(Mojo, as captured by Flickr user kathyp.)
Digital Music News is reporting today that psychobilly legend Mojo Nixon is going to release his entire catalogue – over 150 songs – online for free download, alongside the debut of his latest album, Whiskey Rebellion (also free).
DMN:
“I’m just the kind of crazy person to do it,” Mojo told Digital Music News in a phone conversation. “What do I have to lose? I’ll make make more money off of this in the long run.” […] The Orchard is now preparing an official release on the matter, pending various executive approvals. “Getting all 150 tracks, that might be like having a bacon sandwich with sausage on it. It’s like chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup,” Mojo shared. [Link added for reference.]
I don’t put this up here suggesting this is the way to go for everybody. Indeed, Mojo’s 1980s releases on Restless Records might cause The Orchard some trouble during those “executive approvals.” Restless would probably be more into getting their catalogue out there for free before they were bought out by WMG. Nevertheless, it’s a fascinating step, and something to talk about during the Future of Music Coalition Policy Summit over the next few days.
Mojo owns all his material. He’s got a radio gig on sirius. It isn’t forever, and this isn’t his main source of income anymore. Also, much of his catalog is out of print, so this is a way to get some of those hard to find things out there for people rather than paying inflated prices on ebay for an album from the 80’s.
Comment by Budke — 3 October 2009 @ 3:58 pm |
Hi Budke, thanks for stopping by.
I don’t doubt you that he may own many of his compositions, or that this is a great deal for him. I think a lot of artists who prefer live performances as their sources of income may want to try something like this.
I have to correct you on your claim that he owns his material. At least according to the registries at the US Copyright Office, Enigma Entertainment owns albums “Get Out Of My Way!” “Frenzy” “Bo-Day-Shus:”
http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=9&ti=1,9&Search_Arg=Get%20Out%20of%20My%20Way&Search_Code=TALL&CNT=25&PID=g3WCml4H8vTbBc2We4hiZTMe4&SEQ=20091003170537&SID=2
http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=5&ti=1,5&Search_Arg=bo-day-shus&Search_Code=TALL&CNT=25&PID=Pg4M5dPZWC1PXAsUa4vFcPzk6&SEQ=20091003171121&SID=8
Plus some more recent recordings are co-registered with Shanachie Entertainment:
http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=17&ti=1,17&Search_Arg=Nixon%20Mojo&Search_Code=NALL&CNT=25&PID=116B0pUcnOuAKv-t8Euq9CtVF&SEQ=20091003172046&SID=13
All of these have the record company listed as “Employer for Hire,” which usually means the artist’s contribution is a “Work for Hire” and thus does not recognize Mojo as the “author” for the work, in a legal, rights-holding sense. So, while they may be okay with this, Mojo would have to ask. Over the past 20 years, Enigma Entertainment spunoff Restless Records, and Restless has since come under the wing of Warner Music Group. Depending on where the rights in these songs landed, Mojo may have to go up to Warner to get the permission.
You clearly know a good deal about Mojo, looking over at your site, so if you have more info on this please let me know.
Comment by Andy — 3 October 2009 @ 4:29 pm |
Quit your whining Andy
Comment by Junkyard Willie, MD — 20 October 2009 @ 2:16 pm |