While it seems easy to blame Spotify for joining Google, Amazon and Pandora to appeal a 44% increase in streaming royalties paid to songwriters, the issue is not that simple. In fact, it’s so complex, writes MIDiA analyst Mark Mulligan. that "both sides are right: songwriters need to be paid…
Category archives: Publishing & Songwriting
Video’s Rise Can Lift Music’s Fortunes, But Only If Music Clearance Catches Up Technologically
As the availability of content continues to balloon and the streaming technology on which it’s accessed continues to advance, the process of clearing music for picture remains stuck in the year 1989, even as the demand for synced, pre-recorded music is ever-increasing. _______________________________ Guest post by Scott Freiman, CEO of…
From Azoff To Slipknot, Music Biz Condemns Spotify, Google Attack On Songwriter Rates Increase
Late last week Spotify, Pandora, Google and Amazon announced they were teaming appeal the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board ruling increasing streaming payouts to songwriters by 44%. The four will file a action with the D.C. Court of Appeals. Now, artists and the industry are reacting, condemning the tech giants and…
Major Labels Split On Supporting Article 13; As Music Publishers Complain They Can’t Make Money From Parodies
The controversial Article 13 of the EU’s Copyright Directive has apparently lost some support from the major labels, after the music publishers learned the article would prevent them from making money off parodies of their artists’ songs. Universal is the most opposed however Warner and Sony Music taking a more…
ASCAP ‘I Create Music Expo’ Adds Performers, Speakers
ASCAP has announced the latest round of speakers and panelists for its 2019 “I Create Music” EXPO . On the heels of his Oscar win for Best Original Song, “Shallow” co-writer Anthony Rossomando will look back on his two-decade journey to co- penning the anthemic Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper…
EMI Counter-Sues Kanye West For Breach Of Contract
Kanye West has been hit with a lawsuit by his longtime music publishing company EMI, alleging breach of contract. The suit, filed in Federal court in Manhattan, follows Kanye’s own January lawsuit against EMI in which he claimed that his contract violated California law because it lasted more than seven…
Surprise Ways You Can Earn Money From Your Songs
While songwriting can seem a like a financially tenuous career path, there are a number if different sources of revenue for those who choose to pursue it, particularly if they’re willing to think creatively and have a good hustle. Here we look a few interesting examples. __________________________ Guest post by…
Apple Music Is Only Major Streamer Not Trying To Cut Songwriter Royalties
Spotify, Pandora, Google and Amazon are appealing the U.S. Copyright Royalty Board ruling that would increase streaming payouts to songwriters by 44%. Notably absent from the list of music tech giants is Apple Music. Under this CRB ruling, streaming services will be required to pay songwriters and publishers 15.1% of…
Music Sync Roundup: Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, Robert Plant’s Green Book Soundtrack Role and More
This month’s overview of the world of music sync by Emma Griffiths of Synchtank journeys from 2019 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards to Robert Plant’s role In Green Book soundtrack and far beyond. ______________________________ By Emma Griffiths of Synchtank Film and TV 2019 Guild of Music Supervisors Awards: Complete Winners…
Publishers, Songwriters Respond To ‘Tech Bullies’ Spotify, Pandora, Google, Amazon Appeal Of Royalty Increase
National Music Publisher President & CEO David Israelite and Nashville Songwriters Association International Executive Director Bart Herbison have issued responses to Spotify, Google, Pandora and Amazon’s decision to fight the royalty increase granted to songwriters by the US Copyright Royalty Board. The NMPA, who has sad they will file their…