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Justin Roberts

Justin Roberts

Photo: Photo: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images

News
Senate Judiciary Hears MMA Testimony smokey-robinson-justin-roberts-testify-mma-senate-judiciary-hearing

Smokey Robinson, Justin Roberts Testify At MMA Senate Judiciary Hearing

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Recording Academy members made their case for the Music Modernization Act in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 15
Renée Fabian
Advocacy
May 16, 2018 - 1:58 pm

On May 15 members of the Recording Academy joined executives from across the music industry to testify on Capitol Hill in support of music copyright reform. Their target audience, the Senate Judiciary Committee, heard about how current copyright law has hampered the music community and urged the committee to pass S. 2823, the Senate version of the Music Modernization Act.

The companion bill to H.R. 5447, which unanimously passed the House of Representatives less than a month ago, S. 2823 provides the first major reform to music copyright law in decades. On hand to hear how the new bill, which also has unprecedented backing across the music industry, would benefit those responsible for the music we love were 16 bipartisan committee members, including Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) , Ranking Member Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and the bill's sponsor, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

Among the witnesses at the hearing were Recording Academy Trustee and GRAMMY-nominated children's music artist Justin Roberts, who testified on behalf of the Academy, and GRAMMY-winning Motown legend Smokey Robinson and GRAMMY-winning country songwriter Josh Kear, both Academy members.

"Many [Recording Academy] members — in fact most of America's music makers — are just like me: middle-class Americans and songwriters who are not household names," Roberts testified. "These middle-class artists use their training and talent to bring music to the world. Perhaps the least recognized among us are the music producers."

Roberts continued to describe the impact producers have had on his musical career, including Liam Davis, the producer who was instrumental in persuading him to pursue music as a professional career. He also acknowledged that while it would be easy for producers to simply ask for passage of the Allocation for Music Producers Act, a producer-focused music bill with wide support, it would be a "fundamental misunderstanding of the heart of a producer" for them to do so.

"As an artist, I can tell you most of us rely on the structure, steady hand and technical talent of a producer," Roberts continued. "The producer works with artists, but also songwriters, engineers, record labels, studio owners, and nearly everyone associated with the creation of a record. The producer takes care of all of us. So, it's no wonder that they want to see the AMP Act passed as part of the broader [Music Modernization Act] so that songwriters and legacy artists receive their fair share."

Robinson talked about how the provisions for recordings made pre-1972 were a crucial piece of the MMA. As the lead singer of the Miracles, hits under his name include classics such as "Shop Around," "I Second That Emotion" and "Tears Of A Clown." Yet Robinson isn't entitled to proper compensation from those hits because of the current copyright laws.

"Those happen to be some of the biggest records I've ever been associated with and to not be paid because they were prior to 1972 is ludicrous as far as I'm concerned," Robinson testified. "A lot of work went into making those songs, not just from the artists, but from the musicians, the writers, the producers, and people who were involved in making them and they deserve to be compensated."

Robinson also emphasized that current music copyright law impacts not only modern working musicians, but those who came before the current generation, including Dionne Warwick, the Supremes' Mary Wilson and Darlene Love, who were in the audience to support those testifying .

"The records of the '50s and '60s aren't called classics because of their age, they're called classics because of their greatness," Robinson said. "They still resonate today. They define the American sound."

This year has been a landmark for music copyright reform. In January, coinciding with GRAMMY Week, the House Judiciary Committee held a music-focused field hearing in New York, focusing on music copyright issues. Citing how current copyright law affects music creators, witnesses urged the committee to work to update copyright standards. Following the hearing, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Ranking Member Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) introduced the MMA to the full House of Representatives, which was unanimously passed on April 25.

"The Academy is pleased with the increased interest and dedication Congress has shown toward fixing outdated music copyright laws," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Music creators have long felt the impact of these outdated laws. Today's hearing demonstrates that Congress stands with them in recognizing the importance and urgency of creating a licensing framework that reflects our 21st-century marketplace."

Now under consideration in the Senate, the MMA represents a victory for all music creators. Harmonizing the music industry with one comprehensive piece of legislation, it aligns copyright law with the new music ecosystem, a position advocated by the Recording Academy since 2014, when Portnow testified before Congress.

This latest hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee marks another positive step forward for music creators country-wide, and it's clear the bill has some great advocates in the Senate, which we hope will help this bill pass its final hurdles to becoming law.

"The exclusive rights and protections that our copyright laws grant are the foundation upon which America's creators and artists stand and thrive," Grassley said. "It's important that singers, songwriters, musicians, technical engineers, producers, and all the men and women who support the creativity and artistry behind American music be rewarded for their efforts and incentivized to continue producing their invaluable work."

"For too long our licensing laws have disadvantaged content creators and sowed uncertainty," said Hatch. "Our bill will bring our music licensing laws into the 21st century to ensure that songwriters are compensated fairly for their work, and that digital music services are able to operate without constant legal uncertainty."

Contact Your Senators: Tell Them To Support Comprehensive Music Reform

Justin Roberts meets Rep. McGovern, 2018

Songwriter Justin Roberts meets Rep. McGovern (D-MA.) At GRAMMYs On The Hill

Photo: Leigh Vogel/WireImage.com

News
Senate Hearing On MMA Set For May 15 justin-roberts-smokey-robinson-speak-senate-hearing-mma-may-15

Justin Roberts, Smokey Robinson To Speak At Senate Hearing On MMA On May 15

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Top music creators are set to deliver testimony next week at pivotal Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Music Modernization Act
Brian Haack
Advocacy
May 9, 2018 - 3:18 pm

The Senate Judiciary Committee has officially scheduled their first hearing to review the Music Modernization Act (MMA) for May 15.

After years of sustained advocacy by the Recording Academy and its members, comprehensive music reform has gained new momentum in 2018. Just two weeks ago, the Music Modernization Act passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous 415 – 0 vote on April 25. This vote immediately  follows the unanimous approval by the House Judiciary Committee on April 11, where members passed the bill in a 32 – 0 vote.

The Senate hearing will see GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Justin Roberts testify on behalf of the music community, sharing his own experiences as a music creator. A member of the Recording Academy's Board of Trustees, Roberts will also serve as the Academy's witness. Also expected to testify at the hearing will be GRAMMY winner, GRAMMY Legend and Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Smokey Robinson and GRAMMY-winning songwriter Josh Kear.

Roberts, Robinson and Kear have all been active participants in the Recording Academy's advocacy work, with Roberts and Robinson speaking on behalf of the Academy at GRAMMYs On The Hill in 2018 and 2016, respectively. Kear, meanwhile, spoke with lawmakers as part of the Academy’s 2013 GRAMMY Week Congressional Briefing.

These artists are all taking the important step of testifying at next week's Senate hearing because of the comprehensive set of reforms that MMA represents. Incorporating some of the most important provisions of the AMP Act, the CLASSICS Act, and the Fair Play Fair Pay Act, the songwriter-focused Music Modernization Act will close the compensation loophole for works of recorded music created prior to 1972 currently exploited by digital platforms without compensating artists. In addition, the MMA will increase industry efficiency and transparency by establishing a single licensing entity to administer mechanical licensing for songwriters, all while making it easier for internet platforms and streaming services to lawfully license the music in the first place. And for the first time, it will recognize the contributions of producers and engineers in copyright law.

The time is now to enact equitable reforms to music licensing laws that have been allowed to remain unchanged for a generation and close loopholes that allow digital platforms to exploit creators without fair compensation.

Contact Your Senators: Tell Them To Support Comprehensive Music Reform

Slash Advocacy

Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY), Slash of Guns N' Roses, Producer Mike Clink and Committee Chairman Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA)
Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage for the Recording Academy

News
A Nod To Retiring Congressional Music Champions giving-thanks-musics-biggest-advocates-waving-goodbye-washington

Giving Thanks To Music's Biggest Advocates Waving Goodbye To Washington

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As Thanksgiving approaches, the music community has much to be grateful for from these retiring Congressional champions of creators' rights
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Nov 14, 2018 - 3:44 pm

This year has marked a watershed in the overlapped world of music and politics. The enactment of the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act represented the culminations of years of tireless work toward comprehensive music licensing and copyright reform. Last week's Midterm Elections changed the landscape in Congress, with the Democratic Party taking over the majority in the House of Representatives and the Republican Party expanding its majority in the Senate.

But through all this political activity of 2018, we are reminded that the achievements and progress would not have been possible without the dedication and integrity of many supportive elected leaders. As new incoming lawmakers make their way to Washington, and hard-working music creators refuel their drive toward the next frontier of creators' rights, some of the most impactful Congressional champions are preparing to leave Washington after years of service

Let's take a look at a few of our strongest retiring allies in Congress who are leaving a legacy of fairness and progress for music creators. Their willingness to listen to the professional music community and navigate our needs through the political process in order to build a better system is truly the stuff of champions.

A man so integral to the MMA his name was attached to it, Representative Bob Goodlatte (R-Va) was a patient force behind a multi-year effort to enact lasting copyright reform that produced the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act. Goodlatte earned a reputation as an honest broker who seeks to solve complex issues through consensus. He also served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and was honored at the 2015 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards for his support for copyright and his understanding of music creator's unique role in American life.

Representative Joe Crowley (D-NY) will be ending his term this year. As the lead Democratic sponsor of the Allocations For Music Producers (AMP) Act, which was included in the MMA, Crowley's support went a long way toward the ultimate passage of the MMA. Crowley most recently served as Democratic Caucus Chair. The lead Republican sponsor of the AMP Act, Representative Tom Rooney (R-Fla) is also retiring this year. Rooney and Crowley were both honored alongside Zac Brown Band at the 2016 GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards for their years of support for music creators. These two co-sponsors of AMP actually went into the recording studio together back in 2011 as part of the first-ever recording session of the GRAMMY Congressional Band with Crowley on vocals/guitars and Rooney on drums.

https://twitter.com/repjoecrowley/status/1045037299480907779

It takes a village to produce a song, and each contributor should be fairly compensated for their hard work. I’m proud of my and @TomRooney’s work to get our #AMPAct language included in the final Music Modernization Act. See my full statement below ↓ https://t.co/XOIMr8k4DS

— Joe Crowley (@JoeCrowleyNY) September 26, 2018

Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) introduced the CLASSICS Act in July 2017, which set out to close the loophole for digital radio to finally compensate pre-1972 recordings like their newer peers. As the lead Republican sponsor of the Act, Issa helped see its tenets ultimately incorporated into the MMA and his efforts now stand to benefit countless legacy artists. Issa was also a consistent, strong voice for establishing a performance right for artists on AM/FM radio. He was honored for his Advocacy efforts at the 2010 GRAMMYs on the Hill Awards.

"Rep. Issa has been a great champion of fair compensation for artists," said Daryl Freidman, Chief Industry, Government & Member Relations Officer for the Recording Academy earlier this year when Issa announced his retirement. "We will miss his friendship, leadership and humor. But before he retires, we look forward to finishing together the work we started to support music and to ensure that the current and next generation of creators are respected and compensated fairly for their work."

Finally, the other namesake of the Hatch-Goodlatte Music Modernization Act, Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) will retire next month as well. Hatch officially introduced the landmark bill in the Senate, playing a key role in shepherding the comprehensive music reform package in the Senate, and ensuring it won support of more than 80 of his colleagues as co-sponsors. The MMA is just the capstone on Sen. Hatch’s long history of fighting for songwriters, artists, and all creators in Congress. A professional songwriter and former chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Hatch understands the plight of the music community and has shown the gumption it takes to enact change on Capitol Hill. For his leadership, Sen. Hatch was honored with the very first GRAMMYs on the Hill Award in 2001.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, we'd like to thank all of these true champions of creators' rights for their service to our craft, our industry and our country.

Welcoming Music Champions Returning To Congress In 2019

Neil Portnow and Sen. Chuck Grassley

Neil Portnow and Sen. Chuck Grassley

Photo: Leigh Vogel/WireImage.com

News
The Senate Judiciary Committee Passes the MMA music-modernization-act-passes-unanimously-senate-judiciary-committee

Music Modernization Act Passes Unanimously In Senate Judiciary Committee

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The MMA scores another big win as it passes unanimously in the Senate Judiciary Committee
Nate Hertweck
Advocacy
Jun 27, 2018 - 3:29 pm

Standing on history's doorstep, the Music Modernization Act promises to finally bring our music licensing system out of the Stone Age and into a new era of mutually beneficial policy reform. On June 28, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the bill unanimously, drawing the landmark bill one step closer to becoming a reality.

"Great music comes from great harmonies. As the organization representing all creators, we are gratified to see the industry and Congress work in harmony to pass the Music Modernization Act through the Senate Judiciary Committee," said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow. "Following years of advocacy by music creators, we look forward to that momentum continuing as the Music Modernization Act heads to the Senate floor. We thank the Committee for its swift movement of the bill. Through collaboration we can truly make a difference for the hundreds of thousands of working music creators across the country."

Ahead of the scheduled markup and vote, a manager's amendment was released this week that reflects consensus agreements that benefit music creators by increasing transparency, awareness and accountability. The bipartisan amendment, introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) with the support of Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), solidifies the agreement on both sides of the aisle over the dire need to update music licensing and close loopholes that prevent music creators from receiving proper compensation for their work.

Earlier this month, Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Makan Delrahim added his voice to the chorus of support for the MMA, taking the stage at the National Music Publishers Association annual meeting to back the bill. Delrahim is just one of the latest to join the mounting support swell for the MMA ahead of the Senate Judiciary Committee vote.

Although the MMA has already passed the House of Representatives by a unanimous 415–0 vote, not everyone is on board with this mutually beneficial piece of legislation reform. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced the Accessibility for Curators, Creators, Educators, Scholars, and Society (ACCESS) to Recordings Act, a misleading, alternate bill that threatens to distract from the MMA's progress . The arguments for ACCESS and against the MMA are flimsy at best, and the bill has done little thus far to slow the momentum of meaningful legislation reform.

Now, with Senate Judiciary Committee weighing in with unanimous support, the MMA's journey ahead moves toward a full Senate vote. The need for meaningful music legislation policy reform has never been greater, and as stakeholders from across the creative and internet industries rally behind the MMA with more steam than ever before, the Senate now holds the key to unlocking a better system for all.

Contact Your Senators: Tell Them To Support Comprehensive Music Reform

 

Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

Photo: Rick Diamond/WireImage.com

News
Major Music Reform Is On The Horizon major-music-reform-package-introduced-bipartisan-senate-coalition

Major Music Reform Package Introduced By Bipartisan Senate Coalition

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The new comprehensive music package has strong bipartisan support
Brian Haack
Advocacy
May 11, 2018 - 4:35 pm

As the man once said, "The times they are a-changing."

After decades of stalled efforts to amend unfair and outdated music licensing laws – many of which have languished unchanged for decades, leaving creators hanging in the breeze – real progress in fixing the state of music law finally appears to be fast approaching.

Today, creators everywhere have great reason to be hopeful as Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), along with the support of an impressive group of legislators from both sides of the political aisle including Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Mike Crapo (R-Id.), Doug Jones (D-Ala.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) David Perdue (R-Ga.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), and Roy Blunt (R-M.), has officially introduced a package titled the Music Modernization Act (MMA) for review by the U.S. Senate.

The comprehensive reform proposal combines elements of four previously-introduced pieces of legislation – the original songwriter-focused Music Modernization Act; the Compensating Legacy Artists for their Songs, Service, & Important Contributions to Society Act, or CLASSICS Act; the Allocation for Music Producers, or AMP Act; and the Fair Play Fair Pay Act. A similar unified music package has already passed the House of Representatives with a unanimous 415 – 0 vote after previously passing  the House Judiciary with a likewise unanimous 32 – 0 vote.

Having been introduced to the Senate, the MMA is expected to be the focus of legislative hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on May 15.

"Today’s introduction is an important step toward enacting historic reform for our badly outdated music laws,” said Senator Hatch of the bill. “For far too long, our old-fashioned, disorganized way of collecting and distributing music royalties has resulted in songwriters and other content creators being paid far too little for their work. It’s also exposed digital music companies to significant liability and created overall uncertainty in the music marketplace. As a songwriter myself, I know how important these issues are. That’s why I’m so pleased we’re taking this significant step today to bring fairness and certainty to our music laws."

The Recording Academy's Chief Industry, Government, & Member Relations Officer Daryl P. Friedman applauded today's introduction, saying, "As the organization that represents music’s creators, the Recording Academy is grateful for the introduction of this comprehensive package.  The Academy’s songwriter, performer, producer and engineer members in every state will advocate for passage of the Music Modernization Act, and they thank Senators Hatch, Grassley, Whitehouse, and all the original cosponsors for their support of music makers."

With such a widespread groundswell of bipartisan support for these equitable reforms to music licensing laws that have been allowed to remain unchanged for a generation, it is imperative that the Senate recognize the direction the winds are blowing and enact change that protects an industry that provides nearly 2 million American jobs.

Contact Your Senators: Tell Them To Support Comprehensive Music Reform

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Some of the content on this site expresses viewpoints and opinions that are not those of the Recording Academy and its Affiliates. Responsibility for the accuracy of information provided in stories not written by or specifically prepared for the Academy and its Affiliates lies with the story's original source or writer. Content on this site does not reflect an endorsement or recommendation of any artist or music by the Recording Academy and its Affiliates.