The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) and The Recording Academy recently sent a letter to Senator Marco Rubio‘s office on behalf of artists and indie labels regarding concerns about Paycheck Protection Program loans, and to voice support for the Continuing Small Business Recovery and Paycheck Protection Program Act.

Rubio is Chairman of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and the letter argues against large broadcasters receiving aid as small businesses under the PPP, rather than being considered part of their corporate parent companies. The letter also advocates extension of the PPP to self-employed individuals.

The letter states: “We are very pleased to see that your proposal does not include provisions supported by the broadcasting industry, and radio broadcasters specifically, to allow radio stations owned by mega conglomerates to qualify if an individual location employs fewer than 500 people. PPP funds have proven challenging to secure, and opening up a pot of money to enormous companies that have other means of accessing capital, defeats Congress’ laudable objective of targeting aid to businesses on the front lines in struggling communities.”

The letter also addresses the issue of PPP loans going to large businesses, saying, “according to data released by the Small Business Administration, over 2,000 radio broadcasters have received as much as $350 million in support. 25 of those companies have over 100 employees. Suffice it to say, the program is already very generous. But the five largest radio conglomerates in the country own over 1,900 stations, are anything but small, and should not qualify for this aid.”

A full copy of the letter is below:

Senator Marco Rubio
Chairman, Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship 428A Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Senator Rubio:

On behalf of recording artists and small independent record labels across the country, we write to support the Continuing Small Business Recovery and Paycheck Protection Program Act. Most importantly, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Second Draw loans would be a needed lifeline to true small businesses in the music industry, and a reduction of the employee cap to 300 employees is sound public policy. We also remain hopeful that Congress will clarify certain aspects of the PPP so that relief is more readily accessible to self-employed individuals.

The American Association of Independent Music (A2IM) represents more than 700 record labels in 33 states. A2IM members are true small businesses. Of its record label members, more than 140 make less than $1 million a year, and several dozen are sole proprietors.

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. It represents only individuals and has no company or corporate members. The Academy advocates on behalf of music creators and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards®—music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement.

Together, we are very pleased to see that your proposal does not include provisions supported by the broadcasting industry, and radio broadcasters specifically, to allow radio stations owned by mega conglomerates to qualify if an individual location employs fewer than 500 people. PPP funds have proven challenging to secure, and opening up a pot of money to enormous companies that have other means of accessing capital, defeats Congress’ laudable objective of targeting aid to businesses on the front lines in struggling communities.

As you may know, federal copyright law affords special treatment to broadcast radio over all other forms of music distribution in that radio stations do not have to pay a dime to recording artists and record labels for the public performance of sound recordings. The United States is the only developed country in the world where this is the case and, as a result, music format radio stations make $11 billion a year in advertising revenue without being required to compensate creators, whose product draws consumers to radio in the first place.

In the context of emergency aid, it is crucial to recognize that this unfair treatment under copyright law means that recording artists and labels feel zero downstream impact from taxpayer funded economic support to broadcasters. When PPP went to restaurants, for instance, that freed up capital for downstream economic benefit, flowing to food distributors, furniture suppliers, and others.

Under the current PPP requirements, many small local broadcasters have already received support, and we don’t object to true small businesses accessing these funds. According to data released by the Small Business Administration, over 2,000 radio broadcasters have received as much as $350 million in support. 25 of those companies have over 100 employees. Suffice it to say, the program is already very generous. But the five largest radio conglomerates in the country own over 1,900 stations, are anything but small, and should not qualify for this aid.

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to small businesses. We appreciate the principled and responsible position laid out by your proposal and welcome an opportunity to help with its enactment as part of the next relief package.

Sincerely,

Dr. Richard James Burgess
President and CEO
American Association of Independent Music

Daryl Friedman
Chief Advocacy Officer Recording Academy

Pictured: Billy Sprague, Joe Beck, Michael Blanton, Winner Colin Matchack, Tony Brown and Gary Glover

Songwriting University recently concluded their first of many international songwriting competitions with entries from hundreds of songwriters all over the world. On July 31, finalist Colin Matchack was invited to the Songwriting University office to discuss a potential development deal with the company. He was also surprised with a $10,000 grand prize in the form of a giant check during his visit. A 21-year-old aspiring singer-songwriter, Matchack currently lives in Ooltewah, Tennessee, and entered 14 songs into the competition.

The 15 finalists were chosen by Songwriting University founders Michael Blanton, Gary Glover, Billy Sprague, and Joe Beck, along with celebrity guest judges songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and producer Tony Brown.

“When we first started developing Songwriting University three years ago, the goal was to foster and develop the next generation of songwriters,” says SU co-founder Gary Glover. “Finding this talented young writer through this competition is the culmination of 3 years of work and development, it’s why we started the company.”

“Thank you, this means so much,” said Matchack. “I didn’t go to college, I chose music and I don’t have a degree, but it feels like I do now. A degree from Songwriting University.”

Matthew West is launching “The Matthew West Podcast” today (Aug. 5) on author, speaker and podcaster Annie F. Downs‘ That Sounds Fun Network.

West debuts three episodes, featuring Casting Crowns’ frontman Mark Hall, mother and daughter team Korie Robertson and Sadie Robertson Huff, and a special Q&A episode with West that will be a monthly feature. Each week, West will welcome artists, authors, professional athletes and more to chat about their stories as well as share the stories from those that have inspired his music and conclude with some encouraging words from his dad, Pastor Joe West. He will release a new episode each week.

“Every episode will also have a musical component called ‘Songs From The Story House’ where I get to share the stories of people’s lives who have inspired the songs,” said West. “From the inspiring story of a fourteen year old walking miracle named William, to the incredible story of Renee, who lost her daughter in a drunk driving accident but discovered the life changing gift of forgiveness, I believe these stories are going to challenge listeners to see the power in their own stories. So here we go! This is gonna be fun.”

“The Matthew West Podcast” joins six other podcasts on the That Sounds Fun Network, which launched in May and already touts millions of downloads.

The Americana Music Association’s Thriving Roots Conference, set for Sept. 16-18, has announced some additional panel discussions and sessions as part of this year’s virtual conference.

Among the new events are Rosanne Cash‘s “Love and Vigilance” with Ry Cooder, Angela Davis, Bonnie Raitt and Alice Randall, RIAA’s “Record Setting” with Mitch Glazier and Michele Ballantyne, “How to Stay Creative When You’re Off the Road” with Paul Thorn + Elvin Bishop, “Striking a Chord,” with Grammy Museum Executive Director Scott Goldman talking to this year’s Americana Instrumentalist of the Year nominees Ellen Angelico, Annie Clements, Brittany Haas, Zachariah Hickman and Rich Hinman, and “The Future of Americana” featuring Chris Shiflett along with Leslie Fram (CMT), David Macias (Thirty Tigers), Linda Ryan (Gimme Radio) and Bruce Warren (WXPN / NPR Music’s World Café) as they forecast the future of the genre.

During virtual breaks in the conference, Dualtone Music Group will have a music segment showcasing their artist roster, and Radio Woodstock’s Empire State of Americana will shine a light on five rising music stars.

With over 50 panel discussions and more than 40 special events filled with music, Thriving Rootswill bring the Americana music community together for three full days of insights from its top industry professionals and leading artists. The virtual conference agenda will be announced in late August.