Record International Music Royalties Reported For Aus Acts Despite COVID Impact

Despite the devastating bushfires and then COVID’s impact on the music industry, Australian artists have claimed more international music royalties this year than ever before alongside a boost in digital revenue.

APRA AMCOS’ annual Year In Review report shows a record $54.4m in international revenue, thanks to Tones & I, Sia, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Tame Impala and more, and $206m in digital revenue, which is up 17.4% on last year.

Unfortunately, the Australasian music rights management organisation reported an overall downgraded financial year result, with its group revenue at $474.5m instead of the original budgeted figure of $488.9m.

Restrictions around live music and touring resulted in a huge downturn for public performance income, with $73m of income reported in that category, down from last year’s $92.4m, while royalties payable to songwriters, publishers, affiliated societies and rights holders was down 0.9% on last year at $407.3m.

“Individual and collective resilience has been tested and we’ve had to adapt quickly,” APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston said.

“As the bushfires devastated enormous areas of Australia, and then COVID-19 spread across the globe, we moved quickly to provide direct support and advocate to government the plight of those that live and work in the original gig economy.

“Musicians and the music industry are always amongst the first to lend a hand to support, lift spirits and raise funds to rebuild community. The COVID-19 context has turned the tables and musicians have needed to put a call out for the support of governments and the rest of the community.

“Music will be a critical part of the social, cultural and economic recovery of both Australia and New Zealand. As we move to recovery, it is now time for government to fully realise the economic, cultural and social return of the music sector.

“Our music industry is, by definition, a fast moving, dynamic, agile, locally invested and globally facing industry. Now more than ever there is an opportunity to redefine and build the local and international opportunity for the local music industry, based on an integrated whole-of-government approach that fully reflects music’s impact across society.

“It is the breadth and diversity of our membership and industry that creates community, strength and opportunity for all. We look forward to contributing to the rebuild of a better, stronger, sustainable music industry.”

The 2020 Year In Review report also reveals the top 50 Australian songs streamed in each country over the year, which features Tones & I, Flume and more.

For more details, head to the APRA AMCOS website.