To better understand the Socan

The summer surprise in the cultural environment is undoubtedly the prosecution filed in the federal court by the Canadian Society of Authors. Moreover, Composers and Music Editors (SOCAN) against the Summer Festival in Quebec (FEQ) and Bleufeu.

According to SOCAN. For example, these organizations have authorized or executed musical works without paying royalties and license rights to creators or publishers.

At the heart of the dispute. Furthermore, there is the interpretation of an article in the Copyright law which determines exemptions in the payment of fees.

Article 32.2 (3) indicates that “religious organizations. better understand socan Meanwhile, institutions, educational establishments and charitable or fraternal organizations are not required to pay compensation if the following acts are performed in the interest of a religious, educational or charitable enterprise”.

The FEQ defends itself by saying that the International Summer Festival of Quebec (FEIQ). In addition, the registered charitable organization which is at the origin of the event, allows it to benefit from an exemption from fees.

If most Quebec festivals are non -profit organizations, around thirty (FEQ, Montreal International Jazz Festival, Festival Pop Montreal, etc.) are recorded charitable organizations.

The judgment that will be rendered is therefore eagerly awaited by the leaders of many festivals. However, He will finally clarify the interpretation of this clause.

The opportunity is good to better understand the role of the Socan. Furthermore, better understand socan Alexandre Alonso, Executive Director of Affairs of Quebec within this organization, answers my questions.

First of all a small exercise: how to summarize the role of the socan in a sentence? – Better understand socan

This is to perceive and distribute the copyright fees in the name of the authors, composers and publishers.

And it is done in two ways. Meanwhile, Let’s start with execution rights. – Better understand socan

That’s all we can hear. Therefore, I am thinking of radio, execution in better understand socan concert and broadcasting in shopping centers, bars, restaurants and on online listening platforms.

How does it work for an artist who offers his songs or those of other creators on stage? The works are paid by the room or according to a percentage? – Better understand socan

It is a percentage which represents 3 % of ticket revenues or 3 % of the features of artists if the show is free.

And who must declare that?

The diffuser.

And there are reproductive rights. It brings us to talk about the music offered on digital platforms. How are you going to look for money from these platforms?

We negotiate licenses which are based on fees related to their business model and their income. We receive money from the better understand socan money and files that identify listening. There is a set of distribution rules that define the algorithm which will allow to allocate to each work. the amounts which must be perceived.

Is the Socan responsible for perceiving the royalties of foreign artists on our territory?

Quite ! Through reciprocity agreements with dozens and dozens of collective management companies, we exchange fees. If the songs of a member of SACEM (France) run on our radios, we will send him fees. Same thing for Quebec creators whose songs are shot in France. The SACEM perceives and transfers the amount to the Socan.

The Socan has around 300 employees throughout Canada. Do you only recover from the reports you receive or also play the role of watchdog?

Audits are also made thanks to information transmitted better understand socan by users. We make sure they are complete and precise. We build bonds of trust, but confidence does not prevent us from controlling. Of course, some irregularities can escape us.

Are there many offenders and is the broadcasting of music in public places more difficult to manage?

Indeed, there is an issue on this side, because their activities are not based on music. This is why there is RE: SONNE. which is the collective management company which brings together players in neighboring law, and ENDANDEM, who takes care of the concerts and general licenses of hotels and shops.

Are there other organizations in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada who also take care of perceiving and redistributing fees?

Absolutely ! In Quebec, interpreters have artistic and producers have Soproq.

In 2024, you redistributed $ 512 million to creators and publishers. It is a record amount. For what ?

Because of online listening growth. Income rose significantly.

Does this mean that you have to look at this more optimistic?

From the point of view of consumers, of course. Access has improved. From the point of view of creators. this hyperdemocratization creates a dilution which is very damaging for small markets like Quebec.

As the repertoire is constantly increasing, I imagine that it is difficult for an artist to swim in this sea.

Exactly ! Unlike radio. where the repertoire is limited and where you have to make choices, that of online music is now very large.