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Hookani
Lokahi
232 Posts |
 Posted - 10/14/2009 : 12:39:53 PM
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Do local artists really expect that their performances will not be video taped and shared unless otherwise stated during their performances? I'm not talking about full blown pay to attend concerts but the performances specifically put on for sharing of the hawaiian music culture with tourists down in Waikiki or where ever. If I'm a tourist and I video tape a band playing hawaiian music down at the beach walk, shopping center, market place or where ever, I'm going to take that video and share it with my friends, family. To me, that's the easiest way to share the culture. In my opinion, for the local artist, I feel you tube is a big advantage to gain exposure.
If it's all about the money, then you really shouldn't be playing in public venues such as restaurants, malls, etc. and stick to controlled avenues such as ticketed concerts. And if you are playing in those public venues what is your motive in doing so - probably either sharing your music or getting exposure. And what better way of accomplishing that is sharing of videos.
My opinion only relates to hawaiian music as this is what Wanda posts and I for one am glad that she does. There are a lot of groups/artists I've never heard of and would have missed out on hearing if not for her posts. And a lot of what she posts are from unpublished people who just love to play music and want to share. What's wrong with that? If a person posts videos of themselves I think it's a given that they want to share it otherwise why post it?
Granted, in the mainstream industry there is a lot of abuse but I think our local guys can use as much exposure as they can get. We have a lot of talent in the islands, people just don't know about it.
My 5 cents (inflation).
Aloha,
Ho'okani |
Ke Kani Nahe
YouTube
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hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 10/15/2009 : 01:59:16 AM
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Just so that I can make myself perfectly clear (as I am so often misunderstood)... I was just offering food for thought. I was not suggesting that Wanda stop posting the YouTube videos. I watch every one of them myself - making me a first-class hypocrite. The first step (as they say) is admitting it. 
Of the myriad videos of Hawaiian music on YouTube, we don't know which ones were authorized and which ones were not (unless it is blatantly obvious - such as on the Mountain Apple Company channel at YouTube). But even the authorized ones garner no revenues for the composer of the songs. So artists and labels that post these videos are just as culpable asd tourists.
What I was merely pointing out is that the opinion that Ho'okani shared is pervasive. The answer to the question "Do local artists really expect that their performances will not be video taped and shared unless otherwise stated during their performances?" is no. They don't have to expect it because the law protects them, so they shouldn't even have to think about it. A performance is copyrighted as soon as it leaves the performer's mouth and hands. It is theirs to do with what they wish - in the moment and for perpetuity. Videotaping may not be illegal in all cases, but videotaping and sharing publicly is.
One thing that I respect about Hawai'i's musicians is that, unlike a Christina Aguilera or a Michael Buble, most have to hold two, three, or more jobs to support themselves. The revenue from their music doesn't cut it. This is partially because there is a very small market - even worldwide - for Hawaiian music. But it is also because it is in keeping with all things Hawaiian to share one's talent - often for free. Hawaiian musicians might play five gigs a week; two may be for free, one might be for far less than they would ordinarily earn (as a favor to someone); and the other two might be worthwhile financially. Hawaiian music is not self-supporting. So while it is not "all about the money," it shouldn't not be amount money at all.
If you knew what legends of Hawaiian music make to play everywhere from Waikiki's swankiest hotels to the finer restaurants, you would be shocked and dismayed - and maybe even feel a little guilty. Someone like Aunty Genoa packed the house to beyond capacity at the Marriott every Thursday for over a decade. That place cleaned up on Thursday. And the artist who caused that fervor may have made less than the waitresses on those nights.
Our hope is that YouTube videos and other forms of sharing result in increased tourism and revenues for our musician friends. But it is just highly unlikely.
Wanda, do not stop posting links to those videos. You are by no means an accomplice. Those videos are out there and we all could have found them ourselves anyway. I was just offering a perspective - food for thought - as I do from time to time.
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Join me for the history of Hawaiian music and its musicians at Ho`olohe Hou at www.hoolohehou.org. |
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You Tube - week of October 11, 2009
