BBC has implemented a new policy that will prevent electronic heavyweights such as Skrillex and Chase & Status from being played in the UK. The legislation is so precisely directed, that it actually goes on to name Skrillex in the policy’s text.
The new policy is a result of a larger issue regarding a copyright agreement with The Doors, Journey, Neil Young, and Bonnie Raitt. Because each of these artists have pulled out of the Mechanical Copyright Protection Society (MCPS), BBC is effectively breaching copyright if they play any portion of their material. The ban has been placed due to BBC’s new offline listening function, which requires MCPS rights. This directly affects electronic musicians who’ve sampled their work or collaborated with the group, including both Skrillex and Chase & Status, notably on their tracks “Breakn’ A Sweat” and “Hypest Hype,” respectively.
Restrictions on the artists read as follows:
- You can NOT use tracks by these composers on the radio and/or online.
- You can NOT use tracks by these composers whether they are originals or covers.
- You can NOT use the lyrics.
- You can NOT put performances using these compositions on line.
- You can NOT use tracks which include samples of these compositions
- You can NOT use clips which include any compositions by these composers
Stifling samples of The Doors is the largest hit to electronic music, but the imposing policy is sure to upset music lovers across the gamut of genres. This ban is sure to result in reactive boycotts by the artists, and will be especially interesting considering Sonny’s relationship with BBC Radio 1. Stay tuned for more details to come.