Everyone knows Justin Bieber is the biggest musical discovery to come from YouTube so far. His “Baby” video is the 3rd most viewed video of all time, with over an astounding 170 million views. Lady Gaga is No. 1 all time on YouTube, with her “Bad Romance” video, which has over 216 million views. While Bieber became famous on YouTube before being signed by Usher, it’s very surprising that YouTube hasn’t produced other major music stars in the 5 years of YouTube’s existence. Or, more accurately, it’s surprising the music industry hasn’t signed more talented singers from YouTube. Sure, Marie Digby, Esmee Denters, and Terra Naomi all were signed by the labels. But they were the exception, not the rule.
The music industry should do more. Justin Bieber won’t be the only singer to be discovered on YouTube. I just heard this amazing singer in Chicago named Starina Catchatoorian. She’s got this cool, edgy video for her catchy song, “Underdog.” NPR did a short write-up on her. If I had a music label, I would sign this new talent, stat.
News: The saga continues, apparently with a happy ending. I’ve already chronicled here how, earlier this summer, YouTube terminated for “terms of use” violation the account of the PS22 chorus, an amazing group of 5th graders from Long Island who sang wonderful renditions of pop songs. The chorus is led by teacher Gregg Breinberg. Breinberg eventually persuaded YouTube that his music videos of the kids singing should not have been terminated. YouTube then allowed him to create a new channel and repost all of the terminated videos. Breinberg did — which probably took a lot of his time.
Well, finally, YouTube has reinstated PS22 chorus’s original YouTube channel, including the past 7 million plus views total for all the videos. Too bad YouTube didn’t do this sooner–and it makes you wonder why YouTube made Breinberg go through the rigamarole of uploading all his videos again. In any event, the PS22 chorus videos can be found here. Let the kids sing.
Pretty cool. Can’t wait for Esmee Denters’ first album. She started singing from her bedroom and posted clips on YouTube. Now she’s with Justin Timberlake, and I think that’s all you need to succeed–besides a good voice.
Best new voice on YouTube I’ve heard in 2009! This song is very catchy; her voice is beautiful. Whoever came up with the idea for this memorable video shot in a pub deserves kudos. She was just signed by an indie label ATO Records.
What a month for Bruce Springsteen! Buddies with Obama. Now performing half-time at the Super Bowl tomorrow. And his new album will likely debut at No. 1.
News: The RIAA appears to be running scared from the recent district court granting Harvard Professor Charlie Nesson’s request to webcast Thursday’s court proceedings in the RIAA’s music file sharing case against BU student Joel Tennenbaum. The RIAA has now sought a writ of mandamus from the First Circuit to stop the webcast. The RIAA must realize it looks bad to be suing students, but here’s the spin it is using:
“Petitioners [the labels] are concerned that, unlike a trial transicipt, the broadcast of a court proceeding through the Internet will take on a life of its own in that forum. The broadcast will be readily subject to editing and manipulation by any reasonably tech-savvy individual. Even without improper modification, statements may be taken out of context, spliced together with other statements and []rebroadcast as if it were an accurate transcript. Such an outcome can only do damage to Petitioners’ case.”
News: Charles Nesson is a Harvard law professor and member of the Berkman Center. In a RIAA copyright lawsuit against Boston University students, Nesson is representing the students and has just pulled off some pretty deft strategic maneuvers against the RIAA, not only challenging the constitutionality of the RIAA’s lawsuit but also persuading the judge to webcast next week’s (Jan 22) hearing over the Internet. I will post a link to the webcast when I find it.
Analysis: Charlie Nesson was my evidence law professor, only he didn’t really teach us evidence. By then, he was much more interested in this new technology called the Internet. Nesson is an incredibly creative and “out of the box” (and sometimes “out there”) thinker whose imagination knows no bounds. I look forward to what he chalks up on Thursday of next week!!
News: After several years of licensing its music videos on YouTube, Warner Music has left the negotiating table and YouTube for a renewal of the license. On its blog, YT said: “Sometimes, if we can’t reach acceptable business terms, we must part ways with successful partners. For example, you may notice videos that contain music owned by Warner Music Group being blocked from the site.” Warner said: it “simply cannot accept terms that fail to appropriately and fairly compensate recording artists, songwriters, labels and publishers for the value they provide.”
Cnet says that Warner screwed up: “By all indications, Warner overplayed its hand. YouTube can afford to let Warner walk. The vast majority of music listened to at YouTube comes from the two largest recording companies: Universal and Sony BMG. Universal, the label that represents U2, Kanye West, and The Rolling Stones, is the most-viewed YouTube channel all time with more than 3 billion views. Sony BMG is a distant second with 491 million views.Warner isn’t even in the top 10. The record company’s 278 million views is good enough only for 11th place.”
Analysis: My guess: Coldplay settles! I wonder if Coldplay can still win the Grammy for “Viva la Vida,” with all these copyright infringement allegations swirling?
News: Esmee Denters, the teen singing sensation discovered on YouTube, will be performing in San Francisco at YouTube Live 2008. For more about Esmee, click here for all of my posts about her.
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