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| IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) Platinum Europe Award. Details: This body recognizes artists who sell more than a million albums in Europe. |
Eclectic rock band The Corrs have been confirmed as the new European music industry's artist spokespersons. The hugely successful Irish band will work together with IFPI, the organization representing the international recording industry, to voice the concerns of artists over copyright protection in the digital age, support the fight against piracy and promote the success of the music sector in Europe.
The French composer and musical innovator, Jean Michel Jarre, has fulfilled the role of artist spokesman since 1998 and now hands over to The Corrs who will perform the role for the next two years. Both Jarre and the Corrs have confirmed they will be attending the third Platinum Europe Awards ceremony in Brussels on July 13.
The Corrs commented: "We are honored by IFPI's invitation to act as artist spokespersons for the European music industry. Succeeding such a renowned artist as Jean Michel Jarre, who has represented musicians and their fights regarding copyright and anti-piracy issues with such vigor, will be a challenge. But it is important that the international creative community is represented in these matters."
As the champion for artists and the music industry, Jarre last year rallied hundreds of Europe's best-known musicians in a Petition to the European Parliament over the proposed EU Copyright Directive. He was joined by The Corrs in meetings with MEPs at the Parliament's headquarters in Strasbourg. The artists' intervention helped secure amendments that could strengthen the protection of artists from piracy in the digital environment.
Jean Michel Jarre said:
"I am very happy to have been a spokesman for the concerns of artists and musicians in Europe over the last two years. This is a really important time for artists, who need to know their creativity will be protected and rewarded in the age of the Internet. I am delighted to know that my work will be taken over by such an impressive group of musicians as The Corrs. Having worked with them, both musically and in our Petition to the European Parliament, I know they will be great ambassadors for their fellow artists."
Jay Berman, Chairman and CEO of IFPI said: "Jean Michel Jarre has used his status as one of the world's most successful musicians to champion the rights of all those who would follow in his footsteps. Europe's music industry owes a huge debt to him."
Berman added: "It is very fitting that The Corrs should pick up Jean Michel's mantle, and we are absolutely thrilled and honored that they are going to continue his work."
Andrea, Caroline, Jim and Sharon Corr have won world-wide acclaim since their 1997 breakthrough album "Talk On Comers" gained Gold or Platinum certificates in 22 record company markets, including 10 times Platinum (over 3 million units) in the UK, 19 Platinum in Ireland and six times Platinum in Spain. "Talk On Corners" went to number one in the UK six times, and became the biggest selling album of the year there in 1998. The Corrs were awarded "Best International Group" at both the Spanish Amigo and the UK BRIT Awards.
In September 1999 the band recorded an "Unplugged" performance and the album became their fastest selling record, charting at number one in Ireland, as well as hitting the top spot in Austria and Belgium. To date it is Gold or Platinum in 20 countries. The Corrs are now putting the finishing touches to their fourth album, with producers Mutt Lange (Shania Twain, Bryan Adams) and Mitchell Froom (Crowded House, Corrs "Unplugged"). The album is due for release in summer 2000.
The Corrs and Jean Michel Jarre will both attend IFPI's prestigious Platinum Europe Awards in Brussels on Thursday, July 13, 2000. Platinum Europe honors the elite community of artists who have achieved sales of 1 million copies of an album in Europe.
Phil Collins is confirmed as host for the evening and the European Commission President Romano Prodi will be guest of honor and present the awards. An announcement of the international line-up of artists who will be honored and perform at the event will be made at a later date.
The Platinum Europe Awards are a celebration of the dynamism of the European music industry. The European music market has doubled in size in the last decade and accounts for more than one third of the global music retail market. The Awards underline the importance of an industry that employs, directly or indirectly, around 600,000 people across the continent.
IFPI, the organization representing the international recording industry, comprises a membership of 1,400 record producers and distributors worldwide.
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Source: grayzone
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