There is a
critical piece of legislation making its way through Congress —
legislation that will have a significant impact on your economic
future: the Performance Rights Act. If passed into law, it will be
every artist’s (and label’s) economic safety net in this age of illegal
downloads. This bill ensures a fair distribution of terrestrial radio
advertising money back to those that create and invest in the music. As
we are all too aware, the traditional music business model of a radio
hit equaling a platinum album (or, for that matter, even gold) are
over. Traditional record sales will never again be the key economic
driver of an artist’s career. Therefore, it is absolutely essential for
artists and labels to participate in all “revenue” streams related to
the use of their music. That means the old broadcasting business model
of “use-your-music-for-free” because the for-profit radio station is
“promoting your record” needs to be retired. While the broadcasting
industry has its own economic issues, your music is theinventory. (They
would say their inventory is advertising space, but that dog don’t
hunt. If radio had no programming other than commercials, no one would
listen.) I don’t know of many business models where inventory costs you
nothing, and I’m interested in helping put a piece of that advertising
revenue back in your wallet where it belongs. Here’s the kicker:
Although the Performance Rights Act has passed through committee in
both houses of Congress, it has yet to be brought to a floor vote. The
corporate broadcast industry is fighting this bill with every trick and
dollar (can you say millions?) in its vast arsenal. The bottom line is
that all of us who make our living in the music industry need to step
up and be counted, while we still have a job!
Remember,
Lyric offers much more than just words to help you manage your career.
We put our money where our mouth is! Pick up the phone and give me a
call at 615.739.6515 or shoot me an email to eli@lyricfinancial.com, and let me help guide your career toward success.
Happy Holidays,
-Eli Ball
CEO Lyric Financial