EMI to Axe Unproductive Musicians

From Katie Allen, Guardian Unlimited:

Music group EMI, home to Robbie Williams and Lily Allen, has suggested it will axe artists that are not working hard enough as it takes a fresh approach to the music business under new private equity owners.

Guy Hands, head of buy-out group Terra Firma, said in a memo to EMI staff that his initial views on overhauling the recorded music division included more rigorous demands on artists.

"I do see a need for fundamental change in how we approach the music business and how we deliver the interconnected triangle of the consumer, EMI and the artist," he said in the memo, obtained by the Financial Times and posted on its website.

He did not mention any specific artists at EMI, whose roster also includes Kylie Minogue, the Rolling Stones and Gorillaz, but slammed the focus by some on upfront money rather than album sales.

"There has been a lot of talk about what labels offer to artists and to the consumer. However, there is not much talk about how artists should work with their label. While many spend huge amounts of time working with their label to promote, perfect and endorse their music, some unfortunately simply focus on negotiating for the maximum advance ... advances which are often never repaid," he said.

Like all the big music groups, EMI is battling falling sales against a backdrop of rampant piracy and fast-changing consumer habits. In its final months as a listed company, EMI issued two profit warnings in quick succession after disappointing Christmas sales for Robbie Williams' new album.

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