Blockchain Could Have a Huge Impact on the Entertainment Industry…

With the rise of the blockchain / cryptocurrency world, we are seeing many changes in the entertainment industry, I thought to share my thoughts as a seasoned professional working from major label, music festivals, entertainment management, and beyond - My take on the blockchain & crypto world is from the perspective of how I see the entertainment industry moving forward working with the blockchain and talent across; Film, TV & Music, and how this can provide NEW and exciting income streams for major labels to the new unsigned artist (who is hoping for a golden career).

I will start with what I have seen for many years in the entertainment space. With the fall of income streams across many disciplines, from singles, albums and with the rise of digital and streaming services, it has been difficult for artists to make a steady living, and I mean INDEPENDENT artists who struggle daily trying to earn a living from the entertainment industry, looking for the golden break. The live scene has never been better over the last 20 years, but again it is proving to be really hard for new and unsigned acts to really make their mark, parts of which I can understand, with music promoters under constant pressure to deliver the commercial acts to bring in the audience through the gates each year, and turn a profit. Yes NEW acts do get slots at festivals and grasp the opportunity when the time arrives, but very far and few, if they do get on a tour for example this could be a buy on (paying a fee to support the headline act), in other words, the support acts can NOT profit from the headliner so you have to pay to play, how many times has that been said...!!

The entertainment industry has many income streams across varies disciplines, digital, streaming, publishing, SYNC (for Film, TV & the Gaming industry), albums, live and merchandise, the last two have a big significance with acts, being able to control their merchandise and to a certain degree controlling LIVE (supply and demand) within some cases exceptional fees (working with the live agent). Looking at the collection agencies a lot of royalties do go missing for the acts, which becomes a problem over time, this can be down to many factors, bad management, label, publisher not tracking the income and with an archaic system which in my opinion is broken, and needs a complete overhaul.

This takes me on to the creation of the blockchain technology over the past several years, what is the blockchain and how it can help the entertainment industry ?

MORE ABOUT BITCOIN

A blockchain is a decentralized method of maintaining records digitally that’s incredibly tamper-resistant, thanks to the way individual blocks are linked to one another and time stamped. The technology was first developed to support financial transactions using cryptocurrencies, but it’s already proving beneficial for industries outside of the usual finance sector.

The entertainment industry is particularly ripe for a blockchain revolution as creators and fans alike stand to benefit from the changes the technology could bring about. Not only could a decentralized system offer significant advantages in terms of giving people access to the content, it could also be used to make sure creators are fairly compensated. This is where I see how this technology over time can benefit many in the entertainment sector with a very positive outcome, for the artist, label & publisher as an example.

BLOCKCHAIN BENEFITS

Smart contracts, like those made possible by the Ethereum blockchain, are one of the most attractive features of the technology. They allow parties to make and execute agreements in a secure, immutable way, and this ability has numerous potential applications within the entertainment industry.

Getting paid as a creative is not always a straightforward process. All too often, up-and-coming musicians are stuffed on their royalties and crew members on film sets don’t receive proper compensation for their work. Smart contracts could help mitigate those problems, ensuring that creators aren’t cheated, which is a great thing !!

As for consumer benefits, today’s streaming services are closed systems as that makes it easier for companies to protect their content — you need to use a service like Spotify or Netflix to access the content on those platforms.

However, the blockchain makes it possible to track permissions in a much more sophisticated manner. You won’t have to use a particular platform’s proprietary audio or video player — individual files will have all the information they need about whether you have the proper credentials, making it feasible for you to use whatever software you like to listen to music or watch your favorite shows.

As for consumer benefits, today’s streaming services are closed systems as that makes it easier for companies to protect their content — you need to use a service like Spotify or Netflix to access the content on those platforms.

However, the blockchain makes it possible to track permissions in a much more sophisticated manner. You won’t have to use a particular platform’s proprietary audio or video player — individual files will have all the information they need about whether you have the proper credentials, making it feasible for you to use whatever software you like to listen to music or watch your favorite shows.

An correlated challenge is currently facing the VR industry, which is confronting a lack of premium quality content. This may seem like a simple problem, but it’s difficult to solve due to the high cost and complications involved in filming or generating VR compatible video. A potential solution? Merge the demand for the live concert experience with the growing supply of VR headset technology and the proliferation of blockchain technology. One startup working to do just that is CEEK,which aims to extend the reach of events for sold-out shows by allowing artists to sell unlimited virtual tickets and digital merchandise. Projects like CEEK can give the fan, consumer access to live music concert and festivals across the world, while ensuring that artists receive their due revenue fees..

CEEK achieves this through the use of a blockchain framework, which provides fans looking for merchandise or tickets to live and virtual concerts a more reliable and secure systems for purchasing them, as well as the implementation of smart contracts to provide respective rights holders and publishers automatic payments from such transaction. It is designed as a fairer and more efficient system for everyone.

Solutions like those provided by CEEK are permitting artists, labels, and brands to take advantage to new digital transaction technologies without the red-tape that comes with launching their own ICO. Instead, they can create their own new coin or virtual item in less than an hour and reap the benefits of decentralized record keeping.

Blockchain could also make it easier to access media by bypassing some of the geographical limitations on services like Netflix and Spotify. A decentralized ledger isn’t kept in any particular location, so the days of regional broadcasting contacts might be coming to an end.

Then there’s the potential for cutting down on piracy. While blockchain isn’t expected to end illegal content sharing completely, it could provide creators with better ways of keeping track of where their work is being distributed without their consent.

In the film industry, for example, a crytographic transaction could be embedded into the metadata of a particular movie. By tracking uploads or modifications on the blockchain, the owners of the content would be able to see who is responsible for unauthorized distribution of the file.

THE FUTURE OF ENTERTAINMENT

The entertainment industry grew exponentially over the course of the past century. As a result, a status quo has become established in which company executives and the top tier of artists make enormous sums of money, while many of those below them don’t receive nearly as much.

The internet has already started to change things, allowing a much broader swathe of creators to find an audience. However, big problems still exist in terms of revenue, with distribution services and piracy both cutting down on the amount of money that actually ends up in the artists’ hands.

Blockchain technology could remedy that situation — and what’s good for the artist is ultimately good for their fans. Removing as many intermediaries between audiences and creators could be the best way to ensure that the work itself meets both parties’ expectations.

For further information about Ceek please contact Peter Moore at PRB: info@prbmedia.co.uk. 

Plus you can join our Telegram channel for up to date information on Ceek VR: www.t.me/ceekvrtokensale

Disclosure: The views expressed in this article are by the team at PRB media. Their personal investment perspectives have no impact on editorial content. PRB media does not provide investment advice. Writer contribution from Mr. Reuben Jackson & Mr. Brad Jones.

The Music industry and the Blockchain with Ceek VR

Music industry revenue continues to shift from physical and digital sales to streaming revenues and VR represents the highest level of engagement and revenue opportunity for interactive music streaming. Live festivals and concerts continue to domenate the global music spend with up to 49% attending live shows, concerts and festivasl across the world. Ceek VR are providing new and exciting revenue streams for labels, artists, publishers, etc, and if you think about this carefully people have the opportunity to see their chosen artists LIVE with out the disappointment of not receiving a ticket or to the point the artist is not providing a show in your country, and unable to attend.

CEEK VR established in 2015, is an award winning developer of premium social virtual and augmented reality experiences. Headquartered in Miami Beach, Florida the mission is to make virtual reality experiences universally accessible and enjoyable. CEEK simulates the communal experience of attending a live concert, being in a classroom, attending a sporting event and other ‘money can’t buy’ exclusive experiences with friends from anywhere at anytime. CEEK is now embarking on a new era looking towards the blockchain technology to accelerate growth. Even big multinationals and banks are working on their own blockchain projects, looking to maximize the technology’s capabilities.

Why the music industry needs Blockchain?

While music lovers have hailed as the democracy of the music industry, the 15.7 billion global music industry remains the same. Music piracy through illegally downloaded, copied and shared content eats into the artist’s royalties and music labels revenues worldwide. Added to this, the lack of a robust rights management system, which leads to loss of revenue to the artist. And the revenue, by the time the revenue's  reach the artist, this can take up to two years! Another area of concern is unpaid royalties, which are often suspended in various stages due to missing information or with rights ownership. Also their is a lack of access to real-time digital sales data, which if was available this can be used to strategise marketing & PR campaigns in a more positive way.

Artists are also plagued by a lack of sales transparency where  Digital Service Providers (DSPs) report a huge volume of streaming transactions, they end up receiving payment for only 20 to 40 percent of these transactions. This has led to several artists choosing to keep their music off such on-demand streaming services, causing huge gaps in the libraries of popular services like Spotify, Tidal, Apple Music, and Google.

These very areas are where Blockchain can make a difference. As a publicly assessable and decentralised database that is distributed across the internet, Blockchain maintains permanent and undeletable records in cryptographic form. Transactions occur across a peer-to-peer network, and are computed, verified and recorded using an automated consensus method, eliminating the need for an intermediator or third party to manage or control information. The very architecture of Blockchain being immutable, distributed and peer-to-peer brings immense potential to deal with the present woes affecting the music industry.

A recent quote from Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, when he says '' If Blockchain technology is going to be the future, we need to dig in and make it happen''. 

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Blockchain can initiate change in several areas

A major area in which Blockchain can bring positive change is in the creation of a digital rights database. Digital rights expression is one of the main issues in today’s music industry. Identifying copyright of a song and defining how royalties should be split between songwriters, performers, publishers and producers is extremly difficult in the digital space. Often artists lose out on royalties due to complicated copyright environment. Blockchain’s immutable distributed ledger system, which ensure that no single entity can claim ownership, provides the perfect solution. Secure files with all relevant information such as composition, lyrics, linear notes, cover art, licensing, etc., this can be encoded onto the Blockchain creating a permanent and inerasable record.

As a VR platform that targets the entertainment industry and also founded in 2015, Ceek enables artists to create VR experiences for their fans and audiences. It has already worked with several industry giants and headlining acts to power VR events through their hardware and software.

Ceek will also be using its own token to power its “entertainment metaverse.” The user can spend their tokens on Ceek’s Virtual Mint that would allow them to create their own virtual tokens, which can be then used as tickets to VR events and virtual items that could be traded as merchandise. Ceek will be running its own protocol, which is claimed to be cheaper to use compared to other blockchain platforms in the market today.

Currently the company is working on a VR event destination using blockchain technology, www.ceek.io  which will also provide artists and acts easy access to the blockchain functionalities such as token and virtual merchandise creation. To accelerate that development, Ceek is set to run its token event through December 2017 and will provide the public sale through January / February 2018.

Blockchain tokens could transform the entertainment industry

PRB Media are looking at the Blockchain and Cryptocurrency world and how this effects / benefits the entertainment industry.

Blockchain is ushering in disruption in various industries. Even big multinationals like IBM etc are working on their own blockchain projects, hoping to maximize the technology’s. Yet despite the upsurge in adoption and amid the rise and rise of Bitcoin, not all of blockchain’s applications are being used by established companies, there are exceptions, for example, messaging platform Kik, Hamburg-based fintech NAGA Group AG with its ecosystem and virtual reality (VR) platform Ceek, who have turned towards token sales to accelerate their respective growth. This article looks at how the blockchain could transform the music / entertainment industry.

Twenty years after peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing decimated the music industry, blockchain is emerging as a new P2P technology that could rip into the industry. But this time, the revolution promises to be different. Whereas digital and illegal downloading once wreaked havoc on the industry at large (from music creators to record labels, none were spared), a blockchain-based model for music pledges to boost the fortunes of artists. Industry middlemen and gatekeepers, however, could be in danger.

This is according to the vision proposed by SingularDTV, a company that is developing an entertainment app ecosystem on top of Ethereum — the blockchain computing platform for launching decentralized apps. Through its apps, SingularDTV hopes to enrich and empower artists, and rewrite the rules of the music and broader creative industry. Some of key steps its taking to accomplish this include:

Creating a token-based economy where value is derived from an artist’s work.Tokens are the native crypto-assets of a blockchain app. They are powered by smart contracts (code-based financial agreements) that are programmed into Ethereum. When an artist tokenizes, they’re turning their intellectual property (IP) into a financial asset, so an artist’s token reflects the value of their creative output. Those who buy into an artist’s tokens buy into owning a share of the artist’s creations and its revenue flows. The more people who consume the artist’s creation, the higher the value of the token.

Enabling artists and consumers to earn money from selling and buying tokens. Artists can raise money through a token launch, which is similar to an initial coin offering (ICO). Here, anyone can buy the tokens upfront. The majority of the windfall will go the artist, and the token launch platform-provider (such as SingularDTV) will retain a service fee. These tokens are programmed via smart contracts to dispense royalty flows: If someone pays a dollar for an artist’s content, then all of that artist’s token-holders will receive a pro rata share of that dollar, explains SingularDTV CEO Zach LeBeau. Tokens can also be exchanged for perks, like special access at a concert or early access to a new film release.

Eliminating middlemen and undermining the influence of industry gatekeepers.Tokenization lets artists raise funds upfront without relying on an advance from their record label. Meanwhile, distributing content via blockchain would allow artists to skirt streaming platforms like Spotify to earn royalties on their own terms. Of course, the success of this model hinges on attracting users, but there are reciprocal incentives in place — on both the artist- and consumer-side — for it to take off, and LeBeau believes this model could become mainstream in as little as two years. 

One artist who has a passionate and large following is already onboard with SingularDTV’s vision. Gramatik, the New York-based hip-hop and electronic artist, is the first musician to sign on the company’s tokenization program, and he's set to launch 100 million GRMTK tokens on November 9. “This is something artists have been dreaming about since the beginning of time, to be free of gatekeepers, and to communicate freely — and even be in a business relationship — directly with their fans,” Gramatik told BI Intelligence. It’s not hard to imagine his excitement spreading to legions of artists and fans in the near future too.

Witten by - Robert Elder

Wightlink's Sounds of Summer playlist revealed

Island singer/songwriter BeX, performing on a Wightlink ferry.

ISLE of Wight singer/songwriter BeX has joined the likes of REM, the Pet Shop Boys, Blondie and Paul McCartney on a new playlist celebrating the Isle of Wight. 

BeX’s single Time to Stop the Rain has been added to Wightlink’s Sounds of Summer Spotify playlist after topping a public vote in a competition run in partnership with the Isle of Wight County Press. 

Wootton-born BeX’s song received almost 500 of the near 700 votes cast for six original songs performed and put forward by Island artists.

Besides a spot on the Sounds of Summer playlist alongside some stellar names, BeX will also be given the chance to perform a gig on board a Wightlink sailing and also a free passage for her and her band to a future mainland gig. 

The rest of the Sounds of Summer playlist features 75 songs nominated by Wightlink customers. 

Marketing and Innovation Director Stuart James said: “We wanted to create an iconic soundtrack to the summer of 2017. A soundtrack which people can download, share, stream, and listen to whenever they like – recapturing that happy, Isle of Wight holiday feeling. 

“BeX’s song fits in perfectly with the spirit of Sounds of Summer and takes a worthy place alongside many other great tunes. BeX has already performed an on board concert for us during this year’s Isle of Wight Festival and we will be delighted to welcome her back for another performance.” 

BeX said: “I am thrilled to hear my debut single Time To Stop The Rain has been chosen for the Wightlink Sounds of Summer competition and Spotify playlist, a big thank you to everyone who voted.” 

Songs by Island artists also chosen for the playlist by the general Wightlink vote include Derek Sandy’s Welcome to the Isle of Wight and Nakamarra’s Temptress.

A County Press reporter

Many other songs are by bands who have played at Island music festivals.

The Sounds of Summer playlist is available at 

http://www.wightlink.co.uk/do/sounds-of-summer/ 

For more information about BeX contact:

info@prbmedia.co.uk

Bex performs for the Wickham festival main stage 2 and for the BBC at Cowes Week...

The Wickham festival kicked of on Thursday 3rd August, with a sell out crowd and artists line up over the four days, with something for everyone with headline acts KT Tunstall & 10cc on Thursday, Friday the crowd enjoyed Seth Lakeman and Show of Hands and Saturday the Oyster Band and The Levellers took to the main stage.

It was then the turn of Country Americana singer songwriter BeX and her band taking to the second main stage at 'Wickham' on the Hapi Festival stage (main-stage 2) playing alongside Gibb Todd, Ray Cooper & John Otway, with headline act Goat Roper Rodeo Band closing the evening. BeX and her band performed songs from her debut album 'Story So Far, this was her debut festival performance and to be honest she couldn't of asked for a better festival to launch on, the set was bright, energetic with some real catchy tunes with great lyrical content with a strong energy from her band, with Guy Hassell on base, Richard Wood on guitar and Kyle Fenton on drums and percussion - starting the set with her debut singe 'Time to stop the rain', which was quite fitting as the day was full of bright sunshine, which was not the case at the start of the festival.

The set was for 45 minutes, and with a very warm and enthusiastic crowd of several hundred people packing the big top to see the performance from this Country Americana artist, but with a little of pop rock in for good measure. For BeX first festival performance, I would say a great start to the festival scene and we'll be looking forward to the next show....

Before the Wickham Festival BeX graced the BBC introducing stage for Cowes Week at Sheperds Wharf, she performed songs from her debut album with a stripped back acoustic set, with Jamie Woodford joining the band on stage with added percussion, with the Wickham festival set being a full band performance, it was a great contrast.... BeX performed on the BBC stage at 5pm, with again a very enthusiastic crowd, especially with BeX fan base and network several people travelled a long way to catch the singer songwriter perform at Cowes for the BBC.

The next stop for the UK singer songwriter is with the BBC once again, with a house band invite from BBC Radio Kent, performing on the James Whale show. This artist has a real presence with a very strong backing from her musicians, certainly moving in the right direction and energy.

For more information about BeX contact:

www.officialbex.com

www.twitter.com/BeXofficialpage

BeX performs for the BBC at Cowes Weeks & The Wickham Festival - August 5th & 6th...

BeX and her band will be performing at this year’s legendary Cowes Week on Saturday 5^th August for the BBC Introducing Solent Stage – this is the first time the BBC Introducing Solent team have done this event. The show will take place at Shepards Wharf Marina during Cowes Week with some of the most up and coming artist in the South, with BeX providing her live set, from which she will perform songs from her debut album “Story So Far” catch her set late afternoon on Saturday...

BeX will then travel to the Wickham Festival on Sunday 6^th August for her debut festival performance in the Hampshire countryside for a 1pm [45 minute] slot on the second main stage [Big Top], with songs from her debut album and a couple of surprise tracks, BeX will be performing alongside, KT Tunstall, The Levellers, 10CC, John Otway, Seth Lakeman with many more acts.

This year there will be four stages at Wickham Festival. So as well as established artists, there will be plenty of opportunities to listen to up and coming young talent who are given the chance to showcase their talents. The festival is particularly keen to promote local artists, like BeX so you can discover some great acts throughout the weekend. At the festival you can enjoy a wide range of family entertainment including: cartoon cinema, storytelling, puppet theatre and make ‘n’ take crafts tent.In addition there is a digital funfair, playbus, laser arena, bouncy castles and children’s entertainers – and all are free once people are in the festival arena! Enjoy the entertainers who wander freely for your amusement or try out the giant deckchair.

BeX released her debut LP 'Story So Far' May 26th 2017 with Grammy & Awarding Winning writing collaborations including US producer/songwriter Alan Glass (Aretha Franklin, Earth Wind & Fire, Delta Goodrem, George Benson) and Greg Haver (Manic St Preachers, Mel C) Amy Wadge (Ed Sheeran, Una Healy) and renowned musicians are featured on the album including Nick Nasmyth (Keyboardist Manic St Preachers, Melanie C) Vulcan String Quartet, and Greg Haver on drums & percussion with mastering by Sterling Sound in New York & Yannic Fonderie (Natalia Druyts -The Voice) in Belgium.

BeX is an accomplished performer & singer songwriter with an expressive blend of Country, Americana Rock and Pop sound.

BeX style brings the elements and qualities from some of her favorites artists Sheryl Crow, P!nk & Anastacia, and a country feel of the Dixie Chicks & Lady Antebellum, and with the essence of all these influences ‘BeX’ Creates her own unique and original sound as an artist & songwriter in her own right.

BeX grew up on the Isle Of Wight, UK, a true country girl who has gone on to tour the world on many high profile shows and events as a professionally trained dancer & singer including; Abu Dhabi NEC, The Bedford, The Troubadour, Her Majesty's Theatre, Royal Albert Hall, a supporting act for Olly Murs at Ayrshire Racecourse ,and a Q&A & LIVE performance at the BT Tower, and is currently collaborating with Grammy & Award Winning industry professionals for her debut album 2017, plus recently being selected to part of a women empowerment book & soundtrack called ''Sheet Music: The Diary Of A Songwriter'' by Devine Evans (USA X5 Grammy winner - Pharrell, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Mary J Blige)... Janelle Monae & Queen Latifah are featured and are big supporters. BeX story is in the book, & BeX vocals can heard on the books soundtrack, the Country song called 'Winding Roads' which was put forward in 4 categories on the Grammy ballot for the 2017 Grammy nominations.

BeX has just done a ''live lounge session'' with Steph at BBC introducing Solent on May 20th to perform songs from her debut album ' Story So Far'' to launch her album release. Plus BeX has been invited back in to the the studio with ''Livvy & Chrissie'' for a live performance and interview at BBC Radio Bristol beginning of June.

CELEBMIX have been great supporters & have just done a great Album review.

http://celebmix.com/album-review-bexs-story-far/

FATEA MAGAZINE gave BeX a 4 star **** ''GREAT ALBUM'' – review

http://www.fatea-records.co.uk/magazine/news/DrivingTest2/

BeX kicked off the IW Festival in association with major sponsor ''Wightlink'' - Performing on board the flagship vessel for all the Festival goers as part of the IOW Festival on Thursday 8th June

http://celebmix.com/bex-perform-acoustic-show-part-isle-wight-festival/ .. 

BeX will also be the guest house band soon on BBC Radio Kent for the iconic ''James Whale'' weekend show. So with all this going on make sure you check out BeX performances at Cowes Week & the Wickham Festival this August.....

Media Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbexpage 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/BeXofficialpage

WEBSITE:

www.officialbex.com

Music Agents...

In the music world, booking agents are different from talent managers. Booking agents are the people that actually book shows for the artists they represent. They make all of the arrangements with the promoters of the shows. The booking agent presents the promoter or producer of the concert with a performance agreement, which stipulates the artist’s requirements. Items may include lighting, sound, meals, hotel accommodations, and transportation.

For concert buyers, they work to find the right artist that will fit in the need and available budget.Many of the major booking agencies refuse to represent clients who are not already signed to a major record label and have national distribution of their music. Because of this, artists on independent record company often seek representation with an independent booking agency.

Bars and nightclub that specialise in presenting live music on a regular basis often employ an individual to assemble the schedule of events. These people are the venue’s buyers, and should not be confused with the booking agent, who presents their roster of available acts to the buyer. Booking agents may also have contacts known as free-lance promoters. These are individuals that agree to produce a concert by locating a venue, providing a sound system and assembling a staff.

Producing a show in this manner, at a location that is rented out for a single evening, is called “four-walling,” as it entails renting a venue and receiving no additional services or technical equipment other than the space itself. This has often been the only available option for underground musicians lacking enough popular appeal to gain access to more conventional performance venues, but is also used among the genre of raves and various DJ-related events.

The cost factor of having a booking agent has to be weighed against what they can do for clients and buyers alike. Some agents represent several different types of artists, while others represent artists in one main area/genre.

For more information about 'PRB Media' and how the agency can help your event, show please send you bookings & information to: 

Email: info@prbmedia.co.uk