Update: Music Modernization Act Passed By House Of Representatives

Inhauscreative – U.S. Capitol Hill

SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe sent the following statement to Pollstar: “If you are a music fan, you should celebrate today’s House passage of the Music Modernization Act. The music industry came together to demand that Congress modernize our music laws. That includes ensuring that music creators get paid more fairly. Because we spoke with one voice, Congress heard us. On behalf of SoundExchange’s 170,000-member community, thank you.”

The Music Modernization Act, legislation that contains broad reforms of U.S. music copyright and royalty payments, has been unanimously passed by the U.S. Senate, moving it one step closer to becoming law.

The vote of 415-0 took place Sept. 18 on a slightly amended version of the MMA, thanks to a brief dispute between Performing Rights Organization SESAC and other advocacy groups. 

The next step for the MMA is a reconsideration of the amended version by the House of Representatives. The final step would then be the signature of President Donald Trump.

Immediately following, A chorus of congratulations came from the many groups hoping for the passage of the MMA upon the positive vote. 

The National Music Publishers’ Associations’ David Israelite: “Today is a momentous day for songwriters, artists, composers, producers, engineers and the entire industry that revolves around them. 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marks a true step forward towards fairness for the people at the heart of music who have long been undervalued due to outdated laws.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 Senators 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.”

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews: “Today’s unanimous passage of the Music Modernization Act in the Senate represents a Herculean industry-wide effort to promote and celebrate songwriters and ensure their right to a sustainable livelihood. We applaud Senators Hatch, Alexander, Grassley, Feinstein, Whitehouse, Coons and the entire Senate for recognizing the value music has in both society and our hearts.”

SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe: “The future of the music industry got brighter today. Creators of music moved one step closer to getting paid more fairly. And industry forces that fought to maintain an unfair and harmful status quo were rebuffed. Now, SoundExchange’s 170,000-member community has just one word for the House of Representatives: Encore.”

The latest music industry player to break ranks regarding the MMA was SiriusXM, which was the subject of a letter threatening boycott from Ross Golan, Paul McCartney, Katy Perry and many others, as reported by Variety. 

Attorney advisor for SONA and advocate for the MMA Dina LaPolt has been on the front lines for this issue, and she publicly called for the resignation of Live Nation’s Chairman of the Board Greg Maffei over the SiriusXM matter, stating that the executive held a conflict of interest due to his position as Chairman of the Board of SiriusXM Holdings, Inc.

“I am very excited by today’s passage of the Orin G. Hatch Music Modernization Act!,” LaPolt told Pollstar. “Music is really the true unifier, bringing all people together, from both sides of the isle, to work together to get our legislation passed.  It has been the one most gratifying endeavors I have ever been involved with!  Now I can sleep for a week!”