI didn't buy the masters, which remain with UMG. They just bought the a chunk of the publishing.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 05:24 am:

Thanks Fred.
Does this mean the merger doesn't really benefit Motown fans?

By Ritchie (62.254.0.9) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 07:05 am:

Not unless they're also media moguls with shares in EMI Music ;o)

By Fred (205.188.209.38) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 01:05 pm:

Ritchie has it right. EMI stock went up on the announcement of the purchase, although it could hardly go down much without disappearing completely.

The only benefit to Motown fans from the sale is strictly speculative in that EMI stands to make more money if they market the catalog aggressively. If they are successful, we are more likely to hear the songs (but not necessarily the original recordings) in movie and TV soundtracks, commericals and dentist offices.

By Come onand see me (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:08 pm:

Fred..that IS very good news

very good news indeed

By Come onand see me (64.236.243.31) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 02:11 pm:

Fred..that IS very good news

very good news indeed