SoundCloud makes deal with NMPA, but loses some Sony artists

soundcloud-logo canvasSoundCloud had two major events in its relationship development with labels and publishers. The online audio platform successfully inked a deal with the National Music Publishers’ Association. This arrangement allows independent publishers and composers to monetize content on the service that contains their work. “I am thrilled that we could agree on terms that will benefit both creators and the SoundCloud platform that has brought online music access and creativity to a new level,” said David Israelite, NMPA’s president and CEO.

Adele SoundCloudBut not everyone is finding business with SoundCloud so beneficial. Sony has removed the music from several of its popular artists, including Adele, Hozier, Kelly Clarkson, and Passion Pit. The company did not give an official reason, but unnamed sources told Billboard that there were not enough monetization opportunities on SoundCloud.

The streaming platform’s On SoundCloud monetization program has already paid out more than $1 million to its more than 100 partner artists. “We are in ongoing conversations with major and independent labels and will continue to add partners to the program,” a SoundCloud representative said. “We’ve always put control in the hands of creators, and anyone who makes music and audio can decide when and how they want to share it with fans, allowing artists to essentially broadcast out to the world the availability of new content.”

Anna Washenko