A cross-party collective of British politicians have closed the gap between parliament and the music business through a pair of initiatives.
The four members of parliament made history on Monday (July 11) with the release of their first download through London-based major record company EMI.
Funds raised from the track — a cover of the Beatles’ chart-topping 1964 song “Can’t Buy Me Love” — will be donated to the Save the Children charity. Apple Computer’s iTunes Music Store, Napster U.K., Sony Connect and 7digital.com are among the online music services offering the track.
The band, MP4, consists of Labour representatives Ian Cawsey on bass guitar/vocals and Kevin Brennan on lead guitar/vocals, the Scottish National Party’s Pete Wishart on keyboards and conservative Greg Knight on drums.
The release of MP4’s first download comes as the band members prepare to headline the Rock the Boat event tonight (July 13) in London. Labels body the British Phonographic Industry and umbrella authors’ rights group British Music Rights have organized the function for member of parliament, civil servants and industry leaders.
“It’s wonderful to see so many MP’s taking an active interest in the music industry. We think the MP4 performance and single release helps to focus MPs on the issues facing musicians first hand,” comments BMR director general Emma Pike.
“Can’t Buy Me Love” features on MP4’s fund-raiser EP “House Music,” which was recorded in February at London’s Whitfield Street Studios and produced by Robin Millar. The EP is currently available at a host of online music services.
