First it was dentists, now it’s the hairdressers turn to feel the death grip of the music terrorists. I can't believe SOCAN; the umbrella group for Canadian composers is trying to grab cash from thousands; in some cases very small business owners; for playing Canadian music in the salons.
In a post on CBC.ca Serge Boutros is quoted as saying:
"Hairdressers happen to utilize music quite frequently and so currently, we are targeting hairdressing salons to educate them on the fact that they do require a licence if they are using music."
Mr. Boutros should be thanking these business owners for exposing their customers to musicians work that otherwise would never be heard. In Canada, he have very few outlets for creative people to show off their skills. The music stations and large radio stations still don't feel independent artists have the right to have the music heard along side the big names. So how are these people supposed to eat? Rely on SOCAN for a hand out? I'm sure if they asked their clients, SOCAN would realize that most of them have no problem with people sharing their music in this way as long as it isn't being pirated and somebody else making money from it.
SOCAN needs to get out of the dark ages and embrace reality, business owners aren't going to buy a licence if all they have to do is flick on the radio. Look out coffee and doughnut shops, you could be next on the music police's hit list. No more cruller's and Michael Buble.
Later,
Kenaz
