Unraveling the Royalty Tangle between Sony Music and Boomplay
Background and Initial Reports
Sony's withdrawal was first reported by Pulse NG. A representative for Sony Music declined to comment on the matter, leaving many in the industry curious about the details. Meanwhile, several other prominent labels and distributors have also come forward to confirm that they have not received recent royalty payments from Boomplay. A monthly payment report published by the distributor Symphonic on Dec. 2 highlights that payments from Boomplay are excluded from April 2023 to September 2024 due to delays in receiving statements and/or payments from these partners. This indicates a broader issue within the Boomplay payment system.Boomplay's journey in the music streaming industry has been marked by significant growth and strategic partnerships. In 2019, it announced raising $20 million in Series A funding with the aim of becoming the number one player in the African music ecosystem. CEO Joe He expressed the unique challenges of the African music industry, where there are many independent musicians and small labels, making catalog building a time-consuming process.
Historical Partnerships and Milestones
Boomplay reached its first licensing agreement with Universal Music Group in 2018, followed by deals with Sony Music and Warner Music Group the following year. In 2021, it forged an agreement with the independent label organization Merlin. These partnerships have played a crucial role in shaping Boomplay's position in the market. Additionally, in October 2021, Boomplay announced that its streams would count towards Billboard's charts, further solidifying its place in the industry.Boomplay's CEO, Joe He, had ambitious plans for the platform. In 2020, he told Billboard that he believed the service could grow its user base in Africa to 350 million, highlighting the huge potential of the African market. As of September 2023, the platform claims to have 98 million monthly active users on the continent, demonstrating its growth and popularity.
Comparisons with Other Streaming Services
Boomplay is not the first streaming service to face challenges with timely royalty payments. In 2021, TIDAL was sued, and the complaint revealed that the platform had $127 million in liabilities, mostly in the form of unpaid streaming fees to record labels. However, TIDAL CEO Jesse Dorogusker assured Billboard last year that the payment situation had been remedied. This comparison raises questions about the industry's approach to royalty payments and the need for better financial management among streaming services.The situation between Sony Music and Boomplay serves as a reminder of the importance of timely royalty payments in the music industry. It also highlights the challenges faced by streaming services in managing their finances and ensuring fair compensation to artists and labels. As the music streaming landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for all players to address these issues and find sustainable solutions.
Experience the Magic of "Scrooge! The Musical"
Character Portrayals
Michael J. Baker Jr. takes on the title role with great finesse. Having played Scrooge before, he channels the essence of Alistair Sims' performance in the classic 1951 film adaptation. His mannerisms and clear, crisp singing voice add depth to the character. From the initial grimness to the celebratory charm by the end, Baker commands the stage throughout.
The ensemble at Fauquier Community Theatre is truly remarkable. With 22 members, each brings their all to every role. They wear varying hats (literally) and make subtle gestures and facial expressions that advance the story without being distracting. The strong cast camaraderie is evident, and it transforms the audience into a cheerful pack.
Musical Excellence
The opening number, an a capella medley of overlapping carols, showcases the hard work of music director Anthony Smitha. The seamless transition from solo singers to the choral group is a testament to their precision. Throughout the show, the harmonies are pleasing, and the actors are amplified and lit appropriately, ensuring the audience can clearly see and hear them.
The youngest members of the cast shine in the choral number "A Christmas Carol." Their resonant voices add a touch of innocence and joy to the performance. There are also numerous "money songs" that add to the musicality of the show, with a standout being Scrooge's signature ditty "M.O.N.E.Y."
Costume and Set Design
Kyna Chilcot's costume design is spot-on, transporting the audience to London and back to a time nearly two centuries ago. Diane King and Debbie Martin's set/scenic designs are versatile, helping make time travel seem real. Stage manager Esther Wells ensures the sets are changed in minimal time, adding to the seamless flow of the production.
Ghostly Performances
The Ghosts and Spirits in the show play their parts beautifully. Lexi Gioia's lovely high voice and Tim Carlson's smooth bass lead Scrooge through the eras with grace. Brad Broemmel's silent portrayal of the Future Spirit adds a delightful comic element, while his separate role as Mr. Pringle enhances the overall entertainment value.
Each actor in the show masters the English accent needed for their characters, a feat that is no small accomplishment. With dialect coaching from Robert DeBroeck, they bring the story to life and make the audience feel like they have traveled back in time.
Scrooge! The Musical plays through December 15, 2024, at Fauquier Community Theatre. All tickets ($18–$24) are for reserved seating and are selling out quickly. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at 540-349–8760. Printed playbills are available at the performances and online. See Facebook for additional photos. Fauquier Community Theatre is following the latest COVID guidance, and face coverings are optional. This project was supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts.