Music Publishing News Roundup: Majors To Stay At ASCAP & BMI, Taylor Swift & More
Taylor Swift’s “1989” has sold 1.287 million in its first week. After removing her entire discography from music streaming giant, Spotify, the Pop Superstar has achieved the highest sales week for an album since Eminem’s “The Eminem Show” in 2002. On top of that, the album is the biggest selling release of 2014 and puts her as the only artist to earn three million-selling weeks with an album. Swift and her label Big Machine Label Group attribute their decision to remove the catalog in support for anti-piracy and fair compensation for songwriters.
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Major publishers will not withdraw from ASCAP and BMI this year according to a recent report from Pandora. After numerous rumors and threats of entire withdrawal of rights from collection societies by major publisher’s over fair compensation from digital services, BMI has now sent a letter to Pandora stating “There is no imminent publisher withdrawal at the end of 2014”. A Sony spokesperson however, denies a decision has been made on withdrawals and references Sony/ATV CEO Martin Bandier’s letter to members made this past July.
Taylor Swift has re-signed with BMI for her full catalog performing rights. First joining in 2004 at the age of 14, the country turned pop star has since earned 21 BMI Country Awards, 9 BMI Pop Awards, as well as the BMI Presidents award. The deal included her new album “1989” which was released this week.
