AMP (Allocation for Music Producers) Act...

[GReedDiamond]

...I received the following email from NARAS (The Grammys):

Dear Producers & Engineers Wing member,

I’m writing to you today about a momentous occasion and an historic “First!”

Thanks to the hard work and diligent efforts over the last 10 years by the P&E Wing, its members across the country, and the Recording Academy’s Advocacy department, on Thursday, March 22, a bi-partisan Senate version of the AMP (Allocation for Music Producers) Act was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and co-sponsored by Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), and Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Kamala Harris (D-Calif.).

This legislation, which was re-introduced into the House of Representatives in February by Rep. Tom Rooney (R-Fla.) and Rep. Joe Crowley (D-N.Y.), represents the first time in history that producers and engineers have been mentioned in U.S. copyright law. Here are some comments from the bill’s sponsors, and see below for links to articles with further information.

Chuck Grassley: “This will help support the role of these important individuals in the creative process. With the introduction of this legislation, we take a positive step toward music reform and make sure that all in the industry have a fair shake at succeeding. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort and look forward to the rapid enactment of this bill.”

Dianne Feinstein: “Great music is the work of not just great artists, but talented sound engineers, mixers, and producers as well. For the first time, this legislation protects their contributions under federal law, and ensures that they can receive the royalties they are due for their part in creating the music we so enjoy.”

Bob Corker: “Tennessee is blessed with a vibrant music industry composed of accomplished producers, talented songwriters, skilled musicians, and countless small and large businesses. However, while the industry has transformed with advances in technology and new platforms providing access to music, we have yet to modernize the way music creators are compensated for their work. This legislation will help improve the music marketplace so that it works not only for consumers but also the countless people who bring to life the music we enjoy each day.”

Kamala Harris: “Producers, mixers, and engineers play an indispensable role in the creation of music we love. Though their contributions are being made behind the scenes, these studio professionals should not be denied fair pay for their work.”

I hope you take a few minutes to celebrate this occasion. We understand and appreciate the work that you do, and it is our stated mission that the rest of the world does the same!

Sincerely,

MAUREEN DRONEY
Managing Director, Producers & Engineers Wing – Recording Technology
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RECORDING ACADEMY

[msongs]

1. and who eactly is going to pay these people more than they are already paid?

these services come under the category of work for hire in most cases and they are already paid rather handsomely from what I have seen in studios

[GReedDiamond]

2. Not everyone who is a member of the P&E Wing...

...of NARAS is a millionaire.

Especially me.

There are many producers and engineers who work for less than superstar wages.

Calling what producers & engineers do "work for hire" may be true in the literal sense, but the impact that the producer/engineer has on the the outcome of the project may often transform it from "good" to "great."

Why would anyone be opposed to recognizing their contributions accordingly?