Music News 6/17/2010

>>Eight members of the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) filed a lawsuit recently (6/16) against LimeWire for copyright infringement of their musical works on a massive scale. NMPA President and CEO David Israelite announced the action today at the NMPA’s Annual Meeting in New York City.

The plaintiffs – EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Bug Music, MPL Music Publishing, Peermusic, and The Richmond Organization – filed the action against LimeWire LLC, Lime Group LLC, LimeWire CEO Mark Gorton, former COO and CTO Greg Bildson, and M.J.G. LimeWire Family Limited Partnership in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The publishers seek both equitable relief and damages for LimeWire’s knowing facilitation of copyright infringement through its web application.

Similar action by the Recording Industry Association of America against LimeWire and its executives has resulted in a recent court decision holding the company liable for, among other things, inducing copyright infringement. The publishers’ suit is filed as a related case.

>>United Way is hosting the “Live United” Summer Song Contest. The organization is looking for songs about hope, teamwork, restoration and overcoming adversity, such as songs inspired by Nashville’s recent flood.

Two finalists will perform their songs live at 3^rd and Lindsley during United Way’s “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive Launch Concert on June 24, featuring Kink Ador and Knapsackheroes. The winner will be announced at the event. The winner’s song may used in an upcoming video, which will be featured on UnitedWayNashville.org and emailed to thousands of partners across the city. Songs will be accepted until 5:00 pm on June 18. Details on the contest here.

Chip Voorhis

>>Voorhis Exits Skyline Music
“The past seven years have been incredible,” says Chip Voorhis who started Skyline Music with Paul Worley and Wally Wilson. “I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to build and accomplish. It was truly an honor to be able to work with the writers and artists, and enjoy such amazing music.” Voorhis, who served as VP/GM, can be reached at 615-977-4727 or chipv1@yahoo.com

>>”Tunesmithing on Music Row,” a monthly show spotlighting emerging and hit songwriters, will take place from 6:30-9:00 PM on Wednesday, July 7 at Edgehill Studios Cafe, 1201 Villa Place on Music Row.

The headliner for the evening will be singer/songwriter Tom Shinness. Also on the bill will be songwriter/actor Mike Callahan, songwriter Claudia Nygaard, and songwriter/author Debbie Watts (Word Woman).

Tom Shinness

Performers will do individual sets, presenting 25 minutes of original music. The evening will begin with an “open mic” for emerging songwriters from 6:30-7:00 PM. Writers may sign up on a first-come, first-served basis, performing up to two original songs. Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Admission is free. “Tunesmithing” is sponsored by Whiting Publicity & Promotions. For more information about the event, call (615) 242-9857 or write Tunesmithing@Earthlink.net.