Search
Home

The MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT has sailed through THE SENATE via unanimous consent, VARIETY reports. The bill, which now only needs passage in the HOUSE before it winds up on the President TRUMP’s desk to become law, combines three separate pieces of legislation:

* The MUSIC MODERNIZATION ACT of 2018, S.2334, introduced by SEN. ORRIN HATCH (R-UT) and SEN. LAMAR ALEXANDER (R-TN), updates licensing and royalties as pertains to streaming.

* The CLASSICS ACT (or COMPENSATING LEGACY ARTISTS FOR THEIR SONGS, SERVICE, & IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIETY ACT), introduced by CHRIS COONS (D-DE) and JOHN KENNEDY (R-LA), ensures that songwriters and artists receive royalties on pre-1972 songs.

* The AMP ACT (or ALLOCATION FOR MUSIC PRODUCERS ACT), introduced by SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Chairman CHUCK GRASSLEY (R-LA) and ranking committee member DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-CA.) with the support of and Sens. BOB CORKER (R-TN) and KAMALA HARRIS (D-CA).

“Today is a momentous day for songwriters, artists, composers, producers, engineers and the entire industry that revolves around them,” NATIONAL MUSIC PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION Pres./CEO DAVID ISRAELITE said. “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marks a true step forward towards fairness for the people at the heart of music who have long been undervalued due to outdated laws.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. We commend SENS. ORRIN HATCH, LAMAR ALEXANDER, CHUCK GRASSLEY and SENATE Leadership for swiftly moving this bill to the floor. Now we anxiously await THE HOUSE’s final approval of the MMA and seeing it signed into law.”

“As legendary band THE GRATEFUL DEAD once said in an iconic pre-1972 song, ‘what a long strange trip it’s been,’” RIAA Pres. MITCH GLAZIER said. “It’s been an epic odyssey, and we’re thrilled to almost be at our destination.

“For the modern U.S. 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.  At long last, a brighter tomorrow for both past and future generations of music creators is nearly upon us. We are indebted to the leadership of SENS. HATCH, GRASSLEY, FEINSTEIN, ALEXANDER, COONS, KENNEDY and WHITEHOUSE for helping get us there.”