Additional Coverage:
- Randy Travis appears before House Judiciary subcommittee to lobby for radio royalties (newsbreak.com)
Randy Travis, a renowned musician, was present during the House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, and the Internet’s hearing, where discussions were held about a proposal to mandate AM/FM radio stations to compensate artists when their music is played. Unlike songwriters who have been receiving royalties for years, performers have not been compensated in the same way. Travis, who has not been able to sing or speak since his stroke in 2013, attended with his wife who spoke on his behalf.
Mary Travis posed a thought-provoking question to the legislators, emphasizing the importance of music and artists in the industry. She highlighted the reliance on streaming royalties for Randy Travis’s income and care since his stroke, underlining the need for this legislative change to address a century-old disparity in the music industry.
Rep. Jerry Nadler of New York stressed the overdue recognition and fair compensation for performers, pointing out the shift in music consumption patterns that have diminished the once mutual benefits radio play offered to artists and stations alike.
Rep. Hank Johnson of Georgia lamented the disappearance of music stores, illustrating the changed landscape of music sales.
During the same hearing, Michael Huppe, the CEO of SoundExchange, argued for equitable pay for creators across all platforms. Huppe criticized the perceived exploitation by AM/FM broadcasters who, he argued, have leveraged outdated promotional excuses to avoid compensating artists, noting the irony in the majority of radio music not being new releases.
A panel, including prominent figures from the music and broadcasting industry, pushed for the passage of the American Music Fairness Act, stressing the necessity for the industry to evolve in response to technological advances and the protection of artists against the unauthorized use of their work by AI.
Mary Travis also addressed the emerging challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence in music, sharing how AI has enabled Randy Travis to release new music, such as his song “Where That Came From,” created using AI to replicate his vocals from previous recordings. However, she also cautioned about the potential harms of unchecked AI technology in the music industry.
The push for the American Music Fairness Act illustrates a unified call from artists, industry leaders, and lawmakers to modernize copyright laws to ensure artists are fairly compensated for their contributions to the cultural and musical heritage of the country.