Manchester, England - A coalition of over 60 U.K. recording artists that includes Radiohead, Billy Bragg and Robbie Williams has been formed with the objective of lobbying for artists' rights in the digital age.

The Featured Artists Coalition's stated goals include limiting transfers of copyright so artists retain ultimate control; an industry-wide agreement on fair compensation; and new rules that would oblige copyright owners to "use it or lose it" with regard to copyrights they control.

"It is time for artists to have a strong collective voice to stand up for their interests," said Brian Message of Courtyard Management, which manages Radiohead and Kate Nash.

"The digital landscape is changing fast and new deals are being struck all the time, but all too often without reference to the people who actually make the music. Just look at the recent [agreement] on file-sharing between labels, government and the ISPs. Artists were not involved.

"The Featured Artists' Coalition will help all artists, young and old, well-known or not, drive overdue change through the industry in their interests and those of fans."

Related Links:
http://featuredartistscoalition.com/media.html

http://blog.wired.com/music/2008/10/radiohead-other.html

http://featuredartistscoalition.com