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Future of Music Coalition is a national non-profit education, research and advocacy organization that identifies, examines, interprets and translates the challenging issues at the intersection of music, law, technology and policy. FMC achieves this through continuous interaction with its primary constituency – musicians – and in collaboration with other creator/citizen groups. More about our mission >

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FMC's newsletter compiles the most relevant technology and policy news for musicians and music fans. Make sure it's delivered to your inbox by subscribing here. Read the most recent edition here.

Many of FMC's projects would not get done without the work of dozens of volunteers. In 2006, we have plans for more events, and more research. Interested in helping? Sign up here.

These transformative times give FMC new opportunities to push for structural changes in the music industry and the copyright framework – changes that will ensure that musicians and songwriters are compensated for their work now and in the future. Support our work by making a tax-deductible contribution today.




UPCOMING

"What's The Future for Musicians?" Chicago
Musician education seminar
Monday, September 22, 2008
Old Town School of Folk Music
Chicago, IL
Event Details | Press release

"What's The Future for Musicians?" New York City
Musician education seminar
Monday, October 6, 2008
The Public Theater
New York, NY
Event Details | Press release

EVENT ARCHIVES

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back: A conversation with Public Enemy
A free discussion about the making of this seminal album, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
Chicago Cultural Center
Chicago, IL
July 17, 2008
Press release | Details

Musicians Get the Hint about Health Insurance: A Benefit for Drew Glackin and FMC's HINT program
May 3: Pour House, Raleigh, NC
May 4: Sadlack's Heroes, Raleigh, NC
Press release | Donate

New York State events

"What's The Future for Musicians?" Free Seminars
in upstate New York

Buffalo, April 2
Rochester, April 28
Syrcause, April 29
Albany, April 30
Event Details

Rock the Net show
featuring Philadelphia bands Beretta 76, Victor Victor Band, KeN and Surgeon
Tritone
Philadelphia, PA
February 23, 2008

OK Go + Bonerama benefit show
for New Orleans musicians
Washington, DC
February 2, 2008

Musicians Bringing Musicians Home III
Benefit Concerts for Sweet Home New Orleans
House of Blues, New Orleans, LA
January 10, 2008
Tipitinas, New Orleans, LA
January 11, 2008
Press release

FMC @ Art Presenters Conference
New York, NY
January 11-15, 2008

Hope for Home: a benefit cocktail party for Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson
Washington, DC
Saturday, December 1, 2007

Seventh Annual
Future of Music Policy Summit

Betts Theatre
George Washington University Washington, DC
September 17-18, 2007
Event Details | Press Release

Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II
A Benefit Concert for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA
May 27, 2007

Technology and IP Policy Day

Presented in partnership with the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy
Washington, DC
May 2, 2007

FMC @ 50th Annual Arts Presenters Conference
New York, NY
January 19-24, 2007


FMC @ International Association of Jazz Education Conference

New York, NY
January 11, 2007

FMC @ Chamber Music America Conference
New York, NY
January 11-14, 2006


Musicians Bringing
Musicians Home

A Benefit Concert for Arabi Wrecking Krewe, New Orleans Musicians' Clinic and Tipitinas Foundation featuring: Steve Earle, Allison Moorer, Boots Riley from The Coup, Corin Tucker from Sleater-Kinney, Mike Mills from R.E.M., Tom Morello from Audioslave...and special guests
Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA
November 6, 2006

Sixth Annual
Future of Music Policy Summit

McGill University
Schulich School of Music
Montreal, Canada
October 5-7, 2006

FMC's Kristin Thomson at ADISQ Conference

Montreal, Canada
April 19-20, 2006

FMC's Walter McDonough on panel at ABA's annual Intellectual Property Conference
Alexandria, VA
April 6-8, 2006

Music for the Future of Music
Benefit Show

Knitting Factory, NYC
March 24, 2006

FMC at SXSW 2006
Austin, TX
March 15-19, 2006

FMC at 49th Annual
Arts Presenters Conference
New York Hilton, NYC
January 21-24, 2006

FMC Policy Summit 2005
FMC @ Tribeca Film Fest 2005
DC Policy Day 2005
FMC Policy Summit 2004
Music Law Summit West 2004
Fixing Radio 2004
Tell Us The Truth Tour 2003
FMC Policy Summit 2003
FMC Policy Summit 2002
FMC Speaking Tour 2001
FMC Policy Summit 2001



MOST RECENT


FMC Files Brief at 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals to Protect Creative Expression
July 2, 2008
Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)

FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Localism Proceeding
June 11, 2008
Filing | Press release

Testimony of Damian Kulash from OK Go before the House Judiciary Anti-Trust Task Force hearing on Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash from the band OK Go testifies in favor of net neutrality before the House Judiciary Committee.
March 11, 2008
Written testimony | Spoken testimony, including video clips

FMC Files Request for Declaratory Ruling regarding Clear Channel Actions at Federal Communications Commission
July 13, 2007
Filing | Press release

FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality
June 29, 2007

FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates
June 27, 2007
Press Release | Testimony

Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties
FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right.
June 22, 2007

Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress

Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country.
June 22, 2007

FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II
"
May 23, 2007

Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology

April 25, 2007

A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
April 17, 2007

Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
April 16, 2007

FMC Applauds FCC Payola Settlement
April 13, 2007

Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality
March 23, 2007

FMC Statement on CRB Webcasting Rates
March 19, 2007

FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding
January 17, 2007

FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement

January 16, 2007

Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
December 13, 2006
Read press release
Read report

Testimony of Jenny Toomey at FCC Media Ownership Hearing
Nashville, TN
December 11, 2006
Read FMC testimony
Link to FCC webcast

FMC and AFM File Joint Comments at FCC in 2006 Media Ownership Proceeding

October 23, 2006
Executive Summary
PDF of comments

Job Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity
FMC urges FCC to take employment effects of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules
August 9, 2006

FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet
Opinion Piece on ABC News
June 29, 2006

FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM
June 28, 2006

FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding
June 21, 2006

Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality
Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy
June 13, 2006



more >

Fact sheets for NY State musicians on resources, health insurance, traveling with instruments, touring internationally, orphan works SoundExchange, HD radio, low power FM and stations in NY State

Change That Tune: A Payola Education Guide for Musicians and Citizens
June 12, 2008

Most recent FMC Newsletter
August 5, 2008

FMC's Latest Fact Sheets

Untangling Net Neutrality: A Music Advocate's Perspective
August 9, 2007

The Changing Sounds of Arts and Culture on the Radio

August 1, 2007

Do you know how to sign up to collect your digital
performance royalties?

A SoundExchange Primer
October 2004

Creating Culture: Artist Web Tools and Resources Blog
January 2007

Major Label Contract Critique
October 2001

FMC Radio Study: "Radio Deregulation: Has it Served Citizens and Musicians?"
November 2002

FMC Docket Analysis: Analysis of the Public Comments filed at the FCC on the Broadcast Ownership Docket
May 2003
Press Release | Docket Tally

iTunes Music Store Analysis
July 2003

The CARP Fact Sheet
May 2002

The Library: essential reading for musicians


Click here for webcasts and press

On December 13, 2006 FMC released a new report documenting the effects of radio station ownership consolidation on musicians and the public.

Data in the report shows that station ownership consolidation at the national and local levels has led to fewer choices in radio programming and harmed the listening public and those working in the music and media industries, including DJs, programmers and musicians.

Read Press Release | Report Details

Information about FMC's ongoing original research projects.

Change That Tune: A Payola Education Guide for Musicians and Citizens
June 12, 2008

FMC Report: "False Premises, False Promises: A History of Ownership Consolidation in the Radio Industry"
December 13, 2006

FMC Report on "Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton"
August 9, 2006

Pew Internet & American Life Project Releases Benchmark Study on Musicians, Artists and the Internet
December 5, 2004
download report
read about project
FMC press release

FMC's Analysis of the Public Comments in the FCC Docket on Media Ownership
May 2003

FMC Radio Study: "Radio Deregulation: Has It Served Citizens and Musicians?"
November 2002

Musicians and Health Insurance: analysis of the problem and results of an online survey of musicians
August 2002



A veritable treasure trove of articles, interviews and policy reviews, mostly written by FMC board members.

The Effects of Media Consolidation on Urban Radio
by Eric K. Arnold
May 16, 2008

Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality
Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy
June 13, 2006

SoundExchange: A Digital Primer

by Kristin Thomson
October 13, 2004

Is Grokster Contributory and Vicarious? How the courts wrestle with copyright and creativity in the internet age
By Wendy Harman
October 11, 2004

The Need to Strike a Balance: Understanding the INDUCE Act
by Michael Colangelo
August 4, 2004

A citizens' and musicians' guide to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)
by Brett Keller
August 3, 2004

more >

Mission

Manifesto

Accomplishments

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Board of Directors and
Advisory Board

Positions Open

FAQ

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contact webmaster. Page last updated August 6, 2008

 

up front

FMC blog

FMC Announces Upcoming Events
Fall 2008 "What's the Future for Musicians?" seminars in New York and Chicago; Washington, D.C. Policy Day and Policy Summit set for 2009.
August 5, 2008
Press release | Event Page

FMC Seeks International Project Fellow and Fall/Spring Interns
See Complete Job Descriptions

FMC Commends FCC's Comcast Decision
On August 1, the FCC ruled that Comcast violated net neutrality principles; the decision is a positive step in preserving the open internet.
August 1, 2008

Public Enemy Frontman, Production Team and Insiders Discuss Landmark Album
On July 17, FMC and Pitchfork Music Festival will host a free discussion about Public Enemy's It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back at Chicago's Cultural Center, featuring Chuck D, members of PE's production team and music media experts.
July 8, 2008
Press release | Event Page

FMC Files Brief to Protect Creative Expression
FMC and the Center for Creative Voices in Media filed a brief at the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, arguing that the FCC's indecency policy has a chilling effect on creativity and expression and deprives the public of access to protected speech.
July 2, 2008
Press release | Indecency amicus brief (PDF)

FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Localism Proceeding
June 11, 2008
PDF of Reply Comments | Press release

Wilco, Bright Eyes, Aimee Mann & more "Rock the Net" on Compilation CD
Thirsty Ear Recordings to release album on July 29 to benefit FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality.
June 2, 2008
Press release | Rock the Net

Musicians Get the Hint About Health Insurance
Two Raleigh concerts in memory of musician Drew Glackin; proceeds go to Glackin’s family and Future of Music Coalition’s Health Insurance Navigation Tool
April 10, 2008
Press release
FMC's HINT program

New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists
Forums in Rochester (April 28), Syracuse (April 29) and Albany (April 30) to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 25, 2008
Event details | RSVP

Pop Rockers OK Go "Tour" Congress in Support of Net Neutrality
Damian Kulash and Andy Ross discuss the importance of open Internet structures to musicians; Kulash testifies before House Judiciary Committee.
March 13, 2008
Press release
Spoken testimony

Written testimony

Rock the Net

New York State Music Education Events Examine Crucial Issues Facing Artists
Kick-off forum in Buffalo on April 2 to focus on music, media, technology and policy issues for songwriters, composers and performers from all genres.
March 7, 2008 | Event details

Philly Bands Rocking for Net Neutrality
February 23 Sugar Town show at Tritone in Philadelphia will showcase lady rockers and DJs, as well as musicians' support for net neutrality.
February 15, 2008

OK Go and Bonerama Rocked DC for New Orleans Musicians
Bands also champion FMC's "Rock the Net" campaign for net neutrality
February 2 benefit show at DC's 9:30 Club raised over $8,000 for New Orleans musicians. Bands played cuts off their new benefit EP, You're Not Alone, available on iTunes on February 5.
February 4, 2008

Upcoming Washington, DC show and benefit EP from OK Go & Bonerama
On February 2, OK Go and Bonerama will play a benefit at D.C.'s 9:30 Club in support of You're Not Alone - an EP to support Sweet Home New Orleans and Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 21, 2008

Successful New Orleans Concerts Aid Big Easy Musicians
Last week, two benefit concerts raised over $6,000 for Sweet Home New Orleans - a coalition of non-profit organizations that helps find affordable housing and provides rental assistance for the city's musicians - and Big Easy music legend Al "Carnival Time" Johnson.
January 15, 2008
Press release | Event details

FMC's Latest Fact Sheets

HD Radio
Low Power FM Radio
Public Performance Right for Sound Recordings
Orphan Works
Traveling with Instruments
Touring Internationally
SoundExchange
Net Neutrality
Full Power Non-Commerical Radio Licenses
Media Ownership

Ann Chaitovitz Appointed
FMC's New Executive Director
A proven leader in musician and public policy issues, Chaitovitz replaces founding Executive Director Jenny Toomey
January 3, 2008

Concerts for New Orleans Musicians Bring Artists Together
Two New Orleans shows and upcoming benefit CD from OK Go and Bonerama
January 2, 2008

FMC's Jenny Toomey Appointed Program Officer for Ford Foundation
Kristin Thomson to Serve as FMC's Interim Executive Director; Michael Bracy to Chair FMC Board of Directors
November 26, 2007

Seattle "Rocked the Net"
Rep. Jay Inslee advocated network neutrality; joined by rocker Matt Nathanson, Reclaim the Media, FMC and local music business representatives
October 31, 2007

Rock the Net: Campaign for Net Neutrality Rocks Seattle
Teleconference with Rep Jay Inslee on Tuesday, Oct 30. Matt Nathanson performs at Seattle's Crocodile Café on Tuesday, Oct. 30
October 26, 2007

Future of Music Policy Summit to Tackle Critical Issues at the Intersection of Music, Law, Technology and Policy
Sen. Byron Dorgan and Sen. Ron Wyden to Deliver Keynote Addresses
Mac McCaughan, Bob Mould, Marybeth Peters of the U.S. Copyright Office and More Than 90 Other Panelists Confirmed.
September 10, 2007
Summit home page
Press Credentialing

AT&T's muting of bands points toward a pattern of silencing political speech
Content monitor did not edit out 20 instances of curse words during Pearl Jam webcast, despite AT&T claim it hires monitors to block "excessive profanity".
August 13, 2007

Top musicians, lawyers, technologists confirmed for FMC's 7th annual Policy Summit
August 13, 2007
Press Release
Summit home page
Press Credentialing

FMC Statement on AT&T Silencing Pearl Jam's lyrics during Lollapalooza webcast

August 9, 2007

Registration Opens for FMC's Annual Policy Summit
July 24, 2007
Press Release
Summit home page
Press Credentialing

FMC Files Request for Declaratory Ruling regarding Clear Channel Actions at Federal Communications Commission
July 13, 2007
Filing | Press release

FMC Statement on Federal Trade Commission Report on Net Neutrality
June 29, 2007

FMC files testimony with House Small Business Committee on CRB Webcasting Rates
June 27, 2007
Press Release | Testimony

Clear Channel strips local, independent artists of digital performance royalties

FMC has discovered that Clear Channel's online application for local and independent artists to submit their music for airplay on each of its stations requires the artist to approve a licensing agreement that does away with their digital performance right.
June 22, 2007

Low Power Radio Gets New Push in Congress
Congress introduces bills to create hundreds of new low power FM radio stations to cities and suburbs across the country.
June 22, 2007

FMC Announces Dates for 7th annual Policy Summit
September 17-18, 2007
GWU Betts Theatre, Washington, DC
June 11, 2007

FMC Organizes "Musicians Bringing Musicians Home II"
A Benefit Concert on May 27 at New Orleans' Tipitina's for Sweet Home New Orleans featuring: Indigo Girls, Damian Kulash of OK Go, Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Matt Nathanson, Pamela Z...and special guests
May 23, 2007
Press Release | Details

Congressman Mike Doyle to address conference on music, law and technology
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy.
April 25, 2007

A2IM Endorses Rock the Net Campaign
American Association of Independent Music urges its label members to join the campaign for network neutrality.
April 17, 2007

Music Mashes with Policy at upcoming Technology and IP Policy Day
May 2 event will bring together leading experts from worlds of music, law, technology and policy.
April 16, 2007

FMC Applauds FCC's Payola Settlement
Payola agreement by FCC and big broadcast chains represents a major - but tentative - step toward once again opening the nation's airwaves to local music and voices.
April 13, 2007

Rep. Edward Markey, Ted Leo kick off "Rock the Net"
Nearly 150 artists and labels have already signed onto campaign for net neutrality
March 27, 2007
Press Release | Rock the Net

Major Artists To Join Launch of Rock the Net Campaign for Net Neutrality
March 23, 2007

FMC Statement on CRB Webcasting Rates
March 19, 2007

FMC Statement on FCC's "Rules of Engagement" On Payola
March 5, 2007

FMC Files Reply Comments in FCC Media Ownership Proceeding
January 16, 2007

FMC Statement on FCC Payola Settlement
FMC's statement on FCC's reported consent decree with the broadcast industry in regards to payola.
January 16, 2007

Radio Station Ownership Consolidation Shown to Harm Musicians and the Public
FMC study shows that the rapid consolidation of the commercial radio industry that followed the Telecommunications Act of 1996 has led to a loss of localism, less competition, fewer viewpoints and less diversity in radio programming in media markets across the country.
December 13, 2006
Press release
Report details

Jenny Toomey Testifies at FCC Media Ownership Hearing, Nashville, TN
December 11, 2006
Read FMC's testimony
Link to FCC webcast

FMC Organizes Musicians Bringing Musicians Home
Benefit concert at New Orleans' Tipitina's on November 6th featuring Steve Earle, Mike Mills, Allison Moorer, Tom Morello, Boots Riley, Corin Tucker and special guests.
October 23, 2006
Read press release
Read press coverage

FMC and AFM File Joint Comments at FCC in 2006 Media Ownership Proceeding

October 23, 2006
Executive Summary
PDF of comments

Job Losses Associated with Radio Consolidation Undermine Localism and Diversity
FMC, Newspaper Guild and Consumers Union urge FCC to take employment effects of their policies into account during upcoming review of media ownership rules
August 9, 2006

FMC Releases Research on Employment and Wage Effects of Radio Consolidaton
August 9, 2006

FMC on Preserving the Dynamism of the Internet
Opinion Piece on ABC News
June 29, 2006

FMC Statement on Senate Commerce Committee Vote in Support of LPFM
June 28, 2006

FMC Statement on FCC Media Ownership Proceeding
June 21, 2006

Indie-rock revolution, fueled by net neutrality
Op-ed by FMC's Jenny Toomey and Michael Bracy
June 13, 2006

Pearl Jam Donation To Help Musicians Help Themselves
Proceeds From Washington, DC Appearance to be Donated to FMC Artist Research Council
May 25, 2006
Press Release

FMC signs on letter to preserve net neutrality
May 17, 2006

FMC Announces Dates for Sixth Annual Future of Music Policy Summit
October 5-7, 2006
Media Advisory May 15, 2006

FMC Urges FCC to Investigate Allegations of Radio Payola
February 15, 2006
Letter to FCC | Press Release