Music Biz 2019

We know the big MMA decisions come later in the year, but that won’t stop us from bringing MMA leaders to the stage to share their views on how the MLC can create a streamlined process of logging and distributing royalties. Join us as we discuss how the groundwork laid by the MMA’s passage looks to address the concerns of publishers and songwriters as the industry continues its dramatic shift towards music streaming as its primary revenue generator.


11:30 AM - 12:25 PM    What Do Publishers Expect from the MLC, and Will It Be Able to Deliver?
According to the RIAA’s 2018 year-end report, streaming now comprises 75% of total music industry revenues. Publishers and songwriters have supported the MMA and its MLC as a path toward earning more royalties from streaming mechanicals and performance royalties. However, what obstacles threaten this reality? How will the MLC more accurately and comprehensively license, collect and distribute to publishers compared to how MRI or HFA currently do the job? What effects might the DSPs' appeal regarding the CRB's decision to increase the streaming mechanical rate have on the MLC?


Moderator
Neeta Ragoowansi, NPREX


Panelists
Steven Ambers, SOCAN
Vickie Nauman, CrossBorderWorks
Abby North, North Music Group LLC
Colin Rushing, SoundExchange


12:30 - 1:30 PM    The MMA in Action: Writer’s Edition
The passage of the MMA opens the door to honest accounting for songwriters. What does a transparent view of songwriter royalty flow look like and how might it change the songwriter landscape? How can the creators and artists be best served, and how can the industry be counseled or consulted?


Moderator
Kevin Casini, Casini Law Firm LLC


Panelists
Jon Bender, SoundExchange
Dr. E. Michael Harrington, Berklee College of Music
Leighton Linning, The Gordon Group
Steven Marks, RoadNation
Erin McAnally, Small Drink of Water