This June, wiwibloggs reported of threatened label boycotts in Norway and Sweden of Melodi Grand Prix and Melodifestivalen due to EBU distribution rules.
The original EBU rules meant that Universal Music Group took profits from all sales of Eurovision compilation albums at the expense of artists signed to other labels.
Don’t worry though y’all: the EBU and the labels have made peace. Under new rules, Universal Music Group will not be able to acquire the rights of songs entered by rival record companies.
Labels will be required to make songs available across all digital platforms and in the event a label cannot provide that service, a distribution deal will be made to contestants by Universal Music Denmark.
NRK’s Melodi Grand Prix Project Manager Stian Malme said it’s a solution he thinks everyone will be happy with.
In the event the threatened boycott failed to materialise and song submissions for Melodi Grand Prix 2015 actually rose 30% year-on-year.
It seems unlikely a boycott took place in Sweden and impacted and its national selection Melodifestivalen. Although song submissions were the lowest in over a decade, competing artists aren’t only signed to Universal.
203 alum Ellen Benediktson for example is signed to Warner Music Sweden.
Whatever happened with the record labels, Melodi Grand Prix Music Chief Vivi Stenberg is upbeat about MGP 2015: ” I almost bit awe of having to “dive” into this big bag of songs that represent so much hope, talent, hard work and ambition.”
We can’t wait to see the acts next year!
Source: NRK
That’s interesting because I can’t download a version of 2014 ESC electronically in the USA due to licensing reasons now that it is distributed through iTunes where I used to purchase them directly from eurovision.tv. I don’t know what’s changing but those of us elsewhere are getting shut out.
Interesting text. Thank you!
They should ban US Major Label and give European labels a chance.
I would have done it so all profits went to a charity of the years host broadcaster’s choice, like if the BBC hosted, they could choose, Comic/Sport Relief or Children in Need.