“It must be tough, being a contemporary French artist. All that hinterland to cope with. All those mould-breaking forebears who had only to cock a snook at the Académie Française…”
Tag: 05.29.06
The Anti-Racism Festivals That Preach To The Converted?
Have festivals organized to rally for political purpose lost their point? “Today’s anti-racism festivals are an entirely different affair because, essentially, they preach to the converted. The people who come to Finsbury Park in north London for Rise are logical human beings who already know that hating someone because of their colour and creed does not make any sense. It’s more likely that they’re in the park simply to enjoy a day in the sun, listen to music and eat some of the best jerk chicken this side of Jamaica.”
Gas Prices Squeeze America’s Touring Bands
High gas prices in America are hurting the touring business for bands. “If I have an act that’s about to go on a 40-day tour and they’ve got five trucks and five buses, and a 40-day tour could be over 20,000 miles, that’s almost an additional cost of $6,000 a vehicle. So if I have 10 vehicles, that’s an additional $60,000. That money comes directly out of the artist’s bottom line.”
Pirates Hurting The Super Heroes
Digital piracy is hurting the small-margin business of comic books. “Digital scanning and sharing of comic books have begun to make a dent in the business, driven by easy-to-use file-sharing tools and a culture in which enthusiasts eagerly pass along their copies to one another.”
French Rapper Charged For Offending France
A popular French rapper has been hauled into court, charged with offending public decency for insultinjg France. “Monsieur R, whose real name is Richard Makela, could face three years in prison or a €75,000 (£51,000) fine after an MP from the ruling UMP party launched legal action against him over his album Politikment Incorrekt.”