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  • Writer's pictureMusic Tectonics

$424 Million in Royalties: What the MLC means for the Music Business

Updated: Apr 2, 2021

You probably heard that the Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) received $424 million in historical unmatched royalties from music streaming services. In this interview with MLC CEO Kris Ahrend, we find out where that money came from, who it is going to be paid out to, and when. What will the time frame be for additional collections and payouts moving forward?

Get an inside look at this historic moment of unlocking a significant amount of revenue for publishers, administrators, and self-published songwriters. This is the big outcome from the highly fought-for Music Modernization Act and demonstrates that legislation is starting to catch up with the digital music industry. Listen in for a highly accessible explanation of what is happening with the MLC and mechanical royalties.


Music Business Worldwide’s coverage of the unmatched royalties transferred from DSPs to The MLC:


Listen to the full episode here or wherever you pod your favorite casts.

Let us know what you think! Tweet @MusicTectonics, find us on Facebook and Instagram, or connect with podcast host Dmitri Vietze on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Weekly episodes include interviews with music tech movers & shakers, deep dives into seismic shifts, and more.



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