Rental vs. Ownership: will streaming save the music industry?

 

 

By Michele Kennedy

Music industry faces threat as new technology allows fans to ‘stream’ their favourite music from sites such as YouTube and Spotify.

With millions of people now streaming their music online can the industry adapt to the changes and survive or are they in for a bumpy ride as new technology captivates the attention of music fans from all over the world. 

Around 20 years ago the music industry tried to gain your attention they only had to hold it for a short period of time in order to get you to buy the CD.
However, the introduction of Apple’s ITunes made it difficult for the industry to do this, they had to adapt and find new ways to make money. For music fans this was a revelation. They were able to download their favourite tracks for as little as 99p without having to buy the entire album.
The introduction of online services such as Spotify and YouTube means the music industry has to prepare itself for another drastic change in music’s culture.

Ticket sales from 2011 shows that less people are buying tickets to actually attend the concerts: a total of 50.1 million were sold compared to 52 million in 2010. However, the number of music sales has increased by an estimated 8 % to £5.2 billion in 2011.

Charlotte DeValmency, a 20 year old law student from England, says: “I think the music industry resisted it for too long and didn’t adapt, now people are more used to the illegal ways of streaming. Hard core fans will still pay for the music but think it might change the music industry for the better.”

17 year old high school student from Glasgow, Sarah Dunn, defends the industry by saying: “I prefer CDs because all you have to do is put them in a media player and listen to your favourite singer or band, you can get lost in the music. The problem with downloading music whether it be legally or not is that you have in a way, lost that personal contact with your favourite artist. In the CDs is normally a written thank you from that person and this makes the connection between the artists and their fans more personal.”

 

Byron Evans, who is a 19 year old drama student from Glasgow and self confessed music fanatic claims: “The music industry doesn’t need saving, recent statistics have proven this. However I do believe that something needs to be done about the concert attendance. Take Rihanna for example, her music sales are through the roof yet she has had to cancel shows in the past due to empty seats.”

Statistics show that 16.4 million people now stream their music online, 20% of streamers buy more downloads since streaming and 55% of streamers discover new artists because of streaming. With Norway being the leading market for streamers with 48%, surprisingly Japan having the lowest figures of 15%. Leaving an average of 32% of the worlds population are using streaming as a method of listening to music.

The download sales have increased every year with singles sales increasing by 13%, while digital albums increased 25.1%. There were more than 100 million digital albums sold in 2011. For the music industry this is a first. So clearly, streaming services such as YouTube and Spotify aren’t killing the industry. Instead i helps ng it.

 

 

 

 

Of Monsters and Men Review- O2 Academy Glasgow 22/2/13

By Kimi Inglis

The calm before the storm came in the 45 minute break between support act Mugison and headliner Of Monsters and Men. The restless crowd quickly forgave the quirky Icelandic band, as they took to the stage with such force and presence; swallowing the gig goers, immersing them completely in upbeat pop songs. Of Monsters and Men joked, engaging the audience by encouraging charismatic sing along. Front woman, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir grinning throughout the bands set, while energetically and playfully interacting with fellow band mates juxtaposed with front man Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson whose intensity was mesmerizing. Mountain Song stole the attention of the crowd, the question and answer section leaving fans bellowing lyrics into the air of the 02 Academy. Hands were raised, prompted by drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, whose drumming was a show on its own. The chemistry between the musicians as they ran back and forth across the stage, trading instruments and towels gave the show electricity. The vocals echoed through the venue, crisp and clear, sounding as perfect as the vocals on Of Monsters and Men’s debut, My Head Is an Animal, an album which is best served live. Love Love Love came like a cooling wave, soothing the crowd, before again tossing them in to the energetic sea of folk-pop tearing through the room. Little Talks made the room erupt into flurry of waving hands and dance, which was by far the highlight of the evening. Of Monsters and Men is the perfect blend of passionate, beautiful lyrics, weaved into perfectly written pop songs, making them a fantastic live act.

Tat’s the way forward

by Courtney Hendry

As it is now estimated that around 20 million people in the UK have at least one tattoo, it would appear that workplaces all around the UK are becoming more accepting of permanent body art.

However that may not the case, one of England’s major employers, The London Metropolitan Police Force, recently outlined new policies banning employees from having visible tattoos. So the question is, will having a tattoo really impact how well you can perform at work?

The London Met announced their policy reform in October last year and blamed tattoos for damaging the professional image of the force. Previously any offensive or intimidating tattoos were banned, however now all tattoos – offensive or not – that can be seen will not be allowed.

Any officers that already have pre-existing tattoos that are visible but not deemed offensive were told to announce them within a month or face disciplinary action.

Daryl Gillespie who has worked as a tattoo artist since he was 18 and is currently manager at Timeless Tattoo Glasgow said: “I know a policeman who is head to toe covered; neck, ears, hands, everything but it doesn’t mean he isn’t good at what he does, it’s just tarring folk with the one brush.

“I know people that come into our shop and they want to get a tattoo but they’re scared to because of work or whatever, it just shouldn’t be like that. It’s not going to make you any less of a person or any worse at your job. It’s just not very nice. It’s hard for me to picture because I’ve always worked for myself or worked in the tattoo industry where the more tattoos the better!”

 35-year-old hairdresser Hannah McGill agrees with Gillespie, she said: “You could be completely covered in tattoos but it doesn’t impact how your brain works. At the end of the day you’re the same person and have the same abilities, your just a bit more colorful.”

Other members of the public share the opinion that the appropriateness of having tattoos on show entirely depends on where you work and what the tattoo is like.

21-year-old sales assistant Alistair Campbell, said: “I think it’s okay to have tattoos on show, but it depends on where you’re working. If you’re working in the fashion sector then it’s cool, but you wouldn’t want your doctor covered in tattoos.”

Nicole Gallagher, a 41 year old call center team manager, said: “I think it depends what they are; football ones and rude tattoos aren’t appropriate but if someone in my work had a small star or their kids’ names then I wouldn’t have a problem with that.”

People may be more accepting of tattoos now because of the huge rise in popularity over the past few years. In 2001 there were 700 tattoo parlors but industry figures now estimate that there are now around 2,500 parlors in the UK with many more tattoo artists working independently from home.

Talking about the rise in popularity and acceptance of tattoos, Gillespie said: “I think on the outside it looks like it has become more acceptable but I think the reality is it’s just easier to get them now and be in employment. I know guys that have been refused jobs because of their tattoos and I know guys that have been sacked for having tattoos, but this was years ago. Now I think if you start getting a sleeve it’s not a case of ‘oh you have to wear a long sleeved shirt now’ because it’s more fashionable.”

25-year-old Aimee Stewart who is studying law, said: “Most of my friends have at least one tattoo and I would love to get one but I can’t. It just wouldn’t give the right impression being a lawyer with roses and hearts dotted about your arm. I wouldn’t be taken seriously.”

Tattoos now seem to be commonplace in society. It appears as though everyone has at least one; from the Prime Minister’s wife Samantha Cameron who sports a small dolphin on her ankle, to David Beckham with his abundance of tattoos representing different parts of his life. People look up to celebrities and copy every move they make, something Gillespie sees every day: “People come in with pictures of famous people and their tattoos. Everybody and anybody famous with a tattoo, I’ve probably seen a picture of it and been asked a price for it, it’s insane.”

Murron Young, a 17-year-old high school student, said that she’s already planned her first tattoo: “On my 18^th birthday I’m going to get the stars that Rihanna has on the back of her neck. I love that tattoo.”

It’s not just young people who are getting tattoos. A 2010 Pew Research Study showed that 15 percent of older adults now have at least one tattoo.

“I think older people are going for it now because so many more people have them. Twenty to thirty years ago you were branded as somebody that had been in jail or a criminal and a lot of people were not inclined to get tattoos because they were scared of what people thought of them. A lot of people at that age now think I should have or I wish I did and now there’s nothing stopping them,” said Gillespie.

Peter Graham, a 67-year-old retired lorry driver, said: “It was always common for drivers to have tattoos, lot’s of the guys came from the forces and had tattoos. I never got one until my granddaughter was born and I was 55 then.”

If the tattoo trend continues to grow it will soon be 40 million people that are sporting tattoos in the UK instead of the current 20 million. 

 

 

“I’m Not A Lady Who Lunches”. A Day In The Life Of.

By Emma Tomlinson

Claire Johnston is a normal girl living in Glasgow. However do not be fooled as she shares how chaotic her life can be in the wonderfully wacky world of film making.

“My typical morning begins with me being woken by my alarm at around 8:30 which I continue to promptly shove on snooze at least three times before eventually forcing myself out of bed. Once I finally get up I shower, get ready, grab a large cuppa and a bowl of Weetabix while trying to catch the last twenty minutes of Frasier before I head around the corner to catch my bus.

Once I arrive at work I get my equipment set and ready for the day, ensuring cameras are charged, materials are out and everything is prepared and working. My work day changes frequently, keeping it exciting and interesting every time. Gmac often hosts courses funded by the Prince’s Trust which gives young people a month long taster of what it’s like working in the film making industry.

Outside of working with young people I can often be found making corporate videos for companies such as the NHS regarding illness: dementia, depression etc. I also continue freelancing for bigger projects being a camera assistant and general crew member. However, a time where I stop working for other people and become my own boss is when I work on my solo project that I plan to start shooting at the end of February. In regards to general idea I am still completely oblivious myself as to what the main topic is along with stressing myself senseless over finding volunteers willing to be my crew.

On my lunch break I tend to continue working, helping young people with any tasks, doing regular office work and keeping the place running smoothly. I am not a lady who lunches. On the off times where I do stop for a break I force myself out the office for at least ten minutes to get some fresh air and to pick up a quick sandwich from any of the local supermarkets near the office (sometimes from Marks and Spencers if I’m feeling especially posh!)

I’m never quite sure how to address the ‘how I got into film-making question’. It was never something I really planned to do, I kind of just fell into it and now I can’t get enough of it! I initially started off experimenting with photography at around 14-15 quickly abandoning it for boys and parties. I picked it back up again in my mid twenties doing freelance work and taking courses to broaden my skills. It was during my gap year in university that I found my true love for educating young people. I took a trip in Japan and Tokyo teaching the children there English and considered making that my career plan. However, it wasn’t until I was working as a trainee broker and bumped into actor, David Hayman when I officially started my media career.

In a bid to get out of the broker business I took on a volunteering position David was offering on a course he organised and after three months was offered a full time position training young people the necessary skills for working in Media. My greatest achievement working at Gmac is probably just having the opportunity to inspire young people to get creative and do something productive with their time.

I retire from the office at around 6:00 and get the bus back to my house. I do try to read on my journey home but I’m usually so tired that I have a quick nap behind the newspaper instead. Once I arrive home, I kick off my shoes, get my pyjama bottoms on and get the dinner started. I try not to turn the TV on as soon as I get home and have a quick read of the newspaper. This doesn’t last long though as the TV eventually beckons where I sit from 8 o’clock until I finally decide to call it a night, head to bed and get ready to do it all again in the morning.”

 

 

If You Dream

By Michele Kennedy 

Tuesday the 5^th of February 2013 marked a historic change for the LGBT community in England and Wales, when the Same Sex Marriage bill was passed in its second reading in parliament. With 400MPs for the bill and 175MPs against, the bill passed with a clear majority of 255.

Defending the same sex marriage bill Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: “Strong views exist on both sides but I believe MPs voting for gay people being able to marry too, is a step forward for our country.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, agreed with Cameron saying: “I genuinely believe that we will look back on today as a landmark for equality in Britain … No matter who you are and who you love, we are all equal. Marriage is about love and commitment, and it should no longer be denied to people just because they are gay.”

However, not everyone agrees that the bill should be passed. Sir Gerald Howarth, Conservative MP for Aldershot tweeted: “I am not a Tory moderniser, for I believe that marriage can only be between a man and woman and I shall not surrender my principles. I believe this bill is wrong.”

If it becomes law, the bill will enable same-sex couples, who are currently able to engage in civil partnerships, to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies – the latter only with the consent of religious institutions.

All of this happens on the most important month for the LGBT community. Throughout the month of February, people from all over the world are celebrating and learning about the LGBT community’s history.

LGBT history month is about recognising the lives and achievements of the people involved in the struggle for equality. This would not exist if the brave men and women hadn’t given up their lives at the 1969 Stonewall Riots in San Francisco, where the equal rights movement begun.

Tammy Baldwin is the first out lesbian and the first openly gay non-incumbent elected to the United States Congress:

“If you dream of a world in which you can put your partner’s picture on your desk, then put her picture on your desk…and you will live in such a world. And if you dream of a world in which you can walk down the street holding your partner’s hand, then hold her hands…and you will live in such a world. If you dream of a world in which there are more openly gay elected officials, then run for office…and you will live in such a world. And if you dream of a world in which you can take your partner to the office party, even if your office is the US House of Representatives, then take her to the party. I do, and now I live in such a world. Remember, there are two things that keep us oppressed – them and us.”

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your fake hair

by Courtney Hendry

 

Four years ago I cut six inches off my hair. It was great at the time; short, stylish and made people go “oh wow, that’s lovely”. For maybe five weeks I liked the novelty of the tiny ponytail, how different I looked and that most of my friends said I looked older. However, this phase soon wore off and I was left with the most troublesome of all hairstyles, the look that’s not quite long enough to be shoulder length but just short of being classed as a ‘bob’. 

I have tried everything to boost my hair growth with little success and I must emphasise that ‘Miracle Hair Growth Shampoos’ do not work. They are an expensive waste of money and act as little more than a placebo to make you believe that it looks like your hair has grown a cm or two so you continue to buy more. Your own hair should, on average, grow half an inch each month, without the need for any expensive product

Fear not though girls in a similar situation, there is an answer to your prayers. You may, like me, have tried various different clip-in hair extensions, ranging from fairly cheap to rather expensive and yes they all absolutely add that longed for length, but the clips are not easy to hide and it tends to be synthetic materials used. Another downside of the clip-ins is that it’s often very easy to tell when a girl is wearing them, cue the “look at that girl’s extensions, they’re so thin” whispers. Clip-ins also tend to be very readily available. My first pair were bought from a stall in the middle of a shopping centre for £35. I was offered no advice and proceeded to wear these ridiculous long strands of thin hair for a year. Most young girls don’t seek any professional advice and so they aren’t cut or styled in accordance with your own original hairstyle.

 Micro-Loops are the best investment I have ever made; bearing in mind I don’t own any cars or houses. They are one of the safest forms of extensions as no heat is used when they are attached to the individuals own natural hair. It’s a fairly simple process to have the extensions fitted; a trained professional will supply the hair, bonds and tools. However, it is very time consuming, it usually takes around three hours. 

Micro-Loops differ to clip in extensions as they are fastened around your own natural hair.  To install the extensions a small section of your own hair is threaded through, along with a similar amount of extension hair and then the ring is squeezed shut with small pliers to secure it in place. To remove them, all you have to do is squeeze the ring the other way with the pliers to open it up.

Micro-loop extensions should last on average around three to six months and although they are fairly expensive, usually retailing for between £160-£220 depending on who fits them, they look and feel great. However it is important to point out that many people offer their services who are not qualified to do so and if it seems to cheap to be true, that’s because it is.

The hair can be very easily styled as it is usually made from human hair. The   highest quality extensions are grade AAAA Remy hair which is the best because it has never been permed, dyed, coloured, bleached or chemically processed in any way.

For anyone who wants instant confidence and hair that turns heads they should definitely look into micro-loop extensions.

Come a little closer, get ready for Heartthrob

By Kimi Inglis

Hearts are throbbing in anticipation as the release of Tegan and Sara’s seventh studio album grows closer.

Heartthrob will be released in the UK on February 11th 2013. The album has already surpassed expectations, promising to be the duo’s most electronic creation to date.

Lyrically darker than their previous work, however, there are powerful keyboard hooks layered within the tracks to keep to their pop sound. The keyboards mesmerise with their lush power, while the haunting vocals add to the anxiety of certain tracks.

Tegan and Sara worked with Grammy nominated producer Greg Kurstin, and also Mike Elizondo, who will alongside the duo, enhance their barrier breaking sound.

Now I’m All Messed Up, is a broken plea of conflicting feelings set to captivating backdrop of synths. “Now I’m all messed up, sick inside, wondering who, whose life you’re making worthwhile”, lyrics so passionate you can feel your heart break with the intensity of the vocals.

Tegan and Sara have already played this track for television programme, 90210s Christmas episode.

An exception to the melancholy is their first single, Closer, a quirky attention grabbing feat of pop genius. Closer is the anthem of teenage desire, a smooth piece of writing that sends flutters through the hearts of the listeners.

I Was A Fool is the most exciting track on the album so far. The lush piano intro with its classical nature slows the track down giving it a breezy ballad feel. The harmony on the vocals gives the song intensity, making a sensational track.

Seven albums later, Tegan and Sara are still bringing fresh ideas to their music, penning lyrics that hold a place in their listeners’ hearts and pushing themselves to be the most creative band of a generation.

Tegan and Sara are without a doubt a band who should not be treated typically.

‘Is Print Media Dead?’

Sara Baird Studio

By Sara Baird

The change is the Media has come along way in 20 years, but what if the rise in online media has suddenly created the slow death of print? My interview with David McKinney on the ways of media and what his opinion is towards the change. 

The Shame Remains

By Chloe Anne White

 

LGBT people are all around us. We probably all have one friend at a minimum that falls under the label whether we are aware of it or not – or whether this person is even aware of it. Thankfully in these modern times being gay is not something to be ashamed of – or so it seemed. In football this is not the case.

There is still such a stigma about being gay and playing sports. It remains a taboo subject for both the players and the media.

Peter Clayton, who chairs the Football Association’s “Homophobia in Football” working group have argued that clubs prevent players from “coming out” fully.

In 2005, the FA held a summit aimed at tackling homophobia in football. In that same year when the BBC asked all of the twenty Premiership managers their opinions on the issue as part of an investigation, all twenty refused.

Manchester United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard said that: “Homosexuals are in need of a gay football hero.”

Attitudes towards homosexuality have increased throughout the years since it was legalised in 1967. Some of the most famous actors and entertainers to date have come out as being gay – such as George Michael and Rupert Everett… And yet the dark clouds of shame seem to remain above the sports fields. Football more than any other sport.

Football is perceived to be a traditionally “macho” sport. It is a sport where mostly young boys aspire to be just like the players – rich and successful. The idea of a LGBT icon dissolves the whole image that goes along with being a footballer.

Jamie Kuntz who attended North Dakota State College in America was kicked off the football team after lying about kissing his boyfriend during a game.

He said: “If I could hear one thing, I would like to hear the school say they were wrong. I feel like I’m standing up for all the gays that play sports.”

See here for video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbHblfKKNYI

 

Scotland Against Homelessness

By Kimi Inglis

Scotland’s Homeless Commitment Act will be introduced on the 31^st of December. The Scottish government approved the act, which will ensure individuals who are unintentionally homeless are given accommodation.

Councils throughout Scotland will collaborate with the government in order to provide settled accommodation for individuals who have by unfortunate circumstances become homeless

Statistics show that 60 Scottish children are made homeless everyday and one in 10 children is living in poverty across Scotland, this is 128,000 in total.

17% of the homeless population in Scotland is accounted for by single mothers, a further 7% are singles fathers and 5% are homeless families.

Vulnerable families will be given the chance of a future with the abolishment of the Homelessness (Abolition of Priority Need Test). This means around 3000 people each year will be given settled accommodation.

The Homeless Commitment Act will benefit individuals in the future but action by Holyrood needs to be taken now.

As the Christmas holidays begin, Shelter Scotland is taking measures to ensure individuals will not be made homeless as the temperatures grow worse.

They are asking all local authorities to work together with voluntary organisations to provide accommodation for homeless families and individuals.

Shelter Scotland has also asked that no-one be evicted from hostels, unless the individual has another means of accommodation. They are also urging local authorities to seek out people sleeping rough and help them to find accommodation.