Pitchfork

Over the weekend at Manchester, England's In the City event, a group of UK artists of note opened their pockets, saw a cartoon fly coming out, and decided to do something about it.

Thus begat the Featured Artists Coalition, a new artist's advocacy group that "campaigns for the protection of performers' and musicians' rights. [Via Billboard.com]

The group's mission statement says, "We want all artists to have more control of their music and a much fairer share of the profits it generates in the digital age. We speak with one voice to help artists strike a new bargain with record companies, digital distributors and others, and are campaigning for specific changes."

More than 60 acts have already signed on, including Radiohead, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd Gang of Four, Klaxons, the Verve and frontman Richard Ashcroft, Chrissie Hynde, Kaiser Chiefs, Travis, the Cribs, Billy Bragg, and Kate Nash.

Wait, Chrissie Hynde? Isn't she from Ohio?

The Coalition will soon begin lobbying for changes in laws that affect the British music industry. Their six-point plan can be found here.