dansmug used our newssubmit to tell us that IFPI has posted an article on their site that tells us that the European music market currently suffers from the 'Music for Free' thought that is currently populair with internet users.
They posted the message on their website because yesterday there were the Platinum Europe Awards celebrating the achievement of artists who have sold one million or more albums in Europe. The presentor of the show was French composer and musician, Jean Michel Jarre and he also had some thoughts on the current music industry:
Jarre said: "I am a great believer in the value of music and the vital role it has to play in European culture. The talent and creativity of our artists is celebrated all over the world. But this success should not be taken for granted. If music is to continue to support the livelihoods of artists, it cannot be taken without the permission of artists." |
He added: "Governments can help support European music by promoting public awareness that when people take music that doesn't belong to them they undermine the future of those very artists whose work you enjoy. The EU could also show its support for the recording industry by lowering the high rate of VAT on CDs. Music should be treated the same way as other cultural goods that benefit from low VAT rates."
Read the entire story here. Lowering the VAT, hmmm, what about starting with lowering CD prices itself ?
Source: IFPI
