SoundExchange applauds Turtles decision

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Sound ExchangeDigital royalty collector/distributor SoundExchange said it shouldn’t matter if artist performance royalties are based on state or federal law and applauded the decision of a California judge in favor of Turtles stars Flo and Eddie.


“This decision in California confirms what we have always known: all sound recordings have value, and all artists deserve to be paid fairly for the use of their music. It does not – and should not — matter whether those recordings are protected by state or federal law,” said SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe.

Huppe continued, “While we are thrilled with the Turtles’ legal victory, it’s unfortunate that artists and labels were forced to pursue litigation just to receive fair payment for their art. Legacy artists like the Turtles built the foundation of music today – music that helps Sirius XM make billions of dollars a year – and it is outrageous that some digital radio services believe they can use the music of legacy artists for free.”

He concluded, “It is clear now more than ever that Congress should quickly move to pass the RESPECT Act. The bill, introduced by Representatives George Holding (R-NC) and John Conyers (D-MI), would require digital radio services to pay royalties to pre-1972 artists when their music is played. The RESPECT Act would also give Sirius XM, Pandora, and other services an easy and efficient way to get the rights that the federal court in the Turtles case has confirmed they need – and to give the artists the payment they deserve.”