TAKING ON THE INDIE KIDS

Something we missed when it happened at the end of January: apparently the BPI has decided to spend this year absorbing as many indie labels into its borg-like body as it can. To make it easier for indies, the BPI has offered to take just five quid out of every hundred raised through public performances by the labels. Of course, the BPI is just being big-hearted, explained Peter Jamieson:

"For 30 years the BPI has been mandated to protect and promote the interests of the recorded music sector of our industry." said Jamieson. "Although its every action continues to be designed to benefit every company in the sector, irrespective of size, representation of the independent sector within its activities is not as strong or as representative as it could or should be."

The BPI's members currently represent over 90% of recorded music sales in the UK, but there are still many labels who do not advantage themselves of the associations' services or have the opportunity to influence strategies and policies.

"We will improve and strengthen every facet of our membership services to ensure a better deal for our members, and we are changing our subscription basis to facilitate increased membership. The more representative the BPI can become the more effective and united will be its voice within the wider music industry." added Jamieson.

Now, why has an organisation which up until now has been little more than the cartel of the big seven/six/five/four suddenly decided it needs to mop up the smaller labels? Perhaps, yes, they are genuinely concerned that tiny labels are missing out on their chance to go and play policemen with the BPI; on the other hand, could it be that the organisation is seeing that the big labels are starting to become less and less relevant in the digital age and are very keen to try and stop themselves going the same way.

Whatever, we do love the idea that the tiny labels stand a bugger's chance of getting to influence policy - only if they want it influenced in the same direction as EMI, Sony-BMG, Warners and Universal, we'll bet.

music bpi industry