Roxanne Powell
Senior Content Editor
Brace yourselves, music fans. No, seriously, I hope you’re holding onto something solid, because this is a whopper of a story (and I’m not just talking Burger King).
YouTube’s indie artist population has some new rules, and not all of them are in the best interest of the music business. While this may not be news to some of you, Digital Music News has uploaded the entire 32-page (yes, you read that correctly) legal contract, giving Google permission to create and distribute media. This of course will only be on an exclusive basis, as the artist (or the “Provider”) “will own all right, title and interest in and to the Provider Art Tracks (excluding any third party content independently included by Google in Provider Art Tracks.).”
While the contract is long, and full of legal jargon, users of the Internet are outraged. Not only does the contract lay out complete tables detailing the amount of money each artist will receive for their work after signing, it prevents Windowing.
One user, who chose to remain anonymous, detailed the process. In short, Windowing ensures artist success during peak music sale periods, while also allowing “less enthusiastic fans” the chance to stream the album for free at a later date. Google’s new contract is a “brutal attack” on Windowing, because it will give users free access to the entire music album through YouTube the moment it hits the market.
The contract asks artists to stream their entire music catalogue on YouTube for a minimum of five years. By signing on the dotted line, artists will be prevented from sharing their music on any other media sites until their five-year period is complete. This action, combined with the aforementioned rate tables and the removal of thousands of songs already up on the popular site, is prompting users to think of new, alternative music sharing venues.
Already DMN’s anonymous commenters have suggested Vimeo, Daily Motion, and have even bowed their heads in remembrance of Mega (for while it has come back in new incarnations, the rules of that particular game have changed). One user even suggested a Facebook-Vimeo combo.
Check out the full conversation at Digital Music News, and see the complete contract right here.
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTube
Courtesy of Digital Music News/ Google/ YouTubeWhat do you guys think? Do you agree with the commenters? Disagree? Let us know in the comments below!
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