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Tag: SoundExchange

  • An Internet Radio Development that Recording Artists Should Watch

    Sirius XM, the U.S. satellite radio provider and one of the largest licensees for the compulsory sound recording public performance licenses administered by SoundExchange, hopes to cut SoundExchange out of the equation and obtain negotiated licenses directly from the record labels.

    A directly negotiated license between Sirius-XM and record labels would be very significant for recording artists since Sirius-XM is proposing funneling the performers’ share of the royalty through the record label rather than through SoundExchange. SoundExchange is statutorily obligated to pay performers 50% of the collected sound recording public performance royalties; record labels do not have that same obligation. That means royalties going through the record labels might be subject to recoupment and cross-collateralization provisions in the artists' recording contracts. It’s uncertain how a Sirius-XM-record label negotiated agreement would impact smaller internet and digital radio services.

    You can view the letter Sirius XM sent to record labels as well as the license agreement Sirius SM is proposing to record labels at this link:

  • More Revenue for Recording Artists

    While hit recording artists get the
    glamour, it is typically their songwriting counterparts who lock-in a
    financially secure future. Songwriters have multiple music licensing opportunities
    and can often live on royalties from hit songs for decades. In contrast, a recording artist’s royalties
    may dry up just a few years after release of a hit CD.

    For recording
    artists, royalties paid through record labels have historically been a primary
    income stream. As sales of physical CDs
    decline, recording artists seek new sources of music-related revenue.

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  • Kaching!

    A Guide Through the Legal
    Jungle Trivia Question

    Successful songwriters generate hundreds of
    thousands and sometimes millions of dollars by licensing their songs for
    various uses. Several organizations assist songwriters by issuing licenses to
    and collecting the corresponding revenue from those who want to use the
    songwriters’ material. Which one of the following organizations does NOT assist
    songwriters in collecting song revenue. 

    1. ASCAP
    2. BMI
    3. Harry Fox
    4. SOCAN
    5. SoundExchange

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