According to multiple reports, the Music Modernization Act is being fast-tracked through the Senate, with a vote that could happen any day now. The legislation is aimed at modernizing copyright protection for songwriters and artists for streaming and digital music. The bill could reportedly even be “hotlined” through the Senate, a process which allows bills to pass with a simple voice vote.
However, SiriusXM has suggested three amendments to the bill, thus making them the last holdout opposing the bill’s current form. According to the satcaster, the MMA bill favors traditional broadcasters over satellite and streaming services.
In a letter published by Variety on Monday, a wide-ranging group of artists and music executives threatened to boycott SiriusXM and its parent corporation Liberty Media over their opposition to the bill. The list includes Paul McCartney, Katy Perry, P!nk, John Legend, Sia, Steven Tyler & Joe Perry, Stevie Nicks & Mick Fleetwood, Dolly Parton, The Edge, Shirley Manson and many, many more.
The letter says that “this is an opportunity for SiriusXM to take a leadership position. As you are aware, 415 Representatives and 76 Senators have already cosponsored the MMA along with industry consensus. It’s SiriusXM vs all of us. We can either fight to the bitter end or celebrate this victory together. Rather than watch bad press and ill will pile up against SiriusXM, why not come out supporting the most consequential music legislation in 109 years? We do not want to fight and boycott your company but we will as we have other opponents. Stand with us! Be brave and take credit for being the heroes who helped the MMA become historic law! Momentum is building against SiriusXM and you still have an opportunity to come out on the right side of history. We look forward to your endorsement but the fire is burning and only you can put this out.”
SiriusXM responded today with its own letter published by Variety. In it, the company says, “Over the past several weeks, we have been the subject of some stinging attacks from the music community and artists regarding our views on the Music Modernization Act. Contrary to new reports and letters, this is really not about a SiriusXM victory, but implementing some simple, reasonable and straightforward amendments to MMA. There is nothing in our ‘asks’ that gut the MMA or kills the Act. So let’s talk about the substance of the amendments we propose, because we truly do not understand the objections or why these concepts have incited such a holy war.”
The letter goes on to further lay out SiriusXM’s previously-released complaints and suggested amendments about the MMA, concluding that “There is nothing hidden or underhanded in our views. We have offered these simple amendments on a one-pager. We are prepared to work with the NMPA and RIAA to adopt these amendments, pass the MMA, and move the music industry forward.”
The MMA would be the first major rewrite of the country’s music copyright laws in 20 years.
In a statement last week, the RIAA and SAG-AFTRA said, “We welcome good-faith discussions with like-minded allies who seek to improve the current music licensing system by supporting the MMA. But one company – SiriusXM – continues to hide behind excuses and fake concerns in order to kill the legislation. This bill currently has the support of 75 Senators. 415 members of the House of Representatives voted to pass it and NONE voted against. Thousands of artists, songwriters, producers, labels and others from across the music spectrum have joined together to seek these important provisions to improve the lives of countless creators. We hope Sirius doesn’t stand in the way of progress. Let’s get this done.”
