MIDEM NEWS.

Government minister Dr Kim Howells voiced his support for the UK music industry while in Cannes last week for his second visit to Midem, but warned about the potential dangers of over-lobbying on the key EU Copyright Directive. "As a country we have never understood the riches and vast potential we have in the creative industries and in particular music," the Minister for Consumers and Corporate Affairs told a gathering of industry figures last Monday. "What's certain is that if we don't get those creative industries right, if we don't sort out key problems of intellectual copyright then we won't continue to be a leading economy in the 21st Century." But, he added, "Be very careful about unpicking the Copyright Directive. It's very easy but try and weigh up the total benefits and liabilities that could occur if that directive comes apart." Howells' speech came as part of a full-day's Midem schedule in which the minister attended a breakfast reception at the British At Midem stand with key industry figures, visited various UK stands and went on the Aim boat where he met with the organisation's board members. His evening schedule included attending the BPI and British Music Right's showcase featuring acts including Lynden David Hall and Andy Shepherd. See Midem coverage and Dooley.

Universal-Island is looking to repeat pop-reggae artist Shaggy's current Stateside success with his comeback track It Wasn't Me, featuring vocals from Ricardo `Rikrok' Decent. The track last week ended Destiny's Child's 11-week reign at the top of Billboards Hot 100 with Independent Women and has had an explosive effect on the parent album Hot Shot, which last week sold just 12,000 fewer units than the top-selling US album, The Beatles' 1. Hot Shot has sold around 2.5m units in ...