DiMA (Digital Media Affiliation), the commerce physique within the US that represents music streaming providers together with Apple Music, Amazon, Pandora, Spotify, and YouTube has employed a brand new CEO.
That new CEO is Graham Davies, who succeeds Garrett Levin, whose departure from the org was first reported by MBW in Might.
Davies joins DiMA from a UK commerce physique representing songwriters known as the Ivors Academy, the place he was CEO. He’s set to imagine his new function later this fall, with plans to relocate to the US.
Latest historical past makes Davies’ transfer an intriguing one.
You may do not forget that DiMA is the group that, not so way back, was lobbying to pay songwriters much less in america.
To refresh your reminiscence: In January 2018, songwriters loved a serious victory when the CRB dominated that songwriter/writer royalty charges for streaming and different mechanical makes use of have been to rise considerably within the US.
That ruling centered on a rise within the general share of streaming providers’ US revenues that legally need to be paid by the likes of Spotify to songwriters.
The CRB determined to maneuver that share determine up from 10.5% to 15.1% throughout the 5 years between 2018 and 2022. It was the most important price improve within the historical past of the CRB.
Nevertheless, Spotify and different corporations, together with Amazon, Sirius/Pandora and Google/Alphabet – however NOT Apple – subsequently launched a authorized enchantment in opposition to the brand new charges, arguing that they have been unjustified.
DiMA was the US commerce org that represented every of these music streaming providers that appealed in opposition to the CRB’s 2018-2022 price determination.
Fortunately for US songwriters, in July final 12 months, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) maintained its determination to extend the headline price paid to songwriters in america from on-demand streaming providers between the years 2018 and 2022.
In August, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) issued its Remaining Dedication upholding the speed will increase within the Phonorecords III case.
As famous in a press launch issued by the Ivors Academy this week asserting Davies’ departure, in his time as CEO on the commerce physique, he led the ‘Repair Streaming’ marketing campaign within the UK.
Davies additionally gave proof to the Tradition, Media and Sport Choose Committee inquiry that known as for a “full reset” of streaming.
The exec now transitions from songwriter champion to champion of providers that just lately lobbied to pay songwriters much less.
“DiMA has taken a forward-leaning strategy to initiatives that profit the whole music trade and the brightest future for music is one the place key gamers work collectively.”
Graham Davies
“DiMA has taken a forward-leaning strategy to initiatives that profit the whole music trade and the brightest future for music is one the place key gamers work collectively,” stated Davies in a press launch this week.
He added: “As streaming providers have powered the resurgence of music from darkish financial days, it’s crucial that we speed up trade dialogues that reward creativity and guarantee followers can proceed to legally entry music anytime, wherever.
“In my new put up, I sit up for listening, partaking in dialog, and taking a look at methods continued innovation can create new alternative.”
DiMA’s Board of Administrators added: “Graham has lengthy championed initiatives that deliver the music trade collectively by means of collaborative dialogue and motion.”
“Graham has lengthy championed initiatives that deliver the music trade collectively by means of collaborative dialogue and motion.”
DiMA
Added DiMA’s Board of Administrators: “His demonstrated observe report of working constructively throughout various stakeholders – and throughout borders – for the betterment of creators and the music ecosystem as an entire resonated with us.
“We’re extraordinarily proud to call him as DiMA’s subsequent President & CEO. We sit up for constructing upon and increasing the optimistic work DiMA has already undertaken to champion the helpful impression of streaming for followers, artists, and songwriters, and are enthusiastic about Graham’s imaginative and prescient to advocate and have interaction round an improved music trade.”Music Enterprise Worldwide