Electronic Music Revolution: The new licensing law in the digital age
The House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Music Modernization Act (H.R. 5447) on Apr 25, 2018. The act combines key provisions of what were four separate legislative initiatives into a single bill that would update licensing law in the digital age how music rates are set and how songwriters and artists are paid.
SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe released this statement on the passage of the Music Modernization Act.
OVERVIEW:
“This is a historic day for music creators. Today’s overwhelming support in the House for the Music Modernization Act reflects the bill’s widespread consensus, both across the aisle and across the music industry. This legislation stands to benefit artists, songwriters, labels, publishers, studio producers and others – many of whom are represented by the SoundExchange Companies.
“The Music Modernization Act includes provisions SoundExchange has advocated for over many years, as we work to advance fair treatment for all creators involved in bringing our music to life.
“We are grateful that lawmakers in the House worked to update our nation’s copyright laws for the digital age, and we look forward to working with the Senate to get this legislation passed quickly. Music creators have waited long enough.”
ON THE CLASSICS ACT AND PROTECTION OF LEGACY ARTISTS:
“We are proud that the legislative solution approved by the House includes provisions from the CLASSICS Act, which guarantees federal copyright protection for artists who recorded music before 1972. If passed, this development will ensure that these creators finally receive compensation for their work from every state in the Union. This federal solution is the best way to honor our legacy heroes, whose only previous hope was expensive and uncertain state-by-state litigation.”
ON THE AMP ACT AND HELPING PRODUCERS AND SOUND ENGINEERS GET PAID EFFICIENTLY:
“Passage of the Music Modernization Act will benefit the producers and sound engineers, those critical partners who help artists create the recordings that mean so much to our culture.
“The legislation will formalize SoundExchange’s long-time practice of honoring letters of direction from artists who opt to share royalties with other creative participants in the recording process. We have voluntarily followed this policy because producers and sound engineers deserve no less.”
