SoundExchange collects and distributes the digital public performance royalty, which means performers and labels get paid for digital plays of their music. In 1995, Congress passed Digital Performance Right in Sound Recordings Act, which granted a performance right for the digital transmission of sound recordings. Previously, US copyright law contained no provisions for performance right in sound recordings. SoundExchange is the designated non-profit organization that collects the license fees and distributes royalties to those whose recordings were played digitally. Payees include the performer, non-featured artists and the sound recording copyright owner (most often, a label). read more

A brief summary of the DMCA for people in the music business touching on diverse subjects such as Copyright Management Information, peer to peer distribution, public libraries, webcasting and SoundExchange. read more

Ever wonder who gets paid when a song is broadcast, webcast or streamed? This simple chart illustrates the distribution of payments to artists. read more

In this interview, Brian explains some of the potential miscues that major labels may be taking in order to preserve traditional business models, as well as the technology community’s role in understanding the importance of building business models that also compensate artists. read more

Brian Zisk has been a long time community activist and a mainstay on the Internet scene since before the web began. Not only has he been a long-time participant in The Well, he has published the SanFranZiskGo! Weekly Events listings for close to 7 years now. Brian also founded Green Witch Radio, and worked as director of Business Development for the entertainment portal, iCAST. read more