ITV

Tag: Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers

  • India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    India’s music royalties hit the high notes with Rs 700 crore windfall

    MUMBAI: India’s  music scene is singing a very different tune these days—one that sounds suspiciously like cash registers ringing. Music royalty collections in India have struck a crescendo at Rs 700 crore in 2024, surging 42 per cent year-on-year and quadrupling over five years in a performance that would make even Indian cinema proud.

    The star of this financial symphony? Streaming platforms, which have transformed from industry pariahs into the golden goose laying digital eggs. India’s global ranking for creators’ collections has leapt from a modest thirty seventh position in 2019 to twenty third in 2023, according to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) in its latest annual report.
    Royalty collectionsBut before the champagne corks start popping in recording studios across the subcontinent, there’s a sobering reality check. Despite the impressive crescendo, India’s royalty collections remain woefully below potential for a market of this magnitude—a case of having the orchestra but missing half the instruments.

    The culprit? Indians’ stubborn reluctance to pay for premium music streaming services. While platforms like Spotify, JioSaavn and Gaana are desperately trying to wean users off their freebie addiction with subscription models—backed by music labels like Saregama—the conversion rate remains sluggish.

    Adding to creators’ woes is the dismal performance of non-digital revenue streams, which continue to hit bum notes. CISAC has been working overtime with the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS) to bring global standards to governance, licensing and royalty distribution—essentially teaching old dogs new digital tricks.

    The organisations have crafted a fresh action plan for FY25, designed to explore untapped market potential and identify business opportunities. The blueprint targets improved collections from local digital services whilst diversifying revenue streams beyond the usual suspects.

    With India’s creative economy finally finding its rhythm, the question isn’t whether the music will stop—it’s how loud the next movement will be.

  • EY survey: Only 60 per cent of music creators pursue full-time careers

    EY survey: Only 60 per cent of music creators pursue full-time careers

    Mumbai: EY, the leading professional services firm, launched the first-ever comprehensive report on the state of the music publishing industry in India titled ‘The music creator economy: The rise of music publishing in India.’ The report aims to provide valuable insights into the current state, market potential, and perspectives surrounding music publishing in the country.

    The report estimates that India generates over 20,000 original songs annually, contributed by 40,000 music creators. Music directly or indirectly generates over Rs 12,000 crore in revenues each year.

    Commenting on the survey findings, EY India media & entertainment leader Ashish Pherwani said, “Music is an important part of India’s media and entertainment sector and is an important contributor to India’s Soft Power. Both local and international labels have driven the music segment’s sound recording revenues for a long time. However, music publishing revenues remain much smaller, given the differing views on its applicability and litigation.”

    Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA fame, now president of the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC) stated, “The works of songwriters and composers inspire our lives and enrich our cultures. With the support of publishers and authors societies, they are also a driver of economies that fuel other businesses and employ millions of people. This study can help improve many readers’ knowledge of our sector.”

    The first-of-its-kind survey conducted by EY, in which 500 music creators participated, indicated that their financial income is unpredictable and often limited:

    1.    87 per cent of respondents would have liked to make a living off their music alone, but only 60 per cent were able to do so

    2.    Working outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship, one-time payments (upfront fees), live performances and royalties were the primary sources of income for most creators

    3.    A majority strongly believed that they needed to learn more about music production and monetization

    4.    Only 56 per cent of respondents had access to the equipment and infrastructure required to produce music

    5.    35 per cent of respondents reinvested more than 50 per cent of their earnings from music on equipment, gear, software, and other infrastructure required to create music

    While India consumes more music per capita than the world average, it ranks 14th in recorded music revenues. In contrast, publishing revenues are ranked 23rd due to various issues like lack of legal clarity and consequently, low compliance.

    However, despite these challenges, India’s music publishing industry has grown, reaching Rs 884 crore (approx. US$100 million) in the fiscal year 2022-23. The Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), with over 13,500 authors as its members, continues to expand its revenue, thanks to the support it has received from GOI, as more music users comply with publishing requirements.