SoundExchange's Digital Radio Report Marks Largest Q1 Royalty Payout Ever

As part of their first-ever digital radio report, SoundExchange, the non-profit PRO for digital performance royalties, has recorded its largest Q1 payout to recording artists and record labels, at $162.4 million. This is a 38% increase in its payout from the same quarter last year, with a 17% increase in payees since then. On account of its practices throughout the growth of digital radio and streaming platforms, SoundExchange’s revenues represent 8% of the revenue of the U.S. recorded music industry, and 41% of music streaming revenue in the U.S. These numbers have been growing steadily since 2008. In ints 10 years of activity, the PRO has paid out $2 billion in royalties, 45% of which are paid directly to the recording artists that perform the songs. Check out the short infographic here, and read more about SoundExchange’s Project 72 campaign to fight for fair pay for legendary artists.