Rights for Music Writers and Composers

Of interests to all musicians who have been working hard to produce creative works of arts and have had people use them without adequate compensation over the years. Although vindication has been long in coming, there's been a step in the right direction.

Let it be known that the oldest performing-rights organization in the United States of America has recently released its Bill of Rights for Songwriters and Composers. This important initiative puts forward ten core elements that pertains to the rights of music creators.

Even though this bill has been written by ASCAP, the ideas presented apply to all musicians regardless of which performing-rights organization they are members, such as BMI, etc. It seeks to address the attitude of most media especially new-media that writers should not share in the usage of their works.

It is no longer adequate to just pay to license for use but to expect a share in the revenues that are generated by anything that incorporates the use of an artist music. Rappers could benefit a great deal from this as rap music seems to be the music of choice to sell all consumer goods. Therefore, it is only fitting that the rappers share in the revenue earned.

Rappers, record labels and those with an interest in rap music, should bookmark this blog for our next segment that will outline the ten core principles for the use of music by new-media and other corporations.