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Online radio stations not sure of their fate over ruling

Most online radio stations now ponder their future after a verdict was rendered on Tuesday (May 21) regarding proposed royalty rates for online radio stations,

The U.S. Librarian of Congress rejected rates proposed in February by the Copyright Arbitration Royalty Panel ("CARP"), which suggested that royalties be paid to record companies and artists in the amount of 0.14 cent per listener per song for online-only stations, and 0.07 cent for online stations that simulcast radio broadcasts. The ruling didn't require an immediate explanation, however, so for the next 30 days, the only certainty is that the rates will differ from what the CARP presented.

Librarian James H. Billington must explain why he rejected the CARP's recommended rates — and determine them to be either too high or too low — by June 20, according to a Library of Congress spokesperson. He may then send the case back to the three-person panel for reconsideration or set his own rates.

This new fee for online broadcasters would bring an additional revenue stream for artists and labels via the Recording Industry Association of America. While both land-based and Internet stations pay royalties to songwriters and publishers via organizations such as BMI and ASCAP, conventional radio broadcasts are considered promotional tools by Congress and are therefore exempt from paying the RIAA. When an online royalty rate is decided, the money would be split evenly between artists and their labels. Fearing that high royalties — if ruled payable retroactive to 1998 — would force many free, independent stations into extinction, hundreds of online stations voluntarily went dark on May 1 in an act of protest that prompted concerned listeners to weigh in to Congress on the situation .

"Since both sides appealed the panel's determination, anything is possible," the RIAA president said in his statement. "We look forward to the conclusion of this process on June 20 and to the day when artists and labels finally get paid for the use of their music."

The opposing view of DiMA Executive Director Jonathan Potter is more optimistic. "When Congress enacted the Internet radio statutory license, it intended to promote a new medium and promote artists' welfare. Today's decision by the Librarian offers hope that the final royalty will be more in line with marketplace economics than was the arbitrators' proposal. If so, then the result will accomplish Congress's goals.".

Source: soulnotes.com

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Mario Winans wants to be an artist again

I've always wandered what happened with Mario ever since his 1997 debut release 'Story of my Heart'. The album is a true masterpiece of modern soul music that still shines by today's standards but Mario has not disappeared completely but rather been hidden. He's been the exclusive song writer for Bad Boy Records producing hits for Lil' Kim, Lil' Cease and Puff Diddy.

P. Diddy signed Mario to his label back in '97 and has been a force to reckon with since penning hit after hit for the label. Now Mario wants to step out of the shadows and into the spotlight again and feels that he's ready this time around with his spohomore release the first for Bad Boy "It's a lot of different flavors but within the same table setting," he said of the still-untitled LP. "Different moods but within one body. Basically, (Puffy) just let me do my thing. There are numerous things we did together. He has creative and brilliant ideas. No one can really tell you how to portray yourself, but he has come the closest to knowing where you are coming from."

Winans, who is also the co-executive producer on the long-overdued Bad Boy gospel album Thank You, doesn't have a release date set as of yet, but he said he thinks his first single will be "Pretty Girl B.S.," about a mate who is bringing him drama .

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Rapper Ja Rule calling it quits after 2 more albums

"I'm going to retire after two more albums," These are the words Ja rule said at the BET Awards press conference, Most reporters thought he was joking but the rapper insisted "I'm serious!".

The next release will be 'The Last Temptation' to be followed by a fifth and final album before leaving music to "do a lot of films." Minutes later, however, Ja revealed that one of his biggest inspirations is basketball legend Michael Jordan, who "retired" twice before returning to the game, so perhaps his declaration isn't so set in stone.

Before Ja Rule releases 'The Last Temptation ' the rapper will appear on a Murder Inc. compilation in June. He's also recording an album with his group, CMC (formerly Cash Money Click) due November 26, according to Ja, the album is titled CMC EST Since '93. Although he's still recording in rapid pace, Ja hasn't set acting aside entirely. He recently filmed the action flick "Half Past Dead" with Steven Seagal and Morris Chestnut, and he's in negotiations to star in a "Fast and the Furious" sequel, which will not feature Vin Diesel.

Although his acting résumé is so far made up of supporting roles, the rapper feels he can carry a movie on his own. "I'm a confident person," he explained. "Anything I put my mind to, I can do it. I got that self-motivation theory from Michael Jordan. He's the greatest self-motivator, and I feel I'm right behind him. I have this little saying: Success is obtained when opportunity meets preparation. You'd better be prepared when the opportunity comes.".

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Carl Thomas offers 'Love and Serious Things' on new set.

Carl Thomas bursts onto the scene 2 years ago with the dominant single 'I Wish' which once radio got a hold of it just ran with it. There wasn't a station anywhere that wasn't playing the song. Now 2 years on he's back (even though he never really left) with his sophomore release 'Carl Thomas: Love and Serious Things' said Carl "The most prevalent thing is dealing with the album, you know. I had a lot of ideas during the first album I didn't get to express. A lot of things I wanted to try I never got the opportunity to try. This past year has been just building and researching more of my own sound."

Thomas said he's been working with producers P. Diddy and Mario Winans, Mike City, Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, and Andre Harris and Vidal Davis (Jill Scott, Michael Jackson), but he didn't get a chance to collaborate with Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas as he was planning to.

"We talk periodically, but definitely we plan to still write together," he said. "We're definitely going to get it up in the future. I'm glad I made the connection. Matchbox 20 started recording again and are about to have something out real soon before my single I think.".

Source - soulnotes.com.