Dear Friends,
On June 7, a controversial new law goes into effect in the EU that will basically hold platforms (ie, SoundCloud, iTunes, etc) liable for uncleared copyrighted content on their platforms. As we have seen with the "cookie" notifications on every site because of EU regulation, I am sad to say that I think the era of the music podcast on any platform is about to be over. Til now, web hosts could "play dumb" until someone reports an infringement of content their algorithm missed. They still can in the US. But in the EU starting June 7, they can no longer do that. Apps or services where you listen to music will probably take immediate, rigorous action. I received a blanket letter today from one of my podcast hosts stating they will implement a "take down, stay down" process for any reports of copyright infringement. Basically, entire podcast channels you depend on could go away overnight. There will be no appeals. There will be no 3 strikes to the Artist. The web hosts butts are about to be on the line. SoundCloud and iTunes will do anything and everything to avoid a hit, I assure you. I'm writing this to urge you to download any episodes you love that host on one of these platforms today. Do not wait. My feelings are obvious how I feel about a podcast. I provide a track listing, and have never presented a track from start to finish as you would buy it on Beatport or iTunes. For me, it's a promotional tool for not only myself, but for the artists I feature. Same goes for any live set I decide to share. I provide you, the listener, a way to find out which artist and song (or combination of the songs in mashups) I'm playing. On the opposite end, I am a content creator and songwriter. My work is mixed in podcasts frequently. As long as another artist credits me and anyone else on the project, I give you full waiver of rights to use my music in any kind of promotional material for your art (ie, by a fellow DJ or producer using a song I own the copyright to in a podcast, mashup, etc). I think most of us creators & producers feel the same. Why the powers that be still in 2021 have not figured out a way to let DJs make mixes, pay artists we sample, and let you listen to a mixed set that is unique, new and creative is beyond me. But I will not get into a copyright discussion here. Please take controversial remarks on the matter to your own page. This post is to inform, not instigate. I'm writing this to anyone who listens to me, or your favorite DJ on SoundCloud, through iTunes, or any public outlet. Don't wait to download the mixes you love. That go to you count on for the last 20 minutes of your run? That go to for when you are pre-gaming? Find anyway you can to preserve it sooner than later. And fasten your headphones, it's going to be a bumpy ride! Love, Joe
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