Today, Grissini Project is turning 13 years old.

Ironically, the first video I posted was also a Requiem.

Despite the complete silent, be sure I’m fighting nails and teeth against the takedown of the Kickstarter.
The DMCA we received is abusive.
I’ll get into details later in a full, properly written video.
Lack of mechanical rights is mentioned in the DMCA notice, which is straight-down terrifying, as it enlightens how even the biggest right owners don’t understand such common licensing scheme.
Cover artists are securing such licenses on daily basis, most of the time for releases on Spotify and such through US compulsory terms (article 17 paragraph 115 US copyright law), which means the right owner has no rights to refuse such licensing, once the cover falls under the defined terms of this licensing scheme.
CD / Vinyl mechanical licensing terms on Grissini Project territory (Sweden) are pretty similar.
This law, among other, are crucial to protect performing artists, studio artists but also the music of living composers.

We had a similar issue in 2020.
We won after 1 month of struggle.
This time, Christmas period is against us as the DMCA notice must be countered within 30 days.
This time, we’re fighting none but the biggest Japanese music industry major.
I’m making the best efforts to resolve the issue amicably even if it means agreeing on things that are wrong and that are claimed by the opposite side. I have the support of highly placed representatives of music authorities owning reciprocal agreements with the major we’re in dispute with.
Despite that, the communication is particularly difficult and like in 2020, we’re in a situation where when you appeal a decision, the judge reviewing the appeal, is the person who issued the takedown.
Imaging being in the street, getting your phone robbed. You call the police, and you realize the policeman coming is the one who robbed your phone, claiming he’s rightful to do so.
Interesting, isn’t it?

It means we’re getting closer to pushing the issue to court.
Even with the law with us, International court procedures is suicide.
Too long, too expensive for a small band like us.
Even with high chance of winning, it won’t be worth it.

I really wish we would celebrate this birthday in joy.
But copyright madness was around the corner.
Making sure to suffocate artists, both small and big.
Making sure performing artists are loosing.
Making sure recording artists are loossing.
And you know the worst? Who is loosing the most here?
The composer.
Who are so often abused by the administrations pretending to protect them.
Mickael Jackson, Prince, Taylor Swift, they warned us, nothing new.

I’m bitter but eager to fight as long as there is hope.
And there is!
Kickstarter backers !
Please hold your pledge.
I’m putting a proper fight to not let this be a Requiem.
We’re definitely going to bleed from it but it’s not a first time.
I’ll update you as soon as I know more.

Cheers,
Grissini