Newfoundland and Labrador musicians and other industry professionals fear thousands of dollars in lost revenue for state artists after SiriusXM announced it would not renew its contract with CBC Music.
In a world where online streaming pays a fraction of the price per play, St. John’s-based artist Carolina East says most of her income comes from listening to satellite radio.
“With SiriusXM and satellite radio, you can make $43 a play. You can do it,” East said. In a recent interview named Carolan Fowler.
On October 1st, SiriusXM announced that it would not be renewing its contract with CBC Music.
Over the years, CBC Music has programmed four satellite radio stations for SiriusXM: CBC Radio 3 Classic, CBC Country, ICI Musique Franco-Country and ICI Musique Chansons.
Currently, the company is creating five new channels and says it will program its own content.
Artists aren’t the only ones at risk of losing money. The entire music industry revolves around royalties from radio play.
Nigel Jenkins of Laughing Heart Music, Steady Brook’s record label, publishing and artist management firm, said his company’s royalty share was at least $3,000 a month for just one station.
Now that major companies are organizing channels, he fears that popularity will take precedence, and that the middle class and up-and-coming artists he represents will get less attention than they used to.
Jenkins said, “We expect to see particular attention on up-and-coming Canadian talent. It’s great that they mention artists like Drake and The Weeknd, which will drive more advertising revenue and subscribers.” I am confident that it will be superior to the
“But for those of us working at the emerging and middle-tier levels of the industry, it probably won’t be enough to replace this really important revenue stream that was wiped out overnight.”
CBC reached out to SiriusXM for an interview, but was directed to an online statement that “we remain committed to Canadian music and artists, and our Canadian show lineup will continue to reflect that.”
CRTC requirements require SiriusXM to provide 3 French stations, 3 English stations, and 1 Indigenous language station. Their license requires them to play 85% of Canadian content, a quarter of which must be new music (within 6 months of age), 40% of which is by emerging artists (charting or not reach the top 40 position). top 25 on the pop charts or top 25 on the country charts).
Not all hope is lost, East says fans can do a lot to support their favorite artists.
“Following us on social media, posting about us on social media, emailing requests to your local radio station, etc. is worth your money because the more people make a fuss, the more people across Canada. “Because our voices will be heard in the world. And even in the world,” East said.
After struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic and rising touring costs, Jenkins understands the importance of fans at all levels and governments supporting local artists amidst overall competition in the market. I hope that
“Time and again we have seen the music sector emerge in really meaningful ways when something happens in this state to help others. And I’m sure it will happen by raising our voices,” said Jenkins.
The true impact of the change will not be known for several months. The Composers, Writers and Music Publishers Association of Canada and the Sound Exchange of the United States pay quarterly royalties.
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