As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital music in 2025, it’s crucial to look back at the foundations that shaped the industry. A significant turning point occurred in 2022 when SoundExchange, along with a group of here” href=”https://radiofacts.com/tag/recording-/”>recording , launched “Project72.” This campaign aimed to ensure equal rights and treatment for musicians and rights holders with sound recordings made prior to 1972. In collaboration with The RESPECT Act, introduced by Representatives George Holding (R-NC) and John Conyers (D-MI), it sought to require digital radio services to pay royalties to pre-1972 . This throwback reminds us of the crucial steps taken to preserve and respect the legacy of our music forebears.
Introduction of Project72 and The RESPECT Act
SoundExchange, together with dozens of recording , launched “Project72,” a campaign to ensure equal treatment for musicians and rights holders with sound recordings made prior to 1972 from digital radio. This campaign was launched in conjunction with the introduction of The RESPECT Act by Representatives George Holding (R-NC) and John Conyers (D-MI). Their legislation aimed to require digital radio services to pay royalties to pre-1972 when their music is played by companies using the statutory license administered by SoundExchange.
The Impact of Project72
Project72 highlighted the reality that the world’s largest digital radio providers were not paying royalties to musicians who recorded music before February 15, 1972. SoundExchange estimated that this practice deprived legacy artists and record labels of more than $60 million in digital royalties in 2022.
Support for The RESPECT Act
Michael Huppe, SoundExchange president and CEO, applauded the Representatives for taking a step towards righting a wrong done to pre-72 artists whose music continues to inspire. He underlined the importance of giving due respect to the legends of music and treating all sound recordings equally.
Artists Rallying for Project72
Project72 was kickstarted with an open letter, signed by over 70 recording artists, calling on digital radio to treat all sound recordings equally and to pay for all the music they play. Among the artists advocating for fairness were The Allman Brothers Band, The Beach Boys, Roseanne Cash, Melissa Etheridge, Al Green, B.B. King, The Moody Blues, Cyndi Lauper, Martha Reeves, members of Steely Dan, The Supremes, The Temptations, Three Dog Night, and many more.
Personal Testimonies from Artists
Many of the artists who joined the campaign had pre-1972 recordings of their own and spoke about the issue from personal experience. Others were post-1972 artists who believed these legendary artists have inspired and paved the way for them. Together they stood united, saying, “This is a matter of respect.”
Conclusion: The Call to Support Project72
Show respect for our roots and stand up for music by asking Congress to end this unfair practice. Support Project72 by tweeting “All music deserves respect, all artists deserve fairness. Join Project72 www.project-72.org: #RespectAllMusic”
#RespectAllMusic #Project72 #MusicRoyalties #DigitalRadio #MusicLegends
