Electronic artist Kieran Hebden aka Four Tet yesterday shared that three albums released on Domino Records; 2001’s ‘Pause’, 2003’s ‘Rounds’ and ‘Everything Ecstatic’ released in 2005, have been removed from streaming services amidst an ongoing legal dispute over streaming and download royalities. It’s a move, Hebden says, that has been instigated by the label to prevent the dispute being heard in court.
In August, the musician launched a case against the label, claiming retrospective damages for a historic royalty rate; Hebden believes the rate applied to record sales in 2001 is in breach of contract. Domino have since stated the contract was misinterpeted and the 18% royalty rate still applies to streams.
Culture select committee member MP Kevin Brennan chimed in, arguing that Hebden’s case is why parliamentary reform with regards to previous contract stipulations, royalties and renumeration, is a necessity.
I’m so upset to see that @Dominorecordco have removed the 3 albums of mine they own from digital and streaming services. This is heartbreaking to me. People are reaching out asking why they can’t stream the music and I’m sad to have to say that it’s out of my control.
— Four Tet (@FourTet) November 21, 2021
This thread shows exactly why my Bill is needed – artist challenges record company on low rate paid for their music based on contract from before streaming even existed – label response? Remove his music from streaming platforms! That’s why the campaign is called #BrokenRecord https://t.co/cV2Ns40RxS
— Kevin Brennan MP (@KevinBrennanMP) November 21, 2021
Four Tet’s 2010 album, ‘There Is Love In You’, remains on streaming platforms, seemingly not part of the original deal.
The ongoing legal dispute is due to be heard in court next January.
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Source: https://www.clashmusic.com/news/four-tet-albums-removed-from-streaming-services