A songwriters need to know!!!!!

COPYRIGHT ACT AND COPYRIGHT TERMINATION

Submitted by Member Services on September 29, 2011 - 1:11pm

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The Recording Academy was recently referenced in a New York Times article about the looming issues related to copyright termination.  Since its testimony at a Congressional hearing in 1999, The Academy has been active in protecting music creators’ rights to regain ownership of their copyrights.  Because 2011 is an important year for filing termination notices for some works, it is important that Academy members understand this critical issue.

Under the Copyright Act, authors (and their statutory heirs) may terminate certain transfers of copyrights that were effected in 1978 and after on the 35th anniversary of the transfer (although in some circumstances, different time frames may be applicable).  Transfers of sound recordings and musical compositions are among the classes of copyright transfers that may be terminable.  An author's right to reclaim ownership of his or her copyright(s) is optional and must be exercised in accordance with strict notice provisions and within strict time limits.  If you are the author of sound recording(s) and/or musical composition(s) that were transferred to third parties, it would be advisable to  contact your attorney or other advisors to learn more about this important topic.

Why do so many Artists fail on iTunes?

So you got your new CD and you're ready to get it out. The first move most people make is to get their songs on iTunes. Guess what, you and everyone else who has a project is doing the same. There are over 6 million songs on iTunes.  Here's some more random facts:

- 65,000+ podcasts (USA)
- 10,000+ music videos (USA)
- 350+ TV shows (USA)
- 20,000+ audiobooks (USA)
- 14 iPod games (USA)
- 500+ movies (USA

 Do you get it? If you're trying to sell your song, the odds are 6 million to one. Whoa!!!! The reason most people fail is simply this. They put their songs up and wait for the checks to start coming in. What a fairy tale! Another reason people fail is, they're so emotionally attached to their music they believe the world is going to fall at their feet. The truth is, there is more junk than music on iTunes. So what do I do? I'm glad you asked!

   First have a plan. No plan no money! No Money no way! So what if I have no money? Then you need to make up the difference in passion and hard work. The degree of your passion and hard work will determine how successful you will be. There are many ways to promote your product, I wish I could get to them on this blog. I just don't have enough ink!

  For now use Google to research marketing techniques. Enlist those who believe in you to become part of your team and work work work! If you have no funds that's about it. Try to raise funds. If you already have funding good for you. Most don't.

Here's a few suggestions. 

1. Check out the free sites

2. Work on a fan base

3. Play your music for everyone you can

4. network network network

Remember you are your number one fan and promoter

Get to work!!!!

CALLING ALL DIVA'S

NOT REALLY

DIVA'S ARE ABOUT TO BE AS EXTINCT 

AS THE DODO BIRD!!!!!!

There are snakes in the grass!! Writer producer alert!!!!!!!!

It has come to our attention that satellite broadcaster Sirius/XM is seeking to bypass the standard system of paying royalties.  If they are allowed to do so, it will likely result in substantially reduced payments to artists and producers, a lowering of the value of performance royalties, and unnecessary conflict between artists and their labels.

What’s the issue:

Currently, satellite radio pays sound recording performance royalties to the nonprofit collective SoundExchange, which in turn pays 50% to the artists on the recording and 50% to the copyright owner (usually a record label).  SoundExchange pays the artists the full 50%, even if the artist has unrecouped royalty balances, and also pays producers their share as directed by the artist.  The system has resulted in an important new income stream for creators.

Sirius is now seeking to use the option of direct licensing with certain independent labels instead of using the system created by Congress that ensures fair payment to all parties.  Artists should be concerned about direct licensing; 100% of the royalties would be paid to the record label which in turn may pay artists at a lower rate, subject to recoupment.  And labels should be concerned as well; the lower rate being offered could have the effect of lowering the value of performance royalties to all parties.

What you can do:

If you are an artist signed to the independent label…

You can call your label today and request that it not direct license your recordings.  In the interest of fairness and transparency, your label should continue to license through SoundExchange.

If you own or manage an independent label…

It is in your interest to refrain from direct licensing.  While Sirius may be offering positive terms, the long-term effect of accepting a rate lower than the compulsory rate could be to reduce rates overall in the future.  Creating downward pressure on the value of music may be good for Sirius/XM, but it’s bad for artists and labels.  Please see the following statement from the American Association of Independent Music:

AMP TV OCT. 14th review

   Can it get any better? I say that every month. This months lineup once again was off the chain! Beginning with Co - Host David Huff of David and the Giants with 17 albums to their credit and David with 5 solo projects. David's sincerity and talent blew us all off the stage. He ended the night with a song he wrote for his son that had us in tears. Casey Darnell, recording artist and worship leader at Northpoint Church blow us away with his cutting edge contemporary stylings, while expressing his love for God and family. A true professional and man of God! Then Marvin Mumford came to bat and knocked a home run with his soul filled contemporary music saturated with a guitar style of his own that was hypnotizing to the heart. Three great musicians, three great men of God. We at AMP cannot express how much we appreciate 

their generosity and talent.

What can we do to help the Christian music community?

If  U2 and Chris Tomlin were in concert on the same night, who would have the most Christians at their concert?  Sadly for the Christian community, the answer is U2.  I'm in no way saying not to support your favorite secular group; this is just an example.  There is story after story where concerts are canceled or the turn out was so poor everyone involved lost money.  I'm not attempting to guilt anyone into supporting Christian music!  Hopefully you will be convicted in your heart to support your local groups as well as national ones.

One of  AMP's strong desires is to create awareness and provide venues for all of the talented musicians in the Christian music industry.  We are losing young talented Christians to the secular market place due to the lack of support from the Church.  Remember we are the Church, it must start with us!  Lack of interest = lack of opportunity = lost talent.  So what do we do?  I'm going to give you some suggestions.  Be creative!!!!

1. Offer a weekly or monthly venue at your Church.  Too many Churches are closed and not being encouraged to use their capacity.  Are we getting lazy?  Complacent?
2. Support your local musicians by attending their shows and buying their CD's!
3. Donate to their ministry.  Remember music can minister to people just as much or more than any other ministry in your Church!
4. Encourage them.  This is a tough business.  We lose many to discouragement.  
5. Pray for them.

God loves Holy music; Let's show him we do too!!!!!!!!!!