Independent Music Industry Calls for Action by SoundExchange

Independent Music Industry Calls for Action by SoundExchange

Delayed Royalty Resolution Leaves Artists and Labels Unsure

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dozens of artists and independent labels whose creativity fuels more than 40% of online music today called on SoundExchange to quickly offer royalty rate proposals that will enable Internet radio to survive and build a sustainable industry.

The following statement was released today on behalf of independent artists and labels supporting the SaveNetRadio campaign:

"Our music has found a home, an audience, and a fan base online, and particularly through Internet radio. Internet radio is one of the great music discovery tools for fans of all artists and all genres. In addition to promoting our music Internet radio pays royalties -- a great combination.

"It has been several months since thousands of artists and millions of Internet radio fans called on Congress to help, and yet we appear to be no further toward a permanent solution now than we were then. The uncertainty of Internet radio's future harms artists and independent labels as we prepare tour schedules and album promotions for 2008. Net radio is a significant part of our marketing strategies, but that seems to be lost in the continuing fight over royalties.

"We like being paid for Internet radio performances, but we benefit from high royalty rates only if net radio services can afford to stream our music. If services are bankrupted by high royalties, they play no music and pay no royalties -- and we lose. As the intended beneficiaries of sound recording performance royalties, we reject this outcome. We urge SoundExchange, on behalf of the independent artists and labels they represent to find a reasonable and lasting solution as soon as possible."

List of artists and labels:

James Austin Melissa Greener
White Pine, TN Austin, TX

Bob McDonald Family Junction
Boynton Beach, FL Boston, MA

Amy England Steph Deskins
Nantucket, MA Belle, West Virginia

Steve Stern Rene Lebre
Goodlettsville, TN Tampa, Florida

Randy Howard Mophonics
Calhoun, GA Los Angeles, CA

Joey Allcorn Soapbox Hero
Columbus, GA Santa Paula, CA

Paul Knowles Nate Query (The Decemberists)
Berkeley, CA Portland, OR

Jim Bruno Eyeball Records
Daly City, CA Ridgewood, New Jersey

Duane Stailey Desert Paradise Records
Leonard, TX White Pine, TN

Maggie Martin Saustex Media
Petaluma, CA San Antonio, TX

Effron White Fillee Music
Fayetteville, AR Lubbock, TX

Wink Big Barn Records
Keziah, NC Berkeley, CA

Harry Sticker Freak Records
Bodine, TX Fayetteville, AR

Annie Dinerman Boss Koala Records
New York, NY Denver, CO

Jack Ely Jack Evans (Jack Zen)
Portland, OR Katonah, NY

Mother Jones Band Austin Bradley
Los Angeles, CA Memphis, TN

Christian Andreason Chris Baker
Bellaire, TX Belton, TX

Christopher Cato Oscar Richardson
Spring, TX Baton Rouge, LA

Rennie Rene J. Foley Wes Tucker
Shreveport, LA Arlington, VA

F. M. Smith Mary A. Lee (Buddacrush)
Chicago, IL Houston, TX

The Dave Kain Group James Bohn
Peekskill, NY Grafton, WI

Joe Koger (Terratoo) Becky Chase, Ken Lyon Brian Burke
Lake City, FL (Foxtrot Zulu)
Pawcatuck, CT

Alby Odum Stephan Catenacci
Seneca, IL Royal Oak, MI

Jimmy Duvall Eddie Jones (Radial Angel)
Fredericksburg, VA Oklahoma City, OK

Richard Zeier
Hollywood, CA

Denise Barbarita
New York, NY

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: SaveNetRadio

CONTACT: Jake Ward of SaveNetRadio, +1-202-420-8056

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