I shoulda learned to play the guitar. I shoulda learned to play them drums!

Tuesday 1st December 2009 | 8:43 AM

Background music label to pay royalties to unsigned artists.

Australian record companies generate more than $300 million annually from the sale of music. Now, an innovative new project believed to be an Australian first, is encouraging brickies, office workers and housewives to dust off their instruments, fine tune their vocal chords and get a piece of the action.

Gold Coast based Moo Moo Music supplies songs to background music systems and is now on the hunt to discover hidden talent by offering emerging and part time musicians the chance to promote their songs to a wider audience.

Moo Moo Music A&R Executive Troy Cooper says "the recent decision by the PPCA (Phonographic Performance Company of Australia) to increase fees for playing copyright protected music has outraged restaurant and café owners, however, it's opened up an amazing opportunity for unsigned artists.

The PPCA announced that from 1 December 2009, fees would increase by up to 6000%. For some restaurants it meant their current annual music copyright bill of $68 would rise to more than $4,000 in the coming years.

Mr Cooper said "Many operators were simply going to turn the music off, but now there's a real alternative. There's so much unrecognised talent in this country it made sense to promote their songs via background music. Artists get exposure, businesses save money... it's a real win-win"

"We're looking for everything from covers of classic hits to classy original instrumentals. Songs can be submitted online. Once the track passes quality control checks and classification, it becomes available to be played in shops, clubs, pubs, restaurants and 5-star hotel foyers around the country. The artist will then receive a royalty cheque twice a year."

One of the artists on Moo Moo's books is Maxine McCabe. Her job as an Audio Engineer keeps her busy during the day, but several nights a month she performs at gigs around South East Queensland. Commenting about the concept she said, "the emerging artists program is a great way to get my music out there, it actually encourages me to write more music. It's strange though when you're out at a club having a drink and hear one of your songs playing in the background!"

Businesses pay about $20 a week for the service and a significant percentage of this goes directly to the artists.

"Annual royalty payments could be up to $1,000" Mr Cooper said, "depending on how many tracks are submitted and approved."

To participate in the project, go to http://www.moomoomusic.com.au/

For further information contact:
Troy Cooper
0410 335077