Audio Video News

The Universal Music Group is adding a couple of feathers to its record-label cap. Universal, which already controls nearly 30 percent of the classical music recording market, will now manage classical artists and book concerts, moving into territory previously off-limits to most record labels.

Faced with declining CD revenues, record companies need a new survival strategy, and this looks like the best one any of them has come up with yet. It's sure a lot smarter than filing endless copyright violation lawsuits against your own customers.

The new firm is finding innovative ways to attract major artists and record them in a climate where the high cost of classical studio recordings, and their relatively non-blockbuster sales, have discouraged other classical labels from making new recordings. For example, it booked a series of concerts for operatic soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Rolando Villazón with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Universal's DG label recorded them for a CD set to be issued in June. The recording will also serve as soundtrack for the film Bohème.

Universal Music Classical Artists Management and Productions has already attracted its first lawsuit. IMG Artists, which previously employed UMBCAMP managing director Jeffrey Vanderveen, claims he's been poaching artists from his former company.

Musicians may run into problems if the record labels bring to artist management the same ethical standards they have for computing and paying royalties. Without independent managers to look after the interests of recording artists, who will demand audits and ensure that they get paid?

The notion of turning over concert bookings to the same company handling recording, and now management, begs the same question. As things stand now, an artist frustrated with his or her record label still has the option of changing booking agencies, offering some freedom in that part of his or her work. Artists who tour regularly typically make most of their money that way. With one company handling management, recording, and bookings, they may find themselves locked into contracts for every aspect of their work with no way out.