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02 Jul 03 - 09:37 PM (#975628) Subject: Green Linnet Screws Artists From: GUEST FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New York -- Major Irish and Irish American recording artists have combined to take legal action against Green Linnet Music in a lawsuit unprecedented in the history of Irish music. The famed Irish groups, Altan and Cherish the Ladies, nine-time all-Ireland fiddle champion and musical star of Riverdance, Eileen Ivers, National Heritage Award winner Mick Moloney, and All Ireland Champion multi-instrumentalist Joanie Madden have come together because they share a common outrage at the way they have been treated by one of the major recording companies in world music. Green Linnet Records, of Danbury, Connecticut, has been a leading force in recording and distributing Celtic music for over 25 years. Along with its Xenophile and Redbird labels, the company has over 300 masters licensed and features a roster that has included, among others, Eileen Ivers, Cherish the Ladies, Mick Moloney, Altan, Lunasa, Martin Hayes and Denis Cahill, Tarika, Sharon Shannon, Patrick Street, Phil Cunningham & Aly Bain, Wolfstone, Tommy Sands, the Bothy Band, Jez Lowe, Liz Carroll, Jimmy Keane, Robbie O'Connell, and the Kennedys. Owner Wendy Newton has been quoted to say, "We certainly have the best profile of any Celtic label, because we not only release the records, we actively sell and promote them." And, indeed the rapid expansion of the company and their high-profile role as the major sponsor of the hugely popular NPR syndicated show "Thistle and Shamrock" was a barometer of their success. It would probably shock most Irish music fans to know that the artists who recorded their favorite Green Linnet albums have not been paid, said famed fiddle player Eileen Ivers. The lawsuit recently filed by the artists (who irreverently refer to themselves as The Green Linnet Five) highlights the fact that Green Linnet has consistently failed and refused to provide timely accountings or royalty statements to their artists for several years despite repeated requests and demands; that the company underpays and fails to report income regarding the commercial exploitation of the artists' master recordings; that they improperly reduced the rate of royalties due and inappropriately applied deductions without a contractual basis to do so and to everyone's amazement has the unfettered gall to continue to commercially exploit master recordings for years after the licensing agreements for these albums expired. Additionally the company fails to list income and pay royalties on a number of compilation albums that contain recordings from the artists. According to their music attorney, Bob Donnelly, The Green Linnet Five are simply demanding that Green Linnet's numerous and continued breaches of contract warrant full payment of royalties owed, a return of their master recordings and an immediate cessation of exploiting the artists' work. World-class musician Joanie Madden pointed out that "we tried to negotiate with them for a year. Ultimately we realized that they had no intention of bargaining in good faith or paying us." One of the biggest sources of outrage against concerns the issuing of close to 100 CD compilations of existing artists' recordings over the last decade. This appeared to be a cynical ploy to exploit the world-wide popularity of Celtic Music in the 1990s at little or no cost to the company. Green Linnet issued scores of budget priced albums with the title "Celtic" and then decided unilaterally that no royalties would be payable to the artists on their sales. It is believed that these compilations ended up selling hundreds of thousands of copies, though the exact figures are unknown to the artists because Green Linnet has refused to account for them except for a few statements which Madden characterized as "woefully incomplete." The case of the world famous Irish group "Altan" is a good illustration of the case presented by the artists. Altan were contracted to Green Linnet for a five-record deal which ran from 1987 until 1993. Green Linnet admits to owing Altan a figure in excess of $100,000 in unpaid artist and publishing royalties. Almost unbelievably Green Linnet refuses to respond to requests for sales records, invoices or other back-up information. As a result, the members of Altan are uncertain of how much they are truly owed. On a number of occasions since 1997 Altan has sought to negotiate monthly payments from Green Linnet to clear what was already then a significant backlog in money owed to the band by the record company. However Green Linnet consistently failed to adhere to the promised repayment schedules while constantly ignoring a large volume of formal requests from Altan's management to resolve the situation. The members of Altan are appalled at the inordinate number of budget priced compilations licensed by Green Linnet to other companies that feature their work. There are over 75 albums listed on Green Linnet imprints alone that feature Altan tracks. Green Linnet has licensed additional Altan material to other labels for various unauthorized compilations. In promotional materials Green Linnet states that Eileen Ivers is an Irish American treasure. Among the foremost fiddlers of her generation, she has expanded the boundaries of traditional Celtic music throughout her illustrious career. Although Green Linnet may regard her as a treasure, the company has steadfastly refused to pay any of the treasure it has earned from the sales of her records. Like her fellow artists, Ivers believes that the $65,000 in royalties which Green Linnet acknowledges that it owes to her, is only a small portion of the true amounts that are due and owing. Its most recent violation concerns the blockbuster, award-winning movie, "Gangs of New York." MiraMax Films licensed Eileen Ivers' recording "Lament for Staker Wallace" from the album entitled "Wild Blue" for use in the movie. MiraMax agreed to pay a licensing fee of $15,000 of which $11,250 was legally due to be paid to Eileen Ivers. As a showing of their "good faith," company president Wendy Newton promised to pay Ms. Ivers the full $15,000. When no payment was made for several months after the release of the film, despite Ivers requests for this money, a probe was launched. Ms Ivers finally established through painstaking investigation that payment had been made directly to the record company. The president of Green Linnet stated through her lawyer that the company had already spent Eileen's money and despite their "good faith" promise, Green Linnet once again refused to pay her. "Originally we were content to allow our attorneys to work out these problems and not speak about these issues in public," Eileen stated. "But this act of deception was the final straw that broke this camel's back. Now we want the world to know what they are getting when they buy a Green Linnet record. If we can save even one more artist from making the mistake of signing with this company, this will all be worthwhile." Eileen Ivers has gone on to form her own internationally distributed record label called Musical Bridge Records. Over 35 known compilation albums contain Eileen Ivers tracks from her Green Linnet recordings. To add insult to injury, Green Linnet took the unprecedented step of issuing or licensing two greatest hits type albums despite the fact that Green Linnet only had two Eileen Ivers albums to begin with. Ivers complained, "I feel like my fans may have been decieved into thinking that they were getting new albums from me when all that Green Linnet did was to recycle old material." Green Linnet has yet to account for and pay licensing fees and royalties to Eileen for these recordings. In short Green Linnet admits to owing an estimated $65,000 dollars to Eileen Ivers but refuses to pay. "It's been years since Green Linnet has sent any royalties for my solo album, four Cherish the Ladies albums, or countless compilations that they've placed us on," says Joanie Madden, founder of Cherish the Ladies, the only full-time touring, all-women's group in Celtic Music. Green Linnet stated in their romotional materials that "Over the last 10 years, Cherish the Ladies have become one of the premier Irish traditional groups in the world, and their recordings are always among Green Linnet's top sellers." Green Linnet cknowledges that it owes Cherish the Ladies and Joanie Madden over $70,000 dollars in unpaid royalties although Joanie Madden believes that "this is just the tip of the iceberg." Singer and multi-instrumentalist Mick Moloney is a National Heritage Award winner. This is the highest honor a traditional artist can receive in the United States. He has performed on and produced over 75 albums of Irish traditional music. Many have been on the Green Linnet label including recordings of the famed group The Green Fields of America, Eileen Ivers, and the distinguished musician and composer Seamus Egan. He and the other artists in The Green Fields of America present complaints against Green Linnet similar to Altan, Cherish the Ladies and Eileen Ivers; unauthorized use of recordings for compilations and failure to supply accurate sales figures and to pay royalties owed. Green Linnet seems indifferent to the fact that is going down in infamy as a company which has in effect declared war on its artists, losing no opportunity to mistreat and exploit them at every opportunity. Sadly Green Linnet and its ownership represent an anomaly in the world of contemporary recorded music; a throwback to the bad old days before reform of the industry when many record companies routinely cheated their artists. Artist attorney Bob Donnelly said that he was approached by the folk music division of the musician's union to represent 25 other artists who have also not received the royalties to which they are rightfully entitled. "I wish I could fight for all of them but I just don't have the time," Donnelly said. "One can only imagine how many other artists are out there who have simply given up. I hope our lawsuit gives them the courage to persevere." It would appear that the ownership and management of Green Linnet have felt secure in mistreating their artists because historically folk and traditional musicians have not possessed the resources to take legal action against major corporations. What Green Linnet clearly did not anticipate is that so many distinguished artists would come together to take collective action against them. The distinguished Irish musician and teacher Mick Moloney summed it up by saying, "In recent years the management of Green Linnet has come up with a typical rejoinder when confronted by artists demanding justice. 'Sue us,' they say. Well, it's finally happened." See here (click) for attribution of the source of this information, such as it is. Since it is information about folk music, it seems to be appropriate to post it here. However, attribution should have been given when the article was posted. It would also have been appropriate for the poster to use his or her own name, rather than posting anonymously. Slander is most insidious when it's anonymous. -Joe Offer- |
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02 Jul 03 - 09:44 PM (#975633) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST It's not just its Celtic acts that have been screwed over by Green Linnet. Speak to the Klezmatics, Pete & Maura Kennedy, James Keelaghan, Rosalie Sorrels, etc. and you'll hear the same kind of stories. |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:25 PM (#975668) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: artbrooks Any nonanonymous comments out there? |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:26 PM (#975670) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Willie-O Well that's pretty depressing. I remember seeing those "Celtic Compilation" CD's in big stores and thinking, that looks pretty cheesy, then looking closer and seeing Altan etc, and thinking, wow, how'd that happen...and it's only... Pretty interesting world when a record company can "unilaterally decide" to rerelease artists work and not pay them royalties. Gosh, does RIAA know about this? I bet they'll get right on it... (not). W-O |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:32 PM (#975672) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Mary Katherine I work at Folklore Productions; we're the North American booking agency for Lunasa, Dervish and Rosalie Sorrels, among many others (see our web site at www.folkloreproductions.com for the others). Anyhow, yes, these three artists have repeatedly expressed their anger, dissatisfaction and frustration at the unresolved issues with Green Linnet. Legal action appears to be the only recourse. It would be good if someone from GL would address these concerns in some forum or other, so that their position can be heard too. |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:33 PM (#975673) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: michaelr Guest, please tell us where you found this information. While this is a potentially serious and troubling issue, anonymous and uncredited postings tend to run into credibility problems here. Cheers, Michael |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:33 PM (#975674) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Maryrrf I don't have any firsthand experience but this isn't the first time I've heard pretty bad things about Green Linnet. I'd be interested in learning more. |
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02 Jul 03 - 10:34 PM (#975675) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Alba Would really help to know the Source of this Post! It is after all mentioning Musicians by name and I am always uncomfortable when things are said that cannot be checked for accuracy. Any information on where this "Immediate Release" came from Guest? A |
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02 Jul 03 - 11:37 PM (#975700) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,sorefingers First if ever there was a posting to Mudcat that should have been summarily moved or deleted by the Posting Police - who ever the blue bazes they be - then this is it. Second the aforementioned offended individuals number among their ranks scarsely 25% actual Irish people and for what it is worth I think they got what all thieving greed little skitters deserve, to be well and truely screwed - by a bunch of expat Corkmen Green Bonnet ..good on ye bhouys! Third and most important of all, the Internet should take care of any slack here sucking the heart out them- looks like it already did - he heh- by MP3freesharing these pretenders to death... In short when next they, and their not so different thieving cousins in folk/country, steal from the likes of meself they can reflect on the FACT that today it is no longer profitable to steal copywright and publish other folks stuff! IOW Screw em!... if ya can |
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03 Jul 03 - 12:02 AM (#975706) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: DonMeixner Huh? Don |
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03 Jul 03 - 12:30 AM (#975714) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Q Who is Jody Kolodzey? Some bare bones from the Internet. Kolodzey is pres. of the National Writers Union (AFL-CIO) local in Philadelphia. One of his websites is through the University of Pennsylvania, but what his relationship to that institution is, I don't know. There are approx. 6400 members of the Union nationally. A recent article of his in "Sing Out" (Summer '03) was about Sharon Katz. In "In These Times," he wrote on "Remembering Nina Simone." He is associated with black music and folk song groups and the Green Party. Are the charges true? Couldn't find any information, but if suits are in the mill, not much would be expected. Many excellent artists have recorded with this label. |
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03 Jul 03 - 06:16 AM (#975813) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: kendall If it is not true, it is libel. More serious than slander. |
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03 Jul 03 - 06:35 AM (#975823) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: An Pluiméir Ceolmhar I posted a link to the original press release on the Evil corporate music industry thread. I met Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan a couple of years ago in the company of an upcoming Irish Trad band. She advised them against signing to Green Linnet because of problems in getting them to pay up royalties which were due. Clearly enough people are now owed enough money to make it worth their while going to law. Sad to see it happening with a label which seemed to be so good for trad music in the days when there were hardly any commercial recording opportunities for that sort of music. |
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03 Jul 03 - 06:56 AM (#975833) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST The press release that begins this thread was issued by the lawyers representing the artists who are suing Green Linnet. |
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03 Jul 03 - 07:07 AM (#975837) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Noreen So why is it not attributed to them, by name? |
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03 Jul 03 - 08:01 AM (#975846) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Jeri This isn't new. I remember internet discussion from back around 1997 when the Scots band Wolfstone broke up. It appeared, on the surface, that the band broke up just to get out of their contract with Green Linnet. I remember there was more disussion about royalties at that time, GL saying something like "We'll pay royalties when we can afford to." Now, this is all fuzzy memory and I don't have the energy to search the archives of rec.music.celtic to find evidence, but it's there. I'd assumed it had all been worked out...silly me. |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:19 AM (#975931) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: WFDU - Ron Olesko The details of this story are still a bit murky, but I will tell you the facts that I know. I have a few sources that are close to this issue and here is what I can confirm. The "press release" was brought about by Bob Donnelly, the lawyer for the "Green Linnet 5". Apparently the suit was filed a few months ago, but the story came out last week on the heals of another story that was published about Green Linnet. The group Lunasa has been having a disagreement with Green Linnet about their just released CD "Redwood". Lunsasa claims that GL is using a master with sonic imperfections which they say sounds as if it were processed through a computer. The band claims they sent a new master to GL but the label has not used it to press the CD's. The band is also upset about the artwork on the cover claiming they did not submit it. GL admits this but they also say that they are under no obligation to use artist supplied artwork in this case. Lunasa admits this as well, but they say GL has used their supplied artwork for previous CD's. Lunasa has asked GL to rectify the situation or they will file suit. With that story in the press, the Green Linnet 5 decided to go public with their story, and in my opinion, they are hoping the publicity generated by the Lunasa story will help their cause and force GL to open up their books. Green Linnet, as far as I know, has not responded publicly to this new story. My guess is that under the advice of their lawyers they won't. I caution people to understand that there are two sides to every story and while their appears to be a history of "issues" with Green Linnet, not every artist has had these complaints. We should be prudent. I must say that Wendy Newton has been a guest on my radio show and she and the crew at Green Linnet have always been helpful to me. Wendy has set some very high standards for the music issued on Green Linnet and I respect her tastes. I also have had some of the Green Linnet 5 and Lunasa on my show and I think the world of them. Eileen and Joannie were involved with benefits for my radio station many years ago and I have the greatest respect for them. My only hope is that the artists get what they are truly owed and that Green Linnet can survive and continue to release wonderful recordings. I hope that this can be resolved to everyones satisfaction either in a court of law or in some sort of compromise. Ron Olesko |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:26 AM (#975936) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Russ For what it is worth, I asked a friend who is a DJ for a local Celtic music radio program about this. She confirms the reality of the lawsuit but knows nothing about the validity of the claims made in the suit. |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:34 AM (#975944) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: KathWestra Thank you, Ron! There are indeed two sides to every story. I do not know either of them, and neither does anyone who has posted to this thread so far. Just because you read it on the Internet does not make it true. I agree with Joe Offer that having this posted anonymously makes this thread's existence even more egregious. What I DO know is that the "press release" has been widely circulated on folk-music-related Internet lists, without a date, contact person, or contact phone number. I am the public relations director of a major national association. Rule 1 of PR: every press release should have date, contact person, and contact phone number so that interested parties can verify its content. The fact that these are missing raises immediate red flags. Ron's information that the release was circulated by the plaintiffs' lawyer makes me VERY suspicious that someone is trying to make this into a cause celebre, rather than properly allowing the justice system to decide who, if anyone, is at fault. Matters currently in litigation are things that the immediately involved parties will probably not be discussing--and properly should not. And I agree with Kendall. Statements made by any of us on this thread, if they turn out not to be true, could be considered libel. This is dangerous territory. Nuff said, I hope. Kathy |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:51 AM (#975959) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Let me clarify one thing - I do not know if the "press release" was AUTHORED by the lawyer, my information is that the information contained in that "release" was supplied from the lawyer. I have not seen the original release but I was able to confirm the source. I do agree with Kathy, there seems to be a push to turn this into a cause. Someone on the FOLK-DJ list made a subtle suggestion that a boycott of Green Linnet take place. I am totally against that for a number of reasons. First of all, the artists get paid for airplay from BMI & ASCAP. Boycotting music and freedom of expression rubs me the wrong way. It would also hurt artists who are perfectly happy with their situation. It would also hurt a business that has nutured an industry in Celtic music and I would hate to see their catalog disappear. I have no clue as to how many CD's have been sold. Traditional music is an industry but unlike the major labels I have not seen figures on how much money is generated from the various independents, artist self-releases, clubs & coffeehouses, festivals etc. The Mom & Pop nature of this "industry" makes it nearly impossible to get a handle. We aren't talking huge numbers. Ron |
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03 Jul 03 - 11:16 AM (#975974) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Russ This isn't about ethics and morality and personalities and pedigrees; it's about contracts and law. No matter what the pedigree or personality traits (or lack thereof) of the plaintiffs, they have a right to whatever compensation is specified in whatever contracts they signed. Ditto no matter how small (or big) Green Linnet is and no matter how nice (or nasty) the people who run the company are. This is also the 3rd millennium and the rules seem to have changed. Trying to get a case tried in the press has become pretty standard at least in the States. It's just a move in a legal chess game. One reason being that "properly allowing the justice system to decide who, if anyone, is at fault" might, at best, eventually benefit their grandchildren. I am personally taking a wait and see attitude, but the people I have talked to personally suggest that such a lawsuit, if it exists, might have some justification. |
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03 Jul 03 - 11:33 AM (#975989) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Russ, I hope you don't think I was implying that this lawsuit is unjustified. My last sentence was probably misleading. I was just trying to say that there are no numbers on this industry (that I am aware of) so it becomes hard to grasp the magnitude of this issue. I agree that we need to let the courts decide. I just wanted to point out that the issue is not cut and dry as some people have made it out to be. |
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03 Jul 03 - 03:17 PM (#976132) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: michaelr Sorefingers, what the hell are you on about? |
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03 Jul 03 - 03:21 PM (#976134) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Irish sergeant I've bought a lot of albums through Green Linnet over the years and really hope this isn't true, but I also wonder that it might be. I do hope they will do the honorable thing if they owe money to the artists and pay up. It's a situation that bears watching with an unbiased eye. What did you say Eileen Ivers label was? Kindest regards, Neil |
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03 Jul 03 - 03:49 PM (#976153) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: katlaughing I really hope this works out for the best for all concerned. It has reminded me that I used to go to this page all of the time to listen to their latest CD's. I've always appreciated the chance to "preview" them, but wondered how many might get pirated, thus losing the artists and GL revenues. (Not sure of the quality nor if its possible from Real Audio as I only have the free version.) |
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03 Jul 03 - 07:02 PM (#976265) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Russ Ron, I wasn't really aiming at you specifically. I just wasn't entirely happy with what I perceived as the drift of the whole thread. I hope I didn't sound too snotty. (I was aiming to sound somewhat snotty but not too snotty). To be up front. I don't own many Green Linnet recordings because I'm not really much into the music they present. But I do own a few and I care about the musicians on those recordings. I really bothers me to think about the possibility that they've been/are being royally screwed. |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:12 PM (#976351) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Pat Cooksey Green Linnet distribute worldwide, to say we are not talking about huge amounts is ill informed nonsense, as much as it hurts follower of other folk music generes, Irish, i.e. Celtic Music, is worldwide a massive industry and generates millions, the artists who recorded for this company, and many other companies are entitled to their share of this this. |
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03 Jul 03 - 10:35 PM (#976366) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: WFDU - Ron Olesko Pat - you are correct. I've already said that the sentence I wrote was misleading and not what I was intending to say. I should proofread before I hit the submit button. My point is that there is no organization that is compiling numbers that I am aware of. Country, jazz, rap and others all have such information available. In my previous statement, I was referring to the traditional music industry as whole. Aside from the "major" independents, there is a Mom & Pop attitude about traditional music. The music is often presented (here in the U.S.) in clubs and coffehouses that are run by small organizations that are often non-profit in status. House concerts are widespread. Many successful artists play between 100 to 200 dates a year in clubs like these. The majority of their CD sales come from these concerts. These musicians are making a living and covering expenses, but this is not huge money. How accurate is the book keeping in these venues? When an artist issues their own CD, who is keeping score? Of course groups like Altan are in a different catagory. But again, how big are groups like this? It is easy to say it is a "worldwide massive industry", but are there figures that show this? I'm not saying it isn't true, it is just that traditional music generally is an unchecked industry. Yes, Celtic music appears to be a huge industry worldwide. Unfortunately everything from Ireland seems to be labeled "Irish" - Enya, Van Morrison, The Chieftains, and every one else. Look at the best seller lists that appear in Irish Music magazine. Very odd selections in some cities. Very arbitrary. Again, I want to clarify. If artists are owed money by Green Linnet or any other record label, then they should receive it. I don't doubt the allegations that the Green Linnet 5 are making, I just haven't heard the reaction from Green Linnet. I caution people to let both sides of the story be heard. It is very easy to side with the artists, but I would like to hear Green Linnets side of the story and have their books opened to the artists. Ron |
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04 Jul 03 - 09:46 AM (#976624) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST Ron, The reason that you haven't heard Green Linnet's "side of the story" is that Green Linnet, for whatever reasons, has decided not to respond publicly. Green Linnet's non-response is not new and did not start with this lawsuit. As a folk music presenter, I know quite a few artists who have made albums for Green Linnet, some of them are personal friends and I have heard their stories, over a period going back to the early 1990's, of Green Linnet's non-payment of royalties. Many of these artists have tried, personally and through managers, lawyers, etc. to get a response from Green Linnet. Green Linnet has not responded. I made the second post in this thread: "It's not just its Celtic acts that have been screwed over by Green Linnet. Speak to the Klezmatics, Pete & Maura Kennedy, James Keelaghan, Rosalie Sorrels, etc. and you'll hear the same kind of stories." The artists whose names I've mentioned have all directly told me of how they've been screwed by Green Linnet. Indirectly, I've heard similar stories about many other Green Linnet artists. Pete and Maura Kennedy have been public about their troubles with Green Linnet for years. The following is from their 1997 entry in The Kennedy Kronikles: "In January, Mike Connelly from Cherry Lane calls to let the duo know about, hopefully, a simple clerical error. Green Linnet is several months behind payment on the main royalty check for "Life is Large"--an amount totaling over fifteen thousand dollars. This is a huge sum of money to the Kennedys, who are still pulling themselves up from the pass-the-hat level. This money represents all the songwriting income from "Life", and it would be the only income Pete and Maura would have to live on once the tour ended. Exhausted from traveling, they contact the label to confirm that this is a simple error--someone forgot to send out the check. After several weeks of evading calls, label owner Wendy Newton finally talks to the Kennedys lawyer, and confirms everyone's worst fears--the label has no intention of paying. "I've got to look out for number one", is Newton's only explanation. Phone calls to other Green Linnet artists reveal that this is happening to several songwriters at the label, and an exodus ensues--most of the top selling acts will cancel their now-invalid contracts during the year, with the label losing literally millions in future record sales income. Maybe people do stuff like this because of uncontrollable greed, and an easy target--musicians who have struggled for so many years that they may be willing to get ripped off just to have their music heard. Sounds like the 1950's, but it still happens today." The Kennedy Kronikles are linked here. |
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04 Jul 03 - 09:57 AM (#976631) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST As long as Green Linnet refuses to respond, they will benefit from people saying that we can't condemn them because we haven't heard their side of the story. Based on the Kennedys story, it's already bought them years of time. Not a new strategy. The big tobacco companies bought themselves forty years by refusing to acknowledge that smoking was harmful. Harmful? It's lethal. |
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04 Jul 03 - 11:00 AM (#976667) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Pat Cooksey In March this year the Dubliners received a settlement of more than one million pounds for unauthorized re- issues of some of their back catalogue, I think this gives some idea of the kind of money these c.d.'s generate. |
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04 Jul 03 - 08:41 PM (#977003) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST I wonder what Lisa Null would have to say about what Green Linnet has become. |
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05 Jul 03 - 05:08 PM (#977462) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Rick Fielding This isn't proof of anything...strictly undocumented info, but I just had a long visit with one of the artists who's owed money by Green Linnett and he MORE than confirms the information in the first posting...TO MY SATISFACTION. Cheers Rick |
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05 Jul 03 - 10:23 PM (#977597) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Maryrrf I've heard enough from more than one source (and not just on mudcat) to believe that something is not right with Green Linnet. I really do think that things like this SHOULD be brought up and discussed in this forum, just as the Dave Bulmer/Celtic Music story was. It might keep more people from being taken advantage of, and at the very least encourage artists thinking of signing with a record company to be very careful about who they are signing with and what they are signing away. |
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05 Jul 03 - 10:31 PM (#977602) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: johnross If we take the artist's estimates of monies owed to them at face value, it sounds like GL probably owes all their unpaid artists at least $300,000 -- probably a lot more. Typical royalties are what? 10% - 20% of sales? So it sounds like the label's gross sales over the period in question is at least in the $1.5 - 2.5 million range. Those are significant numbers. |
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06 Jul 03 - 08:12 AM (#977728) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Maryrrf I don't think $1.5 - $2.5 million is unrealistic for Green Linnet. They are one of the premier "Celtic Labels" and have worldwide distribution. They do a good job of marketing, they've released tons of these "budget collections" and I think they've probably sold a large number of CD's. |
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06 Jul 03 - 08:56 AM (#977741) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: WFDU - Ron Olesko As I said previously, I don't think any of us doubt the artists allegations. I still would love to hear Green Linnets side of the story. I guess we will hear it in court. Again, we are all making very educated guesses as to what kind of money is generated. I will say it again, the "traditional" music field has been undocumented for way too long. The major trade publications and groups ignore figures for this genre. It is very rare that you see financial figures for festivals where you would see them listed in Billboard. The mom & pop independent nature of this genre has allowed it to operate in a vacuum, so it is not surprising that cases like Green Linnet and David Bulmer are popping up. Perhaps groups like the Folk Alliance might be able to shed some light and lend assistance. Ron |
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06 Jul 03 - 10:30 AM (#977769) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Maryrrf There's quite a bit of information about the Lunasa dispute with Green Linnet on this website http://www.tradmusic.com . This is a great website anyway for keeping up with trad music news and well worth a look every now and then. |
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06 Jul 03 - 10:53 AM (#977776) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST We all go right to the AFL/CIO and their PR writers for the Truth, d'ont we? |
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06 Jul 03 - 02:28 PM (#977871) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: michaelr The latest chapter of the Lunasa vs Green Linnet saga is here on tradmusic.com. Apparently a settlement has been reached without resorting to legal action. Cheers, Michael |
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06 Jul 03 - 02:57 PM (#977877) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Marc I don't feel I can mention his name here. But I've a friend who has had the same exact problems with Shanacie, to the tune of 85-90 grand. For a solo folk artist, that kind of money, or not,can dramaticaly change ones life. |
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07 Jul 03 - 01:27 AM (#978095) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Nerd For anyone who still cares: Jody Kolodzey, in addition to her work as a journalist, is a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. Soon after hearing about the Green Linnet 5 "press release," she verified with the courts that the lawsuit was indeed filed. However, to my knowledge she did not independently verify anything else in the release before distributing it. Sorefingers, have you gone raving bonkers? Pat, I'm glad to hear the Dubs got some money for all those millions of knockoff compilations out there; jeez it's still probably only a pound per unauathorized issue! One of those compilations even plagiarized an article I wrote for the sleeve notes, but I can't really afford to sue... |
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09 Jul 03 - 10:23 AM (#979767) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,enul@starpower.net Someone on this thread asked to hear from Lisa Null about the Green Linnet Affair so I'm posting what I sent yesterday to publore. I'm not sure I can shed much light on the specifics of this current complaint, but I can provide some background context. Maybe it will help: As an original cofounder of Green Linnet with Pat Sky, back in 1971, it is with some anxiety that I have been following the recent discussion about that company. I subsidized Green Linnet as long as I could and eventually passed it on gratis to our employee, Wendy Newton, with the hope that she would continue developing it into a financially and ethically sounddpurveyer of traditional and roots-based music. Wendy loved the emerging Celtic hybrid sound which seemed to have more commercial potential than the minimally accompanied vocal materials and simply-recorded tunes which had originally impelled Pat Sky and myself into the record business. We took pride in our original roster of musicians, which included Seamus Ennis, Peter Bellamy, Joe Heaney, Paddy Tunney, Rosalie Sorrels, and Debby McClatchy with the Red Clay Ramblers. Still, it was post-Bothy Band jigs and reels which quickened Wendy's heart. I developed confidence in Wendy early on-- she handled my personal bills, bank account, and household while I toured as a singer. The emerging portrait of Wendy as an avaricious and exploitive manipulator of musical talent has made little sense to me in light of this earlier experience. I have suggested to Wendy that she respond to such charges, but she hesitates to do so. She feels such negative stereotypes are emerging from legal issues best worked out through mediation or in a court of law rather than in the court of public opinion. We do not talk about business much because our roles resemble that of natural versus adoptive parent. I do know, however, that much of Green Linnet's staff has remained with the company over the years and that, without yielding durable profits, the company has been able to provide medical insurance and a living wage to a small, stable work force. Wendy acknowledges that she owes some musicians back royalties but tells me she is paying them off. She believes that her books and contracts are in order and open to inspection. Whatever the sense of wrong the plaintiffs (reduced from 5 to 3) feel and whatever specifics gave rise to this press release, the story is surely more complex, not easily abstracted into a cause celebre on behalf of put-upon folk primitives. That tale has been told again and again, and folklorists have not always been militant enough in protecting those victimized by the system. The essence of the Green Linnet story, though, is likely to lie in the struggles between musicians and a small business all trying to rise up out of a backporch economy and to gain for themselves a semblence of economic legitimacy. |
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10 Jul 03 - 09:41 AM (#980522) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Big Bertha and Loose Liz We eard bout this website through a mate of ours in the Old Folks Home - Dirty Old Git. 'E told us that we could find the words of dirty songs 'ere, but we 'aven't found any gooduns yet. Then we saw this 'ere thing about getting screwed. Do you reckon that this Green Linnett guy would come over ter Essex and give the two of us a good sortin' out ? I suppose you could call us artists - we both draw things on the lavatory wall. I mean we both enjoy a good session with Dirty Old Git, but e's getting a bit passed it. 'E can usually manage to do both of us in one session, but then he can't manage it again for another hour or so. After all we're both Essex Girls and we need a bit more often than that. |
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11 Jul 03 - 09:19 AM (#981207) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST Are you two for real? |
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11 Jul 03 - 10:26 AM (#981247) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: GUEST,Big Bertha 'Course we're real, well most of us anyway. We've both got dentures, and Liz wears a falsie on one side ever since that nasty accident when she was "exercising" this big alsation dog wot started nibbling 'er boob and got carried away. I 'ad a bit of me whotsit removed when they gave me this hysterical thingummy, but I've still got the important bit and it works fine. Mindyer, Doris the Dyke has a strap-on bit which aint real, but it's not as good as a proper bloke's one. Why not come over to Chingford and be our guest. It's probly best if yer tells Matron that you're a priest or sumfink coz she's gone all religers ever since that nice young vicar started coming round. She had a private prayer session wiv 'im the other day and she must 'ave got the religern real strong coz the whole home could 'ere 'er shoutin out "halleluja!" and "Oh god I'm coming" - she's still ere though. Come on over darling and check out our credentials. |
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15 Jul 03 - 06:48 AM (#983639) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Dave Bryant I'd love to come and visit you and Liz, Bertha, but my Linda is also an Essex Girl (after that's her Mudcat name) and not only would I (and you two) be in grave personal danger if I tried it, but also I know my limitations and I think that one Essex at a time is enough. I don't know how "Dirty Old Git" can manage two of you. Perhaps you should try getting in touch with McGrath of Harlow - after all he doesn't live very far away from Chingford. |
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01 Oct 03 - 06:26 AM (#1027067) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: The Fooles Troupe FYI.... Forwarded withou Dale's Express with with implied permission. I've been on Dale's list for years, unless someone is spoofing him, I'd believe it... You can get onto his list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/chiffandfipple ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Special Announcement from Chiff & Fipple Dear Chiff & Fipple Readers, Many of you know Joanie Madden and most of you have heard her music and you know what she has contributed to Irish music in America not to mention our beloved whistles. Joanie writes with the following information. Some of you will already be aware of some of the background to this story: ___________________________ Dear Dale, Hope all is well with you Whistle King!!! I'm just packing here in New York for a trip to Ireland tonight and wanted to drop you a line before I went. I'm hoping you can help me in getting the word out in sending this message out to the Chiff and Fipple email list regarding the Green Linnet 5 (Cherish the Ladies, Altan, Eileen Ivers, myself and Mick Moloney) planned protest and mini-concert for Monday, Columbus day, October 13th at Green Linnet records in Bethel, CT (by Danbury) at 4:30. We're hoping for a great turnout and I'd love all of my fellow whistlers to come out and show their support for our cause. As you are aware, Green Linnet has neglected to report all sales since 1999. Our lawyer estimates that approximately $450,000 is owed to us as a group. They have refused to pay us what they owe and have refused to account to us over the past four years. Their delays and actions have cost us many thousands of dollars so far and now we have been pushed to run a full fledge audit to try and get what is owed to us - an extremely expensive venture. At the present time, Green Linnet has refused us any access to the books. I'm forwarding on this email to our Publicist Anita Daly, who'll send you a press release and directions to the event. Thanks for the help Dale! Hope to talk to you soon! Joanie Madden www.cherishtheladies.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 2003 DALY COMMUNICATIONS 333 WEST 39TH STREET SUITE 603 NEW YORK, NY 10018 212-465-2444 // anitadaly@yahoo.com IRISH MUSICIANS TO PROTEST AT OFFICES OF GREEN LINNET MUSIC IN DANBURY, CONNECTICUT OCTOBER 13, 2003 Claim years of non-payment of royalties and inappropriately applied deductions WHEN: OCTOBER 13, 2003 WHERE: 81 BEAVER BROOK ROAD, DANBURY CONNECTICUT TIME: 5:00 P.M Major Irish and Irish American recording artists have combined to take legal action against Green Linnet Music in a law suit unprecedented in the history of Irish music. They plan to lead a musical protest at the company's offices in hopes of galvanizing this grass roots cause. There will be renditions of old labor movement tunes and appearances by guest artists joining them in the protest -- the likes of which has not been seen since the mid 1960's. They ask that fellow musicians, their fans and others who believe in their cause come out to support them. The famed Irish groups Altan and Cherish the Ladies, nine time All-Ireland fiddle champion and musical star of Riverdance, Eileen Ivers, National Heritage Award winner Mick Moloney and All Ireland Champion multi-instrumentalist Joanie Madden have come together because they share a common outrage at the way they have been treated by one of the major recording companies in world music. Green Linnet Records has been a leading force in recording and distributing Celtic music for over 25 years. The company has over 300 masters licensed and features a star Irish music roster. Owner Wendy Newton has been quoted to say, "We certainly have the best profile of any Celtic label, because we not only release the records, we actively sell and promote them." "It would probably shock most Irish music fans to know that the artists who recorded their favorite Green Linnet albums have not been paid," said famed fiddle player Eileen Ivers. The law suit recently filed by the artists (who irreverently refer to themselves as "The Green Linnet Five") highlights the fact that Green Linnet has consistently failed and refused to provide timely accountings or royalty statements to their artists; that the company underpays and fails to report income regarding the commercial exploitation of the artist's master recordings; that they improperly reduced the rate of royalties due and inappropriately applied deductions without a contractual basis to do so and to everyone's amazement has the unfettered gall to continue to commercially exploit master recordings for years after the licensing agreements for these albums expired. Additionally the company fails to list income and pay royalties on a number of compilation albums that contain recordings from the artists. World-class musician Joanie Madden pointed out that "we tried to negotiate with them for a year. Ultimately we realized that they had no intention of bargaining in good faith or paying us." According to their attorney, Bob Donnelly, "'The Green Linnet Five' are simply demanding that Green Linnet's numerous and continued breaches of contract warrant full payment of royalties owed, a return of their master recordings and an immediate cessation of exploiting the artists' work." The protest will hopefully aid in bringing to light the cause of the Green Linnet 5 and a lead to a fair and just result. If you love Irish music and want to support these artists PLEASE JOIN US! Directions: Take I-684 North towards Brewster. Merge onto I-84 East - exit 9E towards Danbury. Take Exit 8 US-6 E / Newtown Road Exit. Turn Right onto Newtown Road go down 3/4's of a mile (you'll pass Holiday Inn, Taco Bell and McDonalds). Make a right at light onto Old Newtown Road. Go 3/10ths of a mile and the road comes to a Y. Bear Right before the stop sign onto Beaver Brook Road. After 2/10th's of a mile you'll see West End Power Equipment on your left. Go slow and turn left into next driveway. You'll see a big red Brick Building with Pilgrim Electronics written on the side - address is 60 Beaver Brook Road. Park in rear of the building. _______________________ It's me, Dale, writing again. I don't, of course, have any first-hand knowledge about the facts of this case, news of which has been brewing and building for some time now. I know Joanie and some of the other musicians involved and so my sympathies tend to lie with them. If you can, I'd encourage you to go to this event. If nothing else, looks like it'll be a great show! Best to all of you, Dale Wisely |
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01 Oct 03 - 06:12 PM (#1027565) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Richard Bridge Many serious auditors (eg the legendary Sid Finger) will audit on a contngency. |
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02 Oct 03 - 11:08 AM (#1028003) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Brían I just had the information in this last posting emailed to me. I'll just put it back to the top. thanks, Dale. Brían |
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02 Oct 03 - 12:14 PM (#1028059) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Richard Bridge I may be out of date but the last firm I heard of Sid in was Solomon and Finger - New York. He won't remember me but he might remember my former boss Claude Fielding. |
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02 Oct 03 - 03:41 PM (#1028201) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: pavane Is there something about Celtic Music (the genre, not the company)? The same thing seems to be happening in both the US and the UK, independently I presume. (See the Celtic music/Dave Bulmer thread) |
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03 Oct 03 - 02:25 PM (#1029026) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Tyke refresh |
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04 Oct 03 - 10:45 AM (#1029542) Subject: RE: Green Linnett Screws Artists From: Susanne (skw) The same has been happening as long as commercially exploited folk and trad. music has existed, I suppose. People who run a record label have to have an acute business sense, and sometimes it's too astute for their own (and their artists') good. Heard the same about Transatlantic years ago from a victim, a close friend. I once asked a musician why so many artists (his own band included) were joining Greentrax' books. Five words: "Because Ian Green is honest!" I hope the 'Five' will get what is due to them (and blaze a trail for others in the process) without Green Linnet going down. |