I researched the way pop music is regulated in the UK. This gave me an insight into the effectiveness of regulatory practices and the impact they have on the circulation of music in the UK mass market. It's important I know how popular music is regulated in the UK so I know how my star persona will fit into this.
There are many platforms where music can be distributed on, CDs, streaming services, radio, films, YouTube, therefore, it is important artist's copyright their work so it doesn't get unfairly exploited and so that they can actually make money from it.
The Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988 allows artists to be able to own the rights to their work up to 70 years after death. However, an artist can't automatically copyright their music as soon as they write and put together a song. Independent companies also known as collection societies are responsible for licensing and regulation laws such as:
-PRS (Performing Rights Society):
PRS is a collection society for songwriters in the UK. They are responsible for collecting royalties generated by copyrighted music. Your song generates royalties from public performances. PRS distributes these royalties to you but will have to sign up with PRS and register your songs for this to happen.
-MCPS (Mechanical Copyright Protection Society):
MCPS, Mechanical Copyright Protection Society, also pays royalties to writers but is responsible for royalties from mechanical licenses. You will receive royalties if your song has been licensed for a recording and if that recording is commercially released or broadcast. Joining PRS for Music includes both PRS and MCPS.
YOUTUBE COPYRIGHT:
It is not allowed to use even a second of a song that has been copyrighted without a license. On YouTube, where anyone can post videos to, it is common that YouTubers, famous or not, often use copyrighted tracks in their videos. This isn't fair since they are making money off something that isn't their work, even if they're using it for a backing track. There was a scandal a few years ago where a famous YouTube influencer was charged with a staggering bill for copyright infringement.
However, through YouTube's Content ID system, they are now able to see if someone has used copyrighted music. YouTube’s Content ID automatically scans videos for copyrighted material by comparing the video and audio to files registered by rights holders.
BROADCASTING:
In the UK, Ofcom is the independent regulatory body in charge of regulating TV, Radio, and digital on-demand media. Part of their mission statement states "Our duties come from Parliament. Our priority is to look after you."
BBFC:
YouTube and Vevo work with the BBFC to age regulate music videos and artists who are signed to Sony Music UK. The certificates they apply are 12, 15 and 18 based on the content shown in the music video. As my music video will apply to a target audience of 16-25, it must fit the 15 demographic to make sure it's fully appropriate for everyone in my target audience. Glorification of drug use, dangerous behaviour, sexual behaviour/nudity, bad language and threatening behaviour and violence are all treated as inappropriate for under 15s by the BBFC.
Banned Videos:
When violating these rules, many videos can get banned from YouTube. The UK Drill music scene has faced many battles with its content being removed off YouTube. UK Drill music, a sub-genre of road rap originating from Brixton, South London is heavily made up of its artists rapping about gang culture and crime. Although some argue that these rappers are simply showcasing the struggles they've had to face, some argue that the videos promote and glorify gang culture.
In 2018, a drill duo AM x Skendo got their video banned from YouTube and got sentenced to 9 months in jail:
In May 2018, YouTube removed more than half of the music videos that people had asked the platform to delete.
PARENTAL ADVISORY
The Parental Advisory label is a warning label introduced by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1985 and adopted by the British Phonographic Industry in 2011. It is placed on audio recordings in recognition of profanity or inappropriate references, with the intention of alerting parents of material potentially unsuitable for children.
INFLUENCE ON FUTURE PLANS:
As the brief states, my artist is signed to Sony music. Therefore, them owning my song, will mean they would want me to promote it and sell it as much as possible. On my website, I have added many links to stream and purchase my song. This will allow me to gain my royalties through my collection society.
I will make sure there is no explicit content in my music video. This will make sure that my video is appropriate for my target audience and appeals to my mass-market target audience, having as wide a reach as possible.
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