US Senate unanimously passes bill to increase songwriters’ payment from streaming services

US songwriters and composers are one step closer to higher payments from streaming service after the American Senate unanimously (415-0) passed a bill called the Music Modernisation Act.

The bill combines three pieces of legislation:

The CLASSICS Act will ensure that artists receive royalties on songs that were recorded before1972.

The Music Modernisation Act will update licensing laws regarding streaming.

The AMP Act will ensure that producers and engineers can collect royalties from SundExchange when their music is played online or on satellite radio.

The legislation creates a new music licensing organization, run by publishers and songwriters, that will identify the copyright owners of each song, and ensure they are remunerated.

Mitch Glazier, president of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), “As legendary band The Grateful Dead once said in an iconic pre-1972 song, ‘what a long strange trip it’s been.’

“It’s been an epic odyssey, and we’re thrilled to almost be at our destination.

“For the modern US Senate to unanimously pass a 185-page bill is a herculean feat, only achievable because of the grit, determination and mobilization of thousands of music creators across the nation.

“The result is a bill that moves us toward a modern music licensing landscape better founded on fair market rates and fair pay for all.”

National Music Publishers Association CEO and president David Israelite echoed his sentiments.

“The Senate vote marks a true step forward towards fairness for the people at the heart of music who have long been undervalued due to outdated laws.

“This was a long and complex process but ultimately the music industry has come out stronger and more united than ever.”

The bill now needs to be reconsidered by the House of Representatives (which passed it in April) and then signed by President Trump. He is expected to pass it.

Satellite radio and digital music service Sirius XM opposed having to pay for tracks before 1972 (it already pays for tracks made after 1972) because traditional radio doesn’t play for master recordings.

150 artists and music executives threatened to boycott the service.

At the very last minute, the bill acknowledged that SiriusXM had a point, and its payment level will remain as is until the next time a federal court determines a new rate for it, in a few years.