News Archive
The Songwriters Association of Canada provides regular updates on the economic and cultural climate for music creators in Canada and abroad. We also operate a number of showcases, seminars and industry events for members and the wider public. Stay up to date with our work by checking the news archive below and following us on Twitter and Facebook.
Mechanical royalties: Footnote to a historic achievement
Our international partner, the International Council of Music Creators (CIAM) has released a summary of the recent achievements regarding the US Copyright Royalty Board and mechanical royalties on physical and downloads. The…
Breaking Down Racial Barriers: Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian Music Industry (Volume 1)
As a proud signatory of Breaking Down Racial Barriers, S.A.C. is encouraging all our members and peers to take the time to acknowledge the Report – Volume 1 of Breaking…
Why Broadcasting Act Reform Must Happen Now – Article Series by SOCAN
Lack of Reform Costs Canadian Songwriters and Composers $28-Million-Plus Story by Andrea Kokonis, SOCAN Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, and Fraser Turnbull, SOCAN Legal Counsel / Andrea Kokonis, chef…
International Women’s Day: Patsy Gallant
Quebec dominated the Canadian disco scene in the 1970’s. Quebec disco singles often sold well in Europe, and to hipper American d.j.’s, and left a string of cult favourites. The…
S.A.C. Black History Songwriters’ Series: George Hector
George Hector’s life gives one a glimpse of the music which permeated the challenging lives of African Canadian Maritimers. Former Poet Laureate of Canada, George Elliott Clarke, coined the term…
S.A.C. Black History Songwriters’ Series: Mel Brown
At the age of 50, a second career in music beckoned established guitarist Mel Brown and found him relocating from Texas to Canada for a 20-year career making and supporting…
Update from Ottawa
A new video clip on federal support for live performance Live music and theatre is so important to our communities, both for work and entertainment. MP Julie Dabrusin raised in…
SOCAN Responds to Tabling of Online Streaming Act (EN / FR)
Canadians Agree: Online Streaming Companies Should Promote Music Made in Canada français à suivre Toronto, February 3, 2022 –More than two-thirds (68%) of Canadians agree that it is important for…
The Rules for Online Streaming Are Changing
On February 2, 2022, a press conference took place with The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, where he discussed the introduction of the proposed Online Streaming…
Feds re-table Broadcasting Act bill and Music Creators are being heard!
The bill to amend the Broadcasting Act, the Online Streaming Act, was tabled today in the House of Commons. This bill represents an important step forward in making streaming platforms…
The Reason Why More Musicians Are Releasing Their Own Music
BBC correspondent Mike Savage wrote a piece highlighting one artist’s remarkable story. Lauren Spencer-Smith, British-born Canadian singer-songwriter from Vancouver Island, has no record deal. Her song, ‘Fingers Crossed’ was released…
MCNA submits ‘letter in response’ to US Copyright Royalty Board
January 27th 2022 – Yesterday MCNA (Music Creator’s North America), joined it’s member organizations (AWFC) The Alliance for Women Film Composers,(CMC) Council of Music Creators, (SCGC) Screen Composers Guild of…
Tribute to Terry McManus
Happy New Year, S.A.C. members. We hope everyone is keeping as well as can be hoped during a frozen January in a pandemic. We start 2022 on a sombre note,…
Sound Advice: Legal Considerations When Co-writing a Song
What rights do songwriters have? Can a co-writer record the song, or sign a synchronization license, without the consent of the other co-writers? How do co-writers “split” songs? What are…
Government Support Services for Music Creators,Music Businesses and Artists
The City of Toronto Music Office has provided a list of national support services available to music creators and artists at this time. Do you qualify for support services? Carefully…