fair music weblog

fair music - how to put an end to a history of unfairness in the music business

As a music fan, I have always been outraged by the historically unfair treatment of composers and musicians, as well as the limitations of artistic freedom due to a dominance of commercial interests all through music history.

What happened to many creators of music – think of cases like the famous song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – should be impetus enough to strive for more fairness and justice in the music industry.

I think the time is favourable: The current and dramatic changes in the industry have completely rearranged the musical landscape. These changes in structures can be seen as steps towards modernisation. They also provide us with the opportunity to create awareness for fairness in the production and distribution of music. There is also the chance to cooperate with international organisations and music-related NGOs to establish widely accepted industry standards.

I invite you to participate in helping me launch the fair music initiative. The fair music weblog offers you the necessary information and opportunity to get involved.

Peter Rantasa founded the Viennese electronic festival “PhonoTAKTIK” and the Viennese electronic platform “Rhiz -Bar Modern.” Since 1999 he is the director of mica - music austria and, since 2003, a member of the Board of Directors of UNESCO’s International Music Council (IMC).