Art and Artists in the Digital Age

When you envision an Artist, you automatically associate words like freedom, expression, creativity, visionary, ground breaking.  Many of the Digital Media personalities can be described by the same words!  I seem to keep Girl Talk fresh in my mind.  Some may classify his creations as "remixes" others as a "custom blend" and some simply as danceable beats!  Wikipedia's  entry on remix defines it as:

 "A remix is an alternative version of a recorded song, made from an original version. This term is also used for any alterations of media other than song"But later goes on to explain that "Remixes should not be confused with edits, which usually involve shortening a final stereo master for marketing or broadcasting purposes. Another distinction should be made between a remix and a cover. A remix song recombines audio pieces from a recording to create an altered version of the song. A cover is a recording of a song that was previously recorded by someone else."
If you find yourself a bit confused or find yourself thinking a remix and a edit are closely similiar it's because it is!  Girl Talk is a combination of a remix of countless songs and tracks, but it also an edit because it involves shortening of track/songs/beats....  Even the representative in the copyright office was stumped!  It of course leads us to the issue of "fair use" from the U.S. copyright office.  As it applies to copyright and ownership of content
 The distinction between fair use and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined. There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission.   It basically was created to protect and give control to large corporations.  Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission. band making music on a subway train with iPhones.  What an Amazing video!  I was in complete amazement to hear the music that was created from an ipod!  It's actually funny, but geniuos in the same breath.  I couldn't help but notice the band's tour dates!   


You could say the mighty Disney empire started the whole copyright issue because they were fearful others would benefit financially from their success.  In actuality Disney borrowed information, content, and based characters off of other successful companies.  Why were they not affected by these copyright laws? 

I had the opportunity to watch Atomic Tom