WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) applauded today’s bipartisan passage of H.R. 1551, the Orrin G. Hatch Music Modernization Act. This landmark legislation creates a blanket licensing system to streamline how digital providers obtain the rights to the music they offer, while ensuring fair compensation for the musicians and writers. The bill also updates existing law to extend digital streaming copyright protections to legacy artists that recorded their music prior to 1972. The House unanimously passed a similar version of this bill in April and today accepted the Senate’s amendments to the legislation.
“In Louisiana – the birthplace of jazz and home to pioneering artists from genres like zydeco, gospel, blues, and rock – music has helped shape our culture and history. Protecting the rights and legacies of musicians past and present will ensure our talented artists are properly compensated for the art they create. This legislation will ensure that our music licensing and copyright law operates fairly for singers, songwriters, and digital service providers, for the health and preservation of American music. I look forward to President Trump signing this bipartisan legislation into law soon.”
Louisiana’s music industry leaders previously showed support for this legislation:
“The passage of the Music Modernization Act is a major step forward in ensuring that songwriters like myself will begin to be fairly compensated for the music we create,” said Kevin Griffin songwriter, lead singer of Better than Ezra, and LSU alumnus. “This will provide real, tangible benefits that allow songwriters who love their craft to put food on the table. Kudos to Congress for recognizing the value of songwriting in the digital world. Thank you!”
“As a New Orleans-based producer, songwriter and musician, I have experienced the magnitude of changes in the music industry over the past decade, which at times have seemed overwhelming. Many preeminent and hard-working music creators have seen their incomes dwindle. The Music Modernization Act will restore balance and fairness in our business, addressing the copyright and royalty concerns of songwriters, musicians, engineers and producers in the digital age. The bill, which was introduced by bi-partisan legislators, deserves support from all in Congress,” said Scott Billington, three-time GRAMMY winning American roots and blues producer.
“Louisiana has a soulful and thriving music community thanks to the passion and innate talents of its thousands of music creators. With the passage of the Music Modernization Act in the House of Representatives, the spirit of Louisiana will continue to be heard across the country for years to come as creators will be able to receive fair compensation from newer music services and further recognition and protections in copyright law,” said Daryl Friedman, Chief Industry, Member, and Government Relations Officer for the Recording Academy.
“It’s important that those of us who own intellectual property (songs and recordings) be compensated properly for their use based on new technologies and methods of music consumption,” said Mark Samuels, President of Basin Street Records in New Orleans.