Exploration Weekly - TikTok Inks Licensing Deal with NMPA / SoundExchange Validated as Source for ISRC Data / The MLC Seeks Music Publisher Reps

Aaron Davis -


“When used correctly, data is not the enemy of Intuitive Creative Thinkers; it is a powerful friend.”

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This week, TikTok entered into a global, multi-year licensing agreement with the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) in the US, setting up a “forward-looking partnership,” according to the announcement. The new partnership will allow NMPA members “to opt-in to a licensing framework” in order to benefit from their works included on TikTok. It is effective retroactively as of May 1, 2020.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), SoundExchange is an authoritative source for International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) data in the US. ISRC is a global standard for identifying sound recordings as well as linking them to musical compositions. The RIAA is responsible for overseeing the ISRC system in the US and its territories, while the IFPI oversees the data globally.

In an announcement this week, The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) stated that it is seeking music publisher representatives to fill a seat on its Board of Directors, which has been vacated recently by the resignation of a Director. The Music Modernization Act (MMA) designates certain governance positions at The MLC for music publisher representatives. For example, ten members of The MLC’s Board of Directors are specifically for these representatives.

Exploration is excited to announce our “Music Industry - 5 Mins or Less” video series! These short bites are designed to help everyone understand the basics of the music industry and how it all fits together. Our first video topic is on Metadata. If you are a music creator/owner/administrator - it is HOW YOU GET PAID! Please feel free to also visit our website regarding this topic for more information.



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Compiled by Heidi Seo

Exploration Weekly - July 24, 2020

TikTok Signs Licensing Deal with US Publishing Body NMPA

TikTok recently signed a global, multi-year licensing agreement with the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) in the US. The deal “accounts for TikTok’s past use of musical works and sets up a forward-looking partnership,” according to the announcement. “This new partnership will give NMPA members the ability to opt-in to a licensing framework that allows them to benefit from their works included on TikTok and is effective retroactively as of May 1, 2020.” NMPA CEO David Israelite stated, “We are pleased to find a way forward with TikTok which benefits songwriters and publishers and offers them critical compensation for their work.” TikTok global head of music Ole Obermann also added, “We’re excited to partner with the NMPA to bring their member companies on to the platform and help hundreds of millions of people discover and enjoy their songs.”

RIAA Says SoundExchange is Authoritative Source for ISRC Data in the US

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has designated SoundExchange as the authoritative source for International Standard Recording Code (ISRC) data in the US. The company has been operating an online tool for looking up ISRCs - the global standard for identifying sound recordings - since 2016. Countries have their own ISRC agency that assigns the unique 12-digit codes, consisting of a two-letter country code, a three-character code for the registrant, two numbers for the year, and five assigned by the registrant. The RIAA oversees the ISRC system in the US and its territories, while the IFPI oversees the data globally. ISRC is a key data element used to link recordings to musical compositions and their identifier, International Standard Musical Work Code (ISWC).

The MLC Seeking Suggestions for Music Publisher Representative to Serve on Its Board of Directors

The Mechanical Licensing Collective (The MLC) is seeking suggestions for music publisher representatives to fill a seat on its Board of Directors that has been vacated by the resignation of a Director. Candidates for the open seat must be a representative of a music publisher. The Music Modernization Act (MMA) designates certain governance positions at The MLC for music publisher representatives, including ten members of The MLC’s Board of Directors, six members of the Operations Advisory Committee, five members of the Dispute Resolution Committee, and five members of the Unclaimed Royalties Oversight Committee. Music publishers filling these positions are pursuant to The MLC’s Bylaws.

Music Trade Organizations, Guilds, PROs Urge Congress to Extend Relief for Songwriters, Composers

As enhanced unemployment benefits come to an end this month, working songwriters and composers are facing another financial hurdle, to the tune of as much as $600 a week in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation. Performance rights organizations ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC joined together with trade orgs National Music Publishers Association (NMPA), the Society of Composers and Lyricists (SCL), Songwriters of North America (SONA), Songwriters Guild of America (SGA), and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), to deliver a letter to Congress urging the continuation of benefits for self-employed individuals and small businesses in the next government stimulus package. The last request was made on March 19, a week after the supposed beginning of the US government-mandated closures due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Spotify Launches Video Podcasts Globally

Spotify has officially launched creator-made video podcasts globally on July 21, available for free and Premium users. The streaming service had reportedly been testing an in-app video podcast feature in May. In its blog post, the company stated the new feature will allow “select creators to bring both audio and video content to Spotify, enabling them to connect more meaningfully with their listeners, expand viewership, and deepen audience engagement”. To start watching a video podcast, you’ll need to press play on the Spotify app on either desktop or mobile and the videos will start automatically and sync immediately with your audio feed. The audio will continue to play in the background with no interruption if you’re multitasking between apps or lock your device during playback.

Random Ramblings

  • An open letter to music publishers from The MLC's Chief Executive Officer, Kris Ahrend.
  • Rhino celebrates the 50th anniversary of studio album "Fun House" by The Stooges with an unboxing video.
  • How reggae music inspired the world.
  • Marshmello earns first No. 1 on the Streaming Songs chart with a Juice WRLD collaboration.
  • The Weeknd unveils an animated video of “Snowchild” from his fourth studio album "After Hours".

Who is Exploration?

Exploration is proud to be the company of choice to administer much of the world’s most important media. Utilizing competent staff and advanced technology, our clients are able to better control their data and collect their money.

We’re writing a free book on how the music business works. Learn more here.

The catalog metadata template offers the minimum viable data needed to collect publishing royalties. Download the .csv file here.

To see who is collecting your royalties, request a free copyright audit here!

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Hope you have a great weekend!

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