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If you are a songwriter, composer, or music publisher in Canada, there is one organization that plays a vital role in supporting your career. That organization is SOCAN. Led by CEO Jennifer Brown, SOCAN works every day to ensure that music creators are fairly compensated when their work is used in public. But what exactly does SOCAN do, and how does it help artists thrive in today’s fast-changing music industry?
The Mission Behind SOCAN
SOCAN stands for the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada. It exists to protect the rights of music creators. It ensures they get paid when their work is performed, streamed, broadcast, or reproduced. With nearly 200,000 members across Canada, SOCAN plays an essential role in the lives of those who write and publish music.
Whether your music is being streamed on services like Spotify or Netflix, played on the radio, performed in a concert, or featured on television, SOCAN makes sure you are paid royalties for that usage. The organization acts as a bridge between creators and the businesses that use their music.
Who Does SOCAN Represent?
While there are other music rights organizations in Canada and around the world, SOCAN is unique in its focus. It represents the rights of songwriters, composers, and music publishers exclusively. SOCAN is a not-for-profit organization, which means its primary goal is to support the success and financial growth of its members rather than deliver profits to shareholders.
Even more importantly, SOCAN is governed by a board of directors made up of music creators and publishers. This ensures that the organization truly understands the needs and challenges faced by its members.
How SOCAN Gets You Paid
The process begins when SOCAN issues licenses to businesses that use music. These can include TV stations, radio broadcasters, streaming platforms, bars, restaurants, and concert venues. These licenses allow music to be played legally and generate fees for that usage.
Once the fees are collected, SOCAN analyzes usage data to determine which songs were played and when. Then, it distributes the money it collects as royalties to the appropriate music creators and publishers. This process ensures that members are fairly rewarded for the use of their creative work.
Supporting Global Royalties
SOCAN also looks beyond Canadian borders. Through agreements with international music rights organizations, SOCAN collects royalties earned by its members when their music is used in other countries. That means if your song is being streamed in France or played on the radio in Japan, SOCAN helps you collect those royalties too.
By becoming a SOCAN member, creators gain access to a global network of support that lets them focus on what they do best, making music, while SOCAN handles the business side of things.
Adapting to a Changing Music Industry
The music industry is constantly evolving, and SOCAN evolves with it. The organization offers education, career development, and resources to help its members navigate new technologies and platforms. From changes in streaming to innovations in how music is created and shared, SOCAN works to make sure its members are never left behind.
In addition, SOCAN plays a vital role in advocating for Canadian music creators at the national level. Through work with the Canadian government, the organization pushes for policies and laws that protect creators and ensure fair compensation across all forms of media.
The Future of Canadian Music
SOCAN is committed to the next generation of Canadian songwriters and composers. It wants young creators to know that a music career is possible and sustainable. SOCAN takes great pride in helping its members succeed.
SOCAN stands ready to support you as your Canadian collective. With its dedication to fairness, advocacy, and growth, SOCAN is a key ally for anyone creating music in Canada.
Written by Alana Black | Evolution Media
Contact: ablack23@my.bcit.ca