Copyrights & Legal 15

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In historic ruling, Copyright Royalty Board dramatically raises royalties for streaming services

Posted on January 29, 2018 by Anna Washenko

The Copyright Royalty Board has announced the new rates for mechanical royalties to be paid by streaming music services. As announced on Jan. 27, streaming platforms will pay out royalties to songwriters and composers as a share of their revenue. By 2022, the share for mechanical royalties will be 15.1% of the streaming platform’s revenue. Read on for the full rate ruling and reactions from both publishers’ and songwriters’ organizations. Continue Reading →

The Internet Association adds support for the Music Modernization Act

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Anna Washenko

The Internet Association trade group has thrown its considerable clout behind the Music Modernization Act. The organization represents several online powerhouses such as Google and Facebook, as well as prominent music services Pandora and Spotify. Continue Reading →

musicFIRST survey shows support for equal pay across music services

Posted on January 26, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Today, we have one of our first surveys into music opinions for 2018. The musicFIRST Coalition commissioned a poll of more than 2,200 adult music listeners over January 9-11, asking participants for their thoughts on artist payments and accountability among music platforms. Continue Reading →

Senators introduce the Music Modernization Act

Posted on January 25, 2018 by Anna Washenko

The Music Modernization Act has been introduced in the Senate. Senators Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) introduced the bill. The legislation to overhaul mechanical licensing reached the House of Representatives in December, and the Senate version follows that bill. Continue Reading →

YouTube giving artists financial backing, as long as they don’t criticize the company

Posted on January 24, 2018 by Anna Washenko

YouTube has its fair share of critics, especially in the music industry. According to a new report from Bloomberg, it seems that YouTube may be trying to create leverage that will keep musicians from making negative comments about the video platform. The publication said it has learned that YouTube has offered a few musicians hundreds of thousands of dollars in financial backing to produce videos and billboard promotion, with the caveat that these performers won’t say negative things about the company. Continue Reading →

Molly Neuman leaving Kickstarter to join Songtrust

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Molly Neuman is leaving her position as head of music for Kickstarter after two years with the crowdfunding platform. She is joining Songtrust as the company’s first Global Head of Business Development. Songtrust is a global royalty collection service and publishing administrator. Continue Reading →

SoundExchange subsidiary launches database to help secure royalties for more rightsholders

Posted on January 23, 2018 by Anna Washenko

SoundExchange subsidiary SXWorks announced the launch of a new service for music publishers and songwriters called the NOI Lookup. This searchable database contains all the address unknown Notice of Intention to Use filings made with the U.S. Copyright Office. These NOI filings are intended to inform a copyright owner of intent to distribute a musical composition. Continue Reading →

Major labels join to sue fitness app which streams music

Posted on January 19, 2018 by Brad Hill

A few major labels (Sony, Warner, Capitol and others) are reportedly suing Fit Radio, an app which streams music for workout routines, and provides cardio coaching. The app has been downloaded a million times from the Android store. The plaintiffs say its fitness music is being used without a proper license. Continue Reading →

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Artists join pre-1972 royalty lawsuit against Pandora

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Anna Washenko

A group of popular performers has filed an amicus brief against Pandora centered on pre-1972 recordings. Jeffrey Knowles and Julia D. Greer of Coblentz Patch Duffy & Bass LLP filed the brief in the California lawsuit on January 12. Continue Reading →

Indies can opt into Facebook direct licensing deal before March 12

Posted on January 16, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Facebook has been busily amassing licensing deals with several music industry leaders, and one is of particular interest for independent publishers and songwriters. The social network inked a deal with Harry Fox Agency/Rumblefish to create a standardized music licensing and administration deal for indies. Continue Reading →

Facebook lands more licensing deals

Posted on January 12, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Facebook is soldiering on with its music industry deals. Head of Music Tamara Hrivnak penned a blog post announcing multiple arrangements with songwriting and publishing outfits. Continue Reading →

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Music industry joins forces in support of Music Modernization Act and other proposed legislation

Posted on January 9, 2018 by Anna Washenko

Several U.S. music industry organizations have voiced their unified support for three pieces of proposed legislation. More than 20 groups issued a joint press release to endorse the Music Modernization Act of 2017, the CLASSICS Act, and the AMP Act. Continue Reading →