APRA AMCOS To Pay Live Performance Royalties Early To Help Struggling Artists

APRA AMCOS has announced a number of initiatives to help musicians impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The organisation's response includes, among other things, a revised live performance royalty payment date, with songwriter, composer and publisher members being paid in May instead of November.

“The COVID-19 crisis has hit every segment of Australia and New Zealand’s music sector,” APRA AMCOS Chief Executive Dean Ormston said.

“From our songwriter, composer and publisher members to the venues, events and festivals and the managers, crew and SME’s of the industry, the impact of necessary government regulations has been immediate and devastating. We know we need to get money into the pockets of our members quickly and efficiently.”

APRA AMCOS is also campaigning for local content support, earlier this week urging radio stations across the country to play more Australian music, while also advocating to Government for urgent stimulus and cutting business costs.

Ormston added: “APRA AMCOS is not immune to the impacts of the crisis. We are looking at cutting costs across the business while not compromising our commitment to our members – getting more money to you as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We are working with our sector colleagues, not just across the music sector, but also the broader cultural and creative industries to advocate to government for urgent financial assistance for both individuals and the breadth of businesses vital to the contemporary music industry ecosystem.”

For more details, head to the APRA AMCOS website.

For more information about how COVID-19 is impacting the music industry, follow the link here.