Björn pledges to help songwriters earn more money, money, money

Pop music icon and ABBA co-creator Björn Ulvaeus is now the president of CISAC, the confederation of authors’ societies which includes APRA AMCOS.

As CISAC’s newly installed president, which has a three-year term, Ulvaeus will support the confederation’s work to secure stronger rights and more royalties for writers.

The confederation represents more than 230 collection societies in over 120 countries across music, audiovisual, visual arts, drama and literature.

Its work ensures the livelihood of more than four million creators and last year collected €9.6 billion of licensing income and royalties worldwide.

“I have made a great living as a songwriter and an artist, and I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a lot of success,” Ulvaeus said in a statement.

“CISAC has a unique international authority, and I believe passionately in its mission to secure better, fairer terms for creators.

“I am also interested in how the technologies we use can work better, earning creators fairer rewards for their work and more royalties.”

CISAC director general Gadi Oron said Ulvaeus has an “extraordinary track record”.

“I am absolutely thrilled that he has decided to take on the role of CISAC President, to support us in our mission to serve creators internationally,” Oron said.

Through his work in ABBA and as a songwriter, the legendary artist has penned over 150 hit songs and created music that has inspired the world.

He is also a vocal campaigner for the rights of creators, pledging in his new role to build better systems and improved conditions for writers around the world.

Ulvaeus succeeds French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre, who held the CISAC Presidency role for seven years.