(Hypebot) — US performing rights organization AllTrack was launched as an alternative to BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC. Now, the new PRO has obtained membership in CISAC, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers.
With 227 member societies in 116 countries, CISAC represents more than 5 million creators globally. The three other US PROs are also CISAC members. A fourth, Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights (GMR) \, has not yet joined CISAC.
AllTrack challenges PROs
AllTrack promises “game-changing technology” that automatically enriches metadata to find and “monetize all music uses.” That has attracted some significant songwriters whose songs have been recorded or performed by No Doubt, Keith Urban, Travis Barker, Soulja Boy, and others.
Confusion and Higher Costs For Live Venues
Five significant PROs in the US can mean higher costs and more complex reporting for those who license music, including streaming services (Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, etc.), radio, TV, local businesses, and live music venues.
Most countries have a single PRO.
Live music venues – already struggling with inflation and increased competition – are being hit particularly hard.
A concert with an act that plays original songs registered to ASCAP still requires licensing and payments to all five PROs.
Artists are hurt, too. How payments to PROs with no songs played at the show are divided remains a closely guarded secret for all the PROs.
Trade groups NIVA, representing venues and promoters, and NITO, representing agents and managers, are looking for solutions. But so far, they have had no success.
Bruce Houghton is the Founder and Editor of Hypebot, a Senior Advisor at Bandsintown, President of the Skyline Artists Agency, and a Berklee College Of Music professor.
