ISP goes head to head with major record labels

Ireland's ISP giant UPC is up against the titans of the entertainment world. EMI, Sony, Universal, Warner and WEA are seeking to have websites blocked that allow the illegal download of music.

The labels claim that this act infringes on copyright and is in contraband of Irish and European legislation.

It has been reported by the Irish independent that Similar proceedings were brought previously by the companies against Eircom, which settled on terms including the companies providing Eircom with the IP addresses of all persons detected as illegal file-sharing copyrighted works.

Eircom also agreed to operate a “three strikes and you’re out” policy against subscribers who ignored warnings to cease infringements.

Under that system, subscribers get three warnings they have been found sharing music owned by members of the Irish Recorded Music Association (IRMA). If they are caught a fourth time, their broadband connection will be cut off for a year.

The record companies have also initiated proceedings against O2 and 3 Ireland aimed at securing their agreement to implement a similar system to that agreed with Eircom.

US announce strategy to combat copyright infringement

This is the first step for the Obama administration to protect intellectual property and the creative industry.

The plan involves trying to crack down on websites as well as suspect software that permits the illegal consumption of copyrighted material.

The new initiative was developed by a several U.S. government agencies, including the departments of Justice, State, Commerce, Agriculture, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services in conjunction with the White House and the U.S. Trade Representative's office, the AFP reported.

But when it comes to music downloads, statistics show that those who contribute the most to the industry tend to be the greatest of downloaders so perhaps like the digital economy act, Government although having the best intentions are maybe building a rod for the industry's back?

If you really want to crack down on piracy, marketing strategies need to be further developed whilst upholding existing laws, and, make it more appealing for the consumer to pay for content.

Surely its a case of either adapt of die?

A new initiative by fairsharemusic is a great way to encourage people to 'make the purchase' and feel good in the process because they are donating to a charitable cause.

FlyLo

I NEED this!!!

Pantha Du Prince - Black Noise (Rough Trade)

Black Noise seamlessly blends organic synthesized sounds with subtle acoustics whilst exploring the realms of shoegaze and contemporary guitar work.

This third instalment by German producer Hendrik Weber (Pantha Du Prince) maintains a lustrous string of clicks, sticks and beats forever evolving into an orgasmic amalgamation of techno and minimal house.

Unlike his the previous album The Bliss, this latest record is far less channelled, allowing for greater variance, making it more tolerable as an album. There is a strong presence of highly emotionally charged ambience in Im Bann, but A Nomads Retreat is considerably more club friendly.

Black Noise does not flow in the conventional sense; it offers irregularity, where tracks divert and blossom with great vividness and dexterity, occasionally running in juxtaposition to the original idea.

Attracting listeners from a wider spectrum are contributions from Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennonx) and Tyler Pope of LCD Soundsystem. They add to the integrity of Hendrik’s work, and place high value on his own abilities as artist.

Pantha Du Prince is at the forefront of modern techno, with a break from his former style and signing to Rough Trade, he has created more anticipation upon the release of Black Noise than he has ever done.

The Morning Benders - Big Echo (Rough Trade)

A pop record that brings summer that little bit closer.

With a humble yet home grown back catalogue to their name, The Morning Benders have delivered in Big Echo a consistently delightful explosion of pop gems.

With the aid of Chris Taylor’s production talents, you can expect a spattering of Grizzly Bear’s disjointed beat patterns, dynamics and enriching harmonies throughout. Though the merits also rest within the craft of melodic song writing. Coupled with these elements, many tracks are supplemented with an orchestrated backing track with the added texture of meandering soundscape.

Big Echo pays testimony to the greats of 60’s psychedelia, and certainly has the West-Coast feel. Rich looping samples are commonplace but contemporary synthesis is woven in for good measure. I can comfortably and with conviction say without cliché, that Excuses was born out of Sgt. Peppers. It has The Beatles written all over it.

Though despite the narratives being all too familiar, falling in love for the first time, having that first kiss or that first… The listener can feel compelled to have this album gracefully set the tone for those long summery days ahead.

Freelance Whales

Due out in April on Frenchkiss Records, this is a band to watch this year. The Freelance Whales compose truly blissful music with, five-part harmonies, all from the heart. The group, formed in Brooklyn, after only been playing together for about a year and a half, but they've already completed an astonishing album debut, called Weathervanes.

Panda Bear - Heaven

Pivotal member of Animal Collective, and one man band Panda Bear aka Noah Lennox became adored by the critics upon the release of his 2007 album Person Pitch. Last year A/C continued their success with the release of their astonishing Merriweather Post Pavilion LP. In a high demand for collaborations, Deerhunter's byline Atlas Sound saw Noah feature on one of my favourite tracks (Walkabout) on the album Logos.

London's Heaven was Panda's only UK show, as part of a short european tour. On the bill saw a rich mix of psychedelia and beats such as the likes of Kurt Vile and Kode9. That latter of the two i'd expect to see at a Brainfeeder night rather than an evening of psych. I didn't feel it set the tone for Panda who as succeeding.

Panda announced his apologies when dedicating time to tuning up. Donning an electric guitar and standing behind a whole host of electronic goodies, Panda leapt into an explosive drown of acid trip psych, a set dominated by new tracks.

There were moments I enjoyed the new material, but they were short lived, there was rarely a melody his voice wasn't sharp or flat. I'm not sure if it was familiarity but the only track I loved was "Comfy in Nautica," which reminded me of the sheer brilliance he is capable of, serenading the audience with a voice similar to Brian Wilson.

On the whole, it was not the best advert his new record. But no doubt, like a duck to water i'll rush to the record store and buy the new LP on the day of release and love it!

The Digital Economy Bill heads for the House of Commons

Having been signed by members in the House or Lords, The Digital Economy Bill has now been sent to the House of Commons for its first reading.

Largely supported by the Government, the integrity of the Lib Dems section 120A still remains in tact, where the proposed amendment to clause 17 which aimed at "further proofing" the Bill attacking non-peer to peer piracy.

Additional proposals saw by the Lib Dems, included courts deciding on who should cough up in legal proceedings, as apposed to internet service providers automatically being requested to do so. And also site owners to be informed when an injunction was to be implemented or applied for. Though at this moment members were unable to cast a vote.

Lib Dems think that 120A is an improvement on clause 17 but are disappointed that further further measures to tighten up the amendment were not able to be pushed through.

BPI CEO Geoff Taylor said: “It is vital for the future of the UK's creative sector that the Digital Economy Bill is adopted. We are pleased that it has passed through detailed scrutiny in the Lords and will continue to work closely with all parties as it progresses.”

The Lib Dems were also unsuccessful in getting their Live Music Bill debated on Friday, but the spokeswoman adds it is not the end for that with the Bill’s sponsor Lord Clement-Jones committed to re-introducing the Bill in the next parliament if it is unable to get more debating time in April.

Wild Beasts

Live Review - 60 Million Postcards Bournemouth

Leeds band Wild Beasts graced Bournemouth’s stage last night with a glorious self-defining showcase of sonic eccentricity.

Hotly tipped by critics for their album Two Dancers, it was no wonder the show was a sell-out. I managed to catch up with Benny [guitar] and Tom [bass & tenor] sharing their thoughts on touring, new material, merch, favourite artists and the demise of BBC 6 Music:

Wild Beasts Interview Part1 by Rupert Hellings

Wild Beasts Interview Part2 by Rupert Hellings

The playful wordplay, captivating the sexuality of human nature in many of the lyrics adds to their charm. Coupled with the haunting guitar work form Benny and the spider-like patterns of percussion from Bert left the audience immersed in the music, leaving a prolonged sense still dancing in their ears.

The band were able to relay live (with great conviction) what has been recorded in the studio, reinforcing the talent within the group. A strikingly prominent feature of the band is [front man] Hayden’s howling falsetto voice. Provoking a sense of 19th century duke revelling in romanticism, it is soon brought down to earth, and complimented by the harmonics of the other band members. Wild Beasts are iconically British.

Present at the show was wildlife photographer and presenter Chris Packham (who in despair, managed to buy a spare ticket from a fan) commented: “I think they are fantastic, absolutely fantastic, and not cos of the name, [laughs]. Amazing at the beginning, levelled out, and picked up at the end.”

Gold Panda

A Panda Worth His Weight In Gold

Sixty Million Postcards – Bournemouth

Gold Panda is a 28-year-old gent from London’s east end who best describes his music as “middle of the road bedroom electronica.”

But his modesty is fooling no one. His music is far removed from the roadside and blended seamlessly into the ears of fans and record companies. His name is Derwin, “it’s not as good as Darwin,” he laughs.

Derwin’s technical proficiency delights the listener with a voluptuous meandering journey that scours the globe for an explosion of enchantment. This is never more enjoyable than on Quitters Raga. His ability to grace the keys of a sampler, creating lustrous pockets of sticks, clicks and beats. It’s an achievement for an artist like Gold Panda that has only published two singles and an EP.

I arrive at the venue at 19:00 expecting to see the bands sound checking. I discover to my dismay Gold Panda is absent and find out from the promoters some of the artists have pulled out of the bill due to swine flu. I was later informed Derwin was simply running late. Three hours pass and still no sign, until finally he appears donning a dark green overcoat, oxblood drainpipe jeans, check shirt over a white t-shirt and a rucksack containing instruments for the show. All the apparel ingredients that characterise a rising independent musician were present, right down to his stubbly beard.

We find a table typical of most music venues stricken by darkness, but at least the floor and table are not tainted with grease and stale alcohol. The ceiling and walls are graced with cute illustrations and posters advertising future events. I take a pew with Gold Panda and the interview commences.

Rupert: When did you first discover your talent for music?

Gold Panda: “I don’t think I have really, I just do it, I don’t think I have a talent, it’s really hard to judge yourself that way.”

How long did it take to get to where you are now?

“About six months, since summer. I really want to do more lives gigs but don’t have much confidence at the moment as it’s a load of tracks I’ve made in my bedroom and y’know the gigs came along and thought yeah I’ll do it. Its not really a live set at the moment, I’d like to get more into that an get a bit more confident with what I’ve got to play and then really tour it. At the moment it’s just a collection of tracks that are thrown together with some equipment.”

Who would you like to work with in the future?

“Maybe Andy [Derwin’s friend sat opposite] but I dunno if he likes my music, and maybe a vocalist, I wouldn’t mind working with a Japanese rapper or something. That would be pretty good as my other passion is Japanese, I’ve studied it.”

Andy Jenkinson is a musician better known as Cheephax Acid Crew and is the brother of Squarepusher Tom Jenkinson. “I’ve known Derwin for years, it’s a funny story, we met in Japan and found that we were both from Chelmsford, my dad even used to go into his dad’s antique shop.”

G.P: “I Grew up in Peckham in south London then I moved to Chelmsford in Essex and went to school in Chelmer Valley [he screams like a football fan] which I hate basically, I don’t ever want to remember it. It brings up painful memories, I wanted to be Tupac basically for my entire time there, dressed like an idiot and was really into rap. I went a bit Puff Daddy at one stage as well but I kind of clawed back some dignity and got more into independent. So Peckham, Chelmsford and now back in east London and now I’ll probably go somewhere else like Brighton maybe. I could live anywhere now I’ve just split up with my girlfriend so I might as well go off any be lonely somewhere.” Do you have another lady in the pipeline of is it too soon? “No I hate them all now, its over” [he laughs]

Who has supported you the most along your career path?

“Probably my manager in a weird way, who sort of helped me from really early on from about a year ago they heard some tracks and really told me I should do it, then a mate called Phil Wells from a techno group called Subhead which was on a German Techno label called Tresor, but he passed away and always said I should do it but I never tried until he asked. So when he passed away I thought yeah give it a go as he always pushed me.”

Have you received much family support?

“Yeah definitely and other people who are making music, mates, family and grandmother, but they are just happy I’m doing a hobby and getting paid.”

Derwin has had previous jobs in the past, but when Wichita Records found his work on MySpace and offered him £500 to remix Bloc Party’s “Letter to my son” he quit his job in a sex shop. He has done additional remixes for Little Boots, Telepathe and Simian Mobile Disco. “I hate all of them apart from maybe the Telepathe one,” laughs Derwin.

What got you into music?

“A way of being creative and having fun, and I guess a way to pass time, I borrowed a sampler off an uncle who always told me not to do music it’s a waste of time, and that was it.”

Who are your influences and who inspires you?

People who I hang out with, but you always hear stuff and think I’d love to make a track like that, but you have your own limits or ways of making it. So it never comes out.

When you say, “I’d love to make a track like that” do you have anyone in mind?

“Not really but I’ve listened to a lot of German, minimal, techno recently and thought that’s pretty good. It would be a stupid if I was making it all the same.”

What are your favourite records this year?

“Probably ones that were released ages ago. I bought a record in Germany by an artist called Oval, and SND, Atavism I think it’s called. It’s pretty good.”

What are the key elements that define your music?

“I sample a lot of records and I’ll change all the pitches, melodies or whatever, I guess Quitters Raga is a bit different as in the sampling is a bit more obvious.” There are some world influences there “I really love those sounds.”

What are you goals in the coming year?

“Just carry on doing what I’m doing and make some more money. So I can buy more equipment so I can make more tunes.”

What’s been your favourite Show?

“The Roundhouse with Simian Mobile Disco because it was just a different world, I don’t know if it was my favourite performance wise or crowd wise but it was definitely a really crazy experience.”

Animal Collective - New Release December 8th

Animal Collective, one of the most celebrated bands of this decade have been speculated to release a new album 'Fall Be Kind' on the 8th of December.

AC's records sound like nothing else on the planet.

There is even a sub genre in music named 'post-Animal Collective,' to categorize other artists blatant attempts to sound like AC. This gives a clear view on how important Animal Collective are to modern music.

Re-issues of the back catalogue have also gone to press, including special DMM editions of Sung Tongs, Feels, Spirit They've Gone & Dance Manetee (Fat Cat Records)

Strawberry Jam & Merriwether Post Pavillion (Domino)

The 2003 album Campfire Songs is also set to be with us again via the bands own record label .

Pavement Curator of ATP - May 2010

I feel I have caught religion, I usually end up at an ATP once every 2 years through lack of funds after buying a Glastonbury ticket. This year I missed the boat for 'Glasto' despite it's 40th anniversary and Evis promising a great bill. Now I've found that one of my favorite bands of all time are creating ATP. Is this fate, destiny? there is a God? we shall find out on friday.

I really don't, (to put it lightly) care about Glasto 2010, I'd back the fact its going to rain, you can't really wash. Every year the good old hippies with their dog on string lifestyle dwindle away and are replaced by "the kids". I can't slate Glasto too much it's a great festival, I've gone for the past 6 years that its been on and have always had a great time and think everyone should go at least once in their lifetime.

At first I didn't want to publish this post until I have a ticket, but then I thought; This blog is so insignificant in the wider context of music news that it would have no bearing whatsoever on ticket sales. So if I don't manage to get a ticket, I would like to think that it's because some diehard Pavement fan has got there before me. However this doesn't include the Twee, Hypster clan who would go to ATP and slate Pavement.... why go to the festival in the first place, when you can stay at home knitting or discussing taxidermy!

So if your a music fan, missed Glasto and want something different: ATP is held at Butlins Minehead, so you will stay in a chalet, be able to have a nice shower in the mornings, use most of the facilities. Basically its like a Butlins holiday that happens to also be a music festival or vice-versa.

(Click Here to find more on the event and tickets)

Dust Storm - Amazing Photos 23rd September

More Images Click Here

Dent May - The Sound Of My Summer

I'm frantically trying to clasp onto as much sunshine as possible, before the prevailing winter blues are set in. So my reminder of Summer is Dent May's "The Good Feeling of Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele".

OK so you've seen the Ukulele, but don't think George Formby or Israel Kamakawiwo. In fact remove this preconception from your mind altogether and flush it! Dent May's style has a distinctive 60's feel, which doesn't stop with the music. His physical appearance and video for "Howard" scream the vintage years.

Any given song off this album does tend to sound very much like the next, and the structure relies heavily on three chord tricks; but underneath this simplicity lies immense charm. The album is certainly a grower, you find you can't help yourself "shoebedoing" along to May's own brand of what he calls "healing, easy listening pop".

With reference to the music alone, the album is remains perky and uplifting throughout. Though the lyrics to tracks such as "College Town boy" have a cynical poignancy as if Morresey himself wrote them. So in that respect, like The Smiths albums the message is really bitter sweet.

If you had to make a comparison to any other band then think Beach Boys with a smallest hint of Jens Lekman, which incidentally seems a trend to another member of the Paw Tracks clan Panda Bear, who in the past has had a comparable element to the Beach Boys.

Contenders For Album of the Year

Ok, I've drawn up a list of essential must have records this year. So far we have:

1. Animal Collective (Domino Records) - Merriweather Post Pavilion

2. Grizzly Bear (Warp Records) - Veckatimest

3. Sleeping States (Bella Union) - In The Gardens of the North

4. Dirty Projectors (Domino Records) - Bitte Orca

5. Bibio (Warp Records) - Ambivalence Avenue

Pavement Reform and New York Date Confirmed

After years of speculation it has finally been confirmed that Pavement, one of the most important bands to indie music are to reform for a tour in 2010.

The lineup will consist of; Mark Ibold, Scott "Spiral Stairs" Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West. No doubt many diehard Pavement fans will snap up the opportunity to grab a ticket for the 1st New York show. More information on tickets here.

A further compilation release is also set to coincide with the 2010 tour.

Recommended Pavement albums:

Two New Additions to the Collection

Today I went for a record shop in my local town after being back from a three month internship at One Little Indian records. I found to my delight first pressings of both Leonard Cohen's Songs of Love and Hate and Songs from a New Room. I also found tones of other stuff I really liked but my pockets weren't simply deep enough to purchase the goods.

After three months of living in London I had little success of finding any record store that could offer me decent vinyl that wasn't new. Pure Groove and the Rough Trade stores are great for new stuff, Sister Ray I never found anything I wanted, and the vinyl exchanges simply consisted of overpriced tat (with gradings fair to VG.)

There has to be a lot of great records bouncing around London but I simply couldn't find them.

Consequently, it leaves me to say that I would love to hear from anyone who can provide me with an insight into decent vintage record stores in London.

Beatles Box Sets & Rockband 09.09.09

There has been considerable hype over this collection in the press, and with a series of programs on BBC 2 over the weekend (and I believe also this week) it will most certainly reignite a global love for The Beatles. I have heard that Amazon have already sold out of box sets prior to it's release on Wednesday.

Mono and Stereo Box Sets

Completely remastered and repackaged into two very appealing (and environmentally friendly) box sets. It's going to be the best The Beatles have ever sounded! As a collector I've been drawn towards the Mono set as once these are gone thats it, they are strictly limited edition. However I am still put off by Yellow Submarine not being included in this set as it was originally released in both mono and stereo. So theoretically I don't see why it has been omitted.

As for the stereo box, no doubt this will sound amazing but I have my reservations. As stereo was relatively new in the early 60's, the panning tended to be extreme, i.e. the vocals would either be panned far left or far right not both. You can clearly hear this in the unflattering 1988 Beatles CD box.

Technology at the time had its limitations which had reflected in the mastering.

In the mid 60's everything changed with the introduction of multitrack recording. Sgt Pepper was the first to be mastered on 8-track, prior to this 4-tracks were used. A Hard Days Night, Beatles For Sale, Help, Rubber Soul and Revolver were all 4-track. Anything before 1964 a 2-track would have been used i.e. Please Please Me & With the Beatles, and would have been recorded live. You will be able to notice both this technological progression and hear The Beatles creativity blossom in the new box sets.

See trailer for The Beatles Rockband below:

Bob Dylan Voice For Sat Nav Systems

A bid from rival car manufacturers has been put forward to have Dylan's voice used as a navigation tool in their GPS systems.

So you could soon be cruising down Highway 61 or taking the 3rd exit of any given roundabout to the sound of Bob.

A novelty for any Dylan fan (myself included). However, under the numerous amphibians lurking around his tonsils I fear I may soon be heading for along B2166 toward Bognor Regis than my destination of choice.

Apple OSX Snow Leopard Out Friday 28th

I will be sure to grab this. For the price tag of £25.00 (upgrade) I think its worth the 'punt'.

for spec click: here