Canadian Live Music Is Outperforming

SOCAN data shows concerts as growing contributor to economy and culture

TORONTO, March 20, 2013 /CNW/ - With many Canadian bands and artists shining on the worldwide stage, live music in Canada is making a growing contribution to Canada's economy and, based on data collected and analyzed by SOCAN - the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada - the trend is likely to continue.

"We analyzed revenues generated from live music performances, and we're pleased to report that our members are continuing to gain more than ever from concerts," said Jennifer Brown, vice president, Licensing at SOCAN. "We've seen year-over-year growth in 2012 of 14 per cent in concert revenue, helped by major artists playing the Canadian circuit."

Where revenues from sound recordings have been declining in recent years, the income streams flowing to music creators and publishers from performing rights (TV, Cable, radio, live shows etc.) has continued to grow.

In 2012, SOCAN distributions from concerts and live entertainment totaled $20.9-million. Growth in revenues has been steady for the last couple of years, as music creators increasingly rely on live performances as a revenue source.

"As a performing songwriter, concerts and live performance are essential to my livelihood," said Ian D'Sa, songwriter, guitarist and singer with the Canadian band, Billy Talent. "It's great data that supports what I have suspected: that there is more live music in more places at more times than perhaps ever before in Canada."

Highlights

The data collected shows that:

• Between 2010 and 2012, SOCAN put $57.3-million (from concerts) into the hands of its more than 110,000 members, and millions more internationally, for the use of their music, through partnerships with peer societies.
• In 2012 the top-three locations for live music in Canada were Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver, with Montreal showing the biggest growth, 38 per cent over the previous year.
• Moncton, New Brunswick, registered the biggest growth in live concerts per capita, followed by Niagara Falls, Ontario, suggesting that live performance venues are in demand across Canada.
• Canadians have turned to live performances and concerts even during tough economic times. For example, from 2007- '09 - in the middle of the economic downturn there was a two per cent growth in live performances.

About SOCAN

SOCAN is member-based and governed organization that that represents the Canadian performing rights of more than three-million Canadian and international music creators and publishers. SOCAN is proud to play a leading role in supporting the long-term success of its more than 110,000 Canadian members, and the Canadian music industry overall. SOCAN licenses more than 125,000 businesses in Canada, and distributes royalties to its members and music rights organizations around the world. SOCAN also distributes royalties to its members for the use of their music internationally in collaboration with its peer societies. www.socan.ca

Image with caption: "Concert Royalties (CNW Group/SOCAN)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130319_C6396_PHOTO_EN_24664.jpg

SOURCE: SOCAN

For further information:

Media Contact: Janine Raftopoulos, 416-445-8700, ext. 3702, [e-mail]