Security clampdowns since 2001 have made traveling by air or across international borders with instruments much more difficult, complicated, and frustrating. The following are some guidelines and suggestions to get you and your instrument where you need to go.

Security clampdowns since 2001 have made traveling by air or across international borders with instruments much more difficult, complicated, and frustrating. The following are some guidelines and suggestions to get you and your instrument where you need to go.

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Terrestrial radio is currently undergoing a major transformation. Using a technology called In Band, On-Channel (or IBOC), thousands of broadcasters are transmitting analog signals simultaneously with higher quality digital signals on their existing spectrum. For broadcasters, the transition to HD radio could mean the development of new revenue streams, either through the creation of entire new stations on these side channels, or through the leasing of their digital spectrum for data services. For musicians and listeners, HD radio holds the promise of a wider choice of programming. But will it mean better radio?

HD Radio is a technology that claims to deliver interference-free, near CD-quality sound to radio listeners. But will it mean better radio?

In the United States, royalties for public performances are paid to songwriters, composers and publishers. But what about the person who performs the song?

Consider this. When you hear Counting Crows’ recording of ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ on the radio in the US, Joni Mitchell – the composer of ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ – is compensated through BMI.  But Counting Crows receive nothing for this performance.  

However, if you hear the same performance on Sirius XM, or via a webcast, or on a cable music station – even on that terrestrial radio station’s webcast — both Joni Mitchell AND Counting Crows are compensated.

Why the difference? US terrestrial broadcasters are exempt from paying a public performance right for sound recordings. read more