Music Week: It’s fraught In The City tonight….Dooley’s Diary
October 29, 2009
Music Week – Dooley’s Diary
……The Duty Of Care Panel, for example, witnessed an epic clash between Colin Lester and, well, everyone else over the question of artist care. While panellists such as Squeeze’s Chris Difford argued passionately for the creation of a music industry fund to help artists afford rehab, Lester was having none of it. “Artists look at me to secure their career comercially. I am not a nanny,” he blasted, adding later. ” I don’t give a shit about being fired. I have a contract and a good lawyer.”
Colin Lester Appears on the ‘Duty of Care’ Panel at ITC
October 21, 2009
By Ben Cardew – Music Week
Columbia managing director Mike Smith told the In The City crowd yesterday that he believes the transition to digital sales has led to better music and better A&Ring.
Smith, who took part in a popular closing panel yesterday alongside Mark Ronson and author John Harris, was asked about his role in A&Ring Ronson’s Versions album after he moved to Columbia from EMI Publishing.
His reply touched on the importance of packing albums with hits, now that consumers can cherry pick single tracks.
“These days you have got to have three or four big songs on a record,” he said. “That is a change that is really forcing A&R men to be A&R men. You can’t just put out a song for your fanbase. That isn’t enough to have hit singles.”
Ronson them proclaimed himself to be a “fan of” the album, leading Harris to question whether they were saddened by the “inevitable slide” into a track-based model.
Smith replied, “I feel that music is potentially getting better because you have to make better albums. I am not convinced there will be a track-based market. I think musicians want to put out a body of work.”
Earlier in the day former Island md Marc Marot and former Island A&R David Gilmour locked horns with CLM’s Colin Lester over the possibility of creating a music industry fund to help out struggling musicians with addiction problems.
Gilmour and Marot argued in favour of a scheme – the likes of which already exists in the US – but Lester argued the move was akin to starting a charity. Lester said, “That is what you are talking about. I would be happy to pay for a charity. But if you are asking the industry to back it, I would rather the industry backs education about copyright.”
In The City Panel To Tackle Celebrity Crises
October 6, 2009
Music Week
The oft-ignored question of how to try and keep artists on the straight and narrow will form the basis for one of the panels at this year’s In The City conference.
With the circumstances around Michael Jackson’s death still front-page news some three months after the event and Amy Winehouse’s every move under tabloid scrutiny, the panel is set to be a cornerstone of the conference, which takes place in Manchester between October 18-20.
Panellists will include Island Records co-president Darcus Beese, who signed Winehouse to the label, Squeeze’s Chris Difford, who is now also a musical therapist, CLM Entertainment CEO Colin Lester and addiction specialist and director of Recover Now David Gilmour.
The panel will try to address how those working with artists fulfil a duty of care and ask why stardom becomes too much for some artists. Gilmour explains that he is keen to hear what other people on the panel have to say about an issue that is all too readily swept under the carpet.
“A lot of the time people bury their heads in the sand,” he says. “I am sure at the end of the day they [the music industry] always want what is best for their artists and for the artists to be in as good a health as possible. But the music industry has a reputation that it can consume people. If you are someone with an addictive personality you can find yourself in lots of trouble.”
Also announced today (Monday) is an author panel, in which celebrated music authors such as Kill Your Friends writer John Niven and Andrew Collins will tackle the question of how to write about rock and roll.
Craig David’s Manager Colin Lester Backs Three-Strikes.
October 2, 2009
CMU Daily – Friday 25th September
He was also took issue with the FAC’s claim that it didn’t want to see music fans “criminalised”, arguing that the current government proposals involving net suspension were not about criminalising fans at all, and that the artist body’s use of such words was deliberately emotive. Such was his disagreement with the FAC’s original statement, the artists he represents – most notably Craig David and Remi Nicole - resigned from the Coalition.
In his letter to Team Mandelson, he writes: “I and the artists I represent agree that this issue is the key challenge facing our industry and that the longer we dither about the rights and wrongs of taking punitive action against those who steal our livelihoods the worse the situation will get. Whilst the vast majority of those involved in music agree that illegal file-sharing is wrong there remains an ongoing debate as to how to tackle it”.
He continues: “The recent argument put forward by the Featured Artists’ Coalition that ‘the stick is now in danger of being way out of proportion to the carrot’ fails to recognise the fact that ‘carrot’ approach has failed miserably! There has also been a point of view advanced that illegal file-sharing is good for the marketing and promotion of music. There is some truth in that but the benefits of any positive promotion gained through illegal distribution are, in my opinion, far outweighed by the damage caused to the future income of the creators of and investors in that music. Let us not forget that artists and copyright owners still retain the right to give away their music if they choose to, but it should be remembered that is their right to give it away not the consumer’s right to steal it”.
He concludes: “The music consumer, as with any other citizen of this country, cannot simply choose which laws to obey and which to ignore. Without enforcement and punishment of those who break the law any legislation is pointless. We must advocate and support a zero tolerance policy against illegal file-sharing and to take a united stance against this issue before we don’t have an industry left to defend”.
I think its fair to say the management community is split on this issue, with many seeing both sides of the argument. While the Music Managers’ Forum didn’t formally back the Featured Artists Coalition’s original critical statement of the government’s proposals, some of its key members have been quietly supporting it. Others, like Lester, have no sympathy with music fans who continue to access music illegally. Whether the FAC’s attempts at a compromise last night will satisfy any differences of opinion in the management community I’m not sure.
Colin Lester Sends British Government His Views On File Sharing.
October 2, 2009
September 28th 2009
A&R World – Newsletter
MMF (Music Managers Forum) Roll of Honour recipient and BASCA Gold Badge winner Colin Lester, CEO of artist management company CLM Entertainment (whose clients include Craig David, Remi Nicole and others and who has previously guided the careers of Arctic Monkeys and Travis) has added his voice to the illegal file sharing debate with a letter to Britain’s Secretary State of Business, Innovation & Skills Peter Mandelson, offering his support for the recent proposals recommended by Lord Mandelson to tackle the problem.
In his letter to the Lord Mandelson Lester stated, “I am writing in support of your recent proposals to combat the illegal file sharing of music. I can no longer stand by in silence as we in the music industry prevaricate over the right course of action to take in order to protect our future. I am an artist manager and have represented many highly successful, multi-million selling artists throughout my career including the Arctic Monkeys, Travis and Craig David to name but a few.”
Lester added, “I and the artists I represent both agree that this issue isthe key challenge facing our industry and that the longer we dither about the rights and wrongs of taking punitive action against those who steal our livelihoods the worse the situation will get.
Whilst the vast majority of those involved in music agree that illegal file sharing is wrong there remains an ongoing debate as to how to tackle it. The recent argument put forward by the Featured Artists Coalition for example, in response to the Government’s recent report on illegal file sharing that, ‘the stick is now in danger of being way out of proportion to the carrot,’ fails to recognize the fact that ‘carrot’ approach has failed miserably!”
He continued, “There has also been a point of view advanced that illegal file sharing is good for the marketing and promotion of music. There is some truth in that but the benefits of any positive promotion gained through illegal distribution are, in my opinion, far outweighed by the damage caused to the future income of the creators of and investors in that music.
“Let us not forget that artists and copyright owners still retain the right to give away their music if they choose to, but it should be remembered that is their right to give it away, not the consumer’s right to steal it. The music consumer, as with any other citizen of this country, cannot simply choose which laws to obey and which to ignore. Without enforcement and punishment of those who break the law any legislation is pointless.”
He concluded, “It is vital therefore that the whole industry works together with government to resolve this issue, which continues to destroy the livelihoods of both record companies and artists alike. We must advocate and support a zero tolerance policy against illegal file sharing and take a united stance against this issue before we don’t have an industry left to defend.”
Colin Lester has also resigned from the Featured Artist Coalition (FAC) effective last week, as did all the artists he represents, over what he perceives as the “misguided” views of the organization over the issue.
Colin Lester Hits Out At The Featured Artists Coalition, Writes Billboard.
September 25, 2009
Artist Divisions Ahead Of Urgent P2P Talks
September 24, 2009 – Global | Digital and Mobile
Published in Billboard
By Andre Paine, London
Artist manager Colin Lester has hit out at the Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) over what he sees as the organization’s “misguided views” on file-sharing, ahead of a crunch meeting to be held by the FAC on the issue.
The government consultation on its proposals to combat illegal file-sharing concludes on Sept. 29. As the deadline looms, artists have been speaking out on the issue, with some challenging the FAC’s opposition to plans by Lord Mandelson, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, to oblige Internet Service Providers to suspend the accounts of copyright infringers.
A closed meeting has been urgently arranged at Air Studios in London tonight by the FAC “to hammer out a unified position on this issue.”
Lester, CEO of London-based CLM Entertainment, manages artists including Craig David and Remi Nicole. He said that, along with his artists, he has resigned from the FAC – although a spokesman for the organization pointed out that managers cannot be members of the FAC, although they may attend meetings.
“I and the artists I represent both agree that this issue is the key challenge facing our industry and that the longer we dither about the rights and wrongs of taking punitive action against those who steal our livelihoods the worse the situation will get,” he wrote to Lord Mandelson, advocating a “zero tolerance approach” to file-sharing “before we don’t have an industry left to defend.”
He added: “The recent argument put forward by the Featured Artists Coalition for example, in response to the government’s recent report on illegal file-sharing, that ‘the stick is now in danger of being way out of proportion to the carrot,’ fails to recognize the fact that ‘carrot’ approach has failed miserably!
“There has also been a point of view advanced that illegal file sharing is good for the marketing and promotion of music. There is some truth in that but the benefits of any positive promotion gained through illegal distribution are, in my opinion, far outweighed by the damage caused to the future income of the creators of and investors in that music.”
U.K. pop artist Lily Allen criticised FAC members Ed O’Brien of Radiohead and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd for their rejection of Mandelson’s proposals. The FAC clarified its position by stating that it is generally opposed to illegal file-sharing, but recognizes promotional benefits for some artists and is concerned at the government’s potential solution of suspending music fans’ Internet accounts.
O’Brien has since told the BBC World Service that he agrees with Lily Allen’s view that smaller artists suffer from file-sharing, though stressed his preference for education over technical sanctions.
Allen set up a blog to gather artists’ views, and she received supportive messages from Mark Ronson, Gary Barlow of Take That and James Blunt. However, via Twitter she has announced that the blog has shut because “the abuse was getting too much,” although she confidently announced that “my job [is] done” after the FAC organized its urgent meeting.
Lord Mandelson and culture secretary were attending the performing arts and technology BRIT School in south London today. “It’s vital for jobs and growth that Britain’s world-renowned creative industries are given a chance to flourish,” said Mandelson. “That’s why I welcome the current debate on digital piracy, including views put forward by the music and film industries, consumer groups, unions, ISPs and by recording artists themselves.
“Downloading somebody’s work without paying for it – whether it be music, film or computer games – is not a victimless act. It poses a genuine threat to our creative industries and to the livelihoods of talented, hard-working people striving to get a foothold in them.”
“It’s Not Sharing, It’s Stealing” Says Colin Lester
September 21, 2009
The Telegraph, Amanda Andrews, 12 September 2009
Sour note as agents and artists clash over music file sharing
A fight has broken out in the music industry as managers behind artists from Arctic Monkeys to Pink Floyd have attacked moves by a leading industry body to oppose a government crackdown on internet piracy.
The managers have branded comments from The Featured Artists Coalition (FAC) – a group fronted by musicians from bands including Radiohead, Blur and singers such as Tom Jones, Annie Lennox and Kate Nash – as “outrageous” and “mad”.
FAC said last week that it “vehemently opposes” the government proposals to switch-off file-sharers’ internet connections. The FAC claimed that despite the damage that file sharing does to sales of their records, it can also encourage people to buy concert tickets and merchandise.
Radiohead, Arctic Monkeys and Kings Of Leon to headline at Reading FestivalBut leading managers of new and established artists oppose the FAC views.
Paul Loasby, who manages David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Jools Holland and a host of new artists, said the FAC’s viewpoint will lead to a “complete destruction” of new artists’ careers. He will meet with the FAC tomorrow to highlight the need for the music industry to share a single viewpoint on illegal file-sharing.
“The government is doing something, which is good news after dilly-dallying over this issue for years. This is a suspension and is not as if [illicit] peer-to-peer [file-sharing] is being seen as a criminal activity,” he said.
“Illegal file-sharing is a complete destruction of some people’s livings. You name me something else other than music that lasts for life and costs only 79p,” said Mr Loasby.
Colin Lester, who has signed and managed the careers of artists such as the Arctic Monkeys, called the comments of the FAC and a number of its artists “outrageous”.
“It is very easy to be charitable when you are rich. Most of these [FAC] artists don’t earn their money from the recorded music business. They earn from the live business,” says Mr Lester.
“It is mad that we can’t agree as an industry where to go. I find it amazing that there is a clash within the industry. We need to stand together to make ISPs’ [internet service providers'] jobs harder.
“Young artists should be paid for their work. I don’t know why it is called filesharing. It is stealing music. If there is no money for R&D, how are labels going to sign new artists. Record labels are still the biggest spenders on new artists in the world,” he added.
Mr Lester said he plans to “talk to the FAC, managers and educate people. “I still sign new artists and I still want record labels to sign them.”
The original article is here
Craig David Manager Colin Lester accompanies Craig to Celebration
September 21, 2009
Music Week, 22 November 2008, Dooley’s Diary
…As we told you last week, Craig David was honoured earlier this month for
services to music by his local University, by being made a doctor of music at a
graduation ceremony attended by more than 1,000 people in Southhamptons
Guildhall. He’s pictured with long time manager Colin Lester…
Read more about Craig
David’s doctorate in the Telegraph
Music Weeks polls Colin Lester For Mercury Prize Predictions
September 21, 2009
July 22, 2009
Music Week, w/e 25.07.09
…Music Week polled a selection of tastemakers from across the industry in advance of the publication tomorrow(Tuesday) of the 12-strong shortlist for the 2009 Barclaycard Mercury Prize…
Colin Lester, CLM Entertainment
1. Bat For Lashes – Two Suns(Parlophone)
2. Florence & The Machine – Lungs(Island)
3. Madness – The Liberty of Norton Folgate (Lucky Seven)
4. La Roux – La Roux
5.Whie Lies – To Lose My Life
Winner – La Roux – La Roux
Music Week: Craig David Honoured By Southampton University
September 21, 2009
Music Week, 22 November 2008, Dooley’s Diary
…As we told you last week, Craig David was honoured earlier this month for services to music by his local University, by being made a doctor of music at a graduation ceremony attended by more than 1,000 people in Southhamptons Guildhall. He’s pictured with long time manager Colin Lester…
Read more about Craig David’s doctorate in the Telegraph