'Credit Where Credit's Due' recognises those behind the scenes in recorded music
News: 24th June 2010 by Louise Dodgson under Finance, Law & Music Business, Recording & Production
Who played bass on track seven of the new Beyonce album? Where was the Snow Patrol album recorded?
In this digital age, getting the answers to these and many other questions related to recorded music is virtually impossible because there is no official, unified database of credit information relating to music production, performances and mastering. Yet according to a survey conducted by the Music Producers Guild (UK), 98% of record producers would support a unified database – and believe that this information should be incorporated as meta data and accessible to listeners of all future digital mediums.
This is why the Music Producers Guild (MPG) has launched its Credit Where Credit’s Due campaign – because we feel it is time that all those involved in the production of recorded music got the credit they deserve.
When was the last time you looked at the credits on an album? Remember when you used to eagerly scan your album sleeve notes to see where your favourite albums were recorded? Remember how much fun you had working out that two of your favourite artists used the same producer? If you own one of the 10bn songs that have been downloaded from Apple’s iTunes store, there is no way of knowing the answer to any of these questions. In fact, there is no information relating to the recording, musicians, equipment, publishing or thank you’s on any legitimate MP3.
Why, you may ask, does this matter? Isn’t it only useful information for people taking part in a pub quiz? This may seem like music trivia but sadly there are also sound financial reasons why credit information needs to be collated and accessible to everyone.
Actively crediting contributor’s inspiration and hard work is standard across all forms of the creative spectrum from movies to art galleries. Why, then, has the collective music business let this slide? Blackberrys and iPhones have technology that can help you find your car, keep tabs on your bank balance or check how straight your shelves are. Yet we don’t know the name of the musician shredding the guitar solo you happen to be listening to.
MPG director and producer Tommy D adds: “Credit information needs to be incorporated into the listening experience and made accessible for those that wish to know it, need it, account to it and, most importantly, be inspired by it. We should be proud of the work we do and ensure our names are proudly attached to that work. If we’re not, who will be?”
The Music Producers Guild feels this issue should be debated out in the open with a view to garnering the opinions of all those involved; artists, labels, producers, publishers and audience alike. If you want to be part of this campaign, please register your interest – and post your comments via the website below.
One final statistic – 66% of those polled on the Credit Where Credit’s Due site said they would buy more music if this info was embedded into file formats. Isn’t it time we did something about this?
About Music Producers Guild (UK):
The Music Producers Guild (UK) is an independent and democratic organisation that encourages the highest standards of music production, and actively engages with other music industry organisations to campaign and lobby on matters of important mutual interest. The MPG represents and promotes the interests of all those involved in the production of recorded music, including producers, engineers, mixers, re-mixers, programmers and mastering engineers.
Related Links
http://www.creditisdue-mpg.co.uk
Tags
mpg, music producers guild, record producers, recorded music, credit where credit's due
