Music Borrowing And Copyright

23 June 2016

Room A110 - City University London St John Street, London, EC1V 4PB

If you are interested in copyright, and especially as it intersects with modern music making and recording, join City University London Law School senior lecturer Dr Enrico Bonadio and BBM founder Kwaku, as they break down the subject generally and home in unto some of the recent court cases.

Starting from the analysis of the Marvin Gaye/Pharrell Williams 'Blurred Lines' decision, we will delve into the main issue: where to draw the line between lawful inspiration and illegal copying. Dr Bonadio will also deliver a short presentation on 'When The Lack Of Copyright Protection Encourages Creativity: The Case Of Vintage Jamaican Music'.

PRICE: Free

The BBC Wants Your Pop Reggae Gems!

Crowdsourcing in 2015 and 2016

Blog by Nadine White

3rd October 2015

BBC Four: 'The People's History of Pop'

Since its establishment in 2002, BBC Four has been committed to broadcasting international films, new arts and music programmes and factual documentaries between the hours of 7pm-4am.

Reggae Fraternity UK have recently received information surrounding a music programme currently in the works, 'The People's History of Pop' (PHOP). Independently produced by 7 Wonder, an award-winning media production house, the documentary will chart the UK's popular music heritage from the 1950s to the Noughties.

This unique project will be narrated from the fans’ perspective as opposed to the conventional formula of interviewing artists/producers; a refreshingly grassroots approach. Oh and speaking of roots, there’s a particular angle embedded in this programme for reggae music. It is widely known that reggae has played an integral part in UK popular culture. The genre's historical pop sensibilities have seen its appeal integrate into wider society and the ranks of mainstream.

Many viewers will recall ‘Reggae Britannia’ (February 2011), a documentary which was aired on BBC Four and addressed the evolution of reggae within the UK, influence on other musical art forms and its impact on the development of second generation Caribbean identity. This show attracted an audience of over 415,000!

Of ‘The People’s History of Pop’, Executive Producer at 7 Wonder Steve Condie says: “we are making a new kind of social history programme and offering everyone a chance to share their part in the musical brilliance which is one Britain’s greatest achievements”. So, with that said, there is a call for UK reggae patrons to submit their memorabilia via the PHOP website; this can be anything from footage, posters,  images, recordings, mixtapes, written material…even ticket stubs from that old sound clash, concert or dance.

So why not get involved? You could be featured in this documentary when it airs in 2016! And even if your stuff does not make it onto the big screen, all submissions will still be featured in an online archive. You cannot say that we do not keep you posted about what is going on!

PRICE: Free