SOCAN’s Encore program distributes more than $130,000 for virtual performances

Story by Howard Druckman | Thursday August 20th, 2020

In SOCAN’s distribution of royalties on August 15, 2020, we processed a total of 937 submissions for virtual live concerts performed on Facebook and Instagram during the COVID-19 lockdown, for a total payout of more than $130,000. This was the first distribution of royalties to include Facebook/Instagram online concerts under SOCAN’s new Encore! program. A total of approximately $200,000 is available each quarter under the program, until March 7, 2021.

“Like so many Canadians, SOCAN member songwriters, composers, and music publishers are facing tough times with the loss of revenue from touring and in-person concerts,” said Jennifer Brown, Interim-CEO of SOCAN. “Many of our members have stepped up for fans, staging online concerts to bring the public together and keep their careers moving ahead, so it’s only fair that they get paid for their generous work with our Encore! program.”

To receive an Encore! payment for a live music event on Facebook or Instagram:

  • The performance must occur on either the Facebook live or Instagram live platform as an Event, from March 15, 2020, to March 7, 2021 (inclusive).
  • The performance must be at least 10 songs/compositions, or at least 30 minutes.
  • At least 100 people must have watched the online event, live, while it was happening.
  • A set list of all music performed, along with proof of performance and proof of audience via screen capture, has to be sent via SOCAN’s Notification of Live Music Performance online submission in your SOCAN member account.
  • Claims must be made within 90 days of the Facebook/Instagram concert occurring.
  • For detailed instructions on how to submit, go to http://www.socan.com/get-set-get-paid/#online.

Each online concert is eligible for a total payment of $150, with shares of royalties going to all rights holders of the music performed.

Photo by courtesy/courtoisie. Left to right/De gauche à droite : Michael Bernard Fitzgerald, Claytion Bellamy, Livy Jeanne

SOCAN, IASCA co-create six one-day song camps throughout Summer of 2020

Story by Howard Druckman, with files from/avec la collaboration de Racquel Villagante | Tuesday August 25th, 2020

Between June 18 and July 27, 2020, SOCAN and IASCA (the Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers & Authors) co-created six one-day, three-person song camps, partnering teams of Canadian and Irish songwriters online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since our members haven’t been able to travel internationally for co-writing trips, we’ve found an alternative way to facilitate global collaboration,” said SOCAN A&R Representative Racquel Villagante. “It’s heartening what we’ve been able to do in these strange and challenging times.”

“These camps have been the highlight of my quarantine season,” says IASCA’s Sinéad Troy, who co-curated the camps with her IASCA colleague Sheena Keane, and SOCAN’s Villagante. “Some have even brought me to tears.”

Several Canadian music industry players were involved in submitting SOCAN members from their rosters to participate in these camps, including Warner Chappell, Arts & Crafts, RGK Entertainment, and Cutcraft.

The participants were as follows:

Artist-Songwriter Top-Line Songwriter Producer-Songwriter Date
Luan Parle Aaron Allen Cian Boylan June 18
Mal Tuohy Clayton Bellamy Gavin Glass June 18
Mick Flannery Michael Bernard Fitzgerald ESCQ June 25
Eve Belle Livy Jeanne Phillip McGee July 2
Sorcha Richardson Ryan Chambers Marcus Paquin July 9
Steve Wall ——————– Daniel Ledwell July 27

 

“The SOCAN/ IASCA camp was so much fun!” said participant Livy Jeanne. “I think with the world feeling like it’s completely upside-down, being a part of the camp reminded me again how music is still a massive connector for everyone, especially creatives, in times that feel shaky. I loved being able to collaborate with two incredibly talented people on the other side of the world, and creating something that didn’t exist three hours prior. Thank you, SOCAN, for this awesome opportunity.”

“The SOCAN/IASCA song camp was an invaluable experience,” said participant Clayton Bellamy. “Not only did it expand my working relationships with other artists and producers, it developed new material which I was able to use for my upcoming project.”

“Thanks to SOCAN for including me,” said participant Michael Bernard Fitzgerald. “I loved my session from home. Often, co-writing requires a fair bit of travel, hotels, restaurants, and taxis, so it was nice to have a session at home, with writers from L.A. and Dublin. Mick Flannery and I played one of the same virtual festivals this year as well. It was good to connect this way.”

Photo by Brad Ardley

SOCAN Leadership Updates: Trevor Jackson

Story by Howard Druckman | Wednesday August 19th, 2020

In the midst of social distancing to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, SOCAN is continuing to operate at full capacity. To keep you posted about what we’re doing to adapt to the situation, and how we’re doing it, we present a series of SOCAN Leadership Updates – online video interviews with various SOCAN executives.

This time, SOCAN’s Vice-President of Information Technology, Trevor Jackson, discusses I.T.’s role in ensuring that our members have continued to receive their royalties, and what the department has learned from adapting to the pandemic.