Record Artist

I am a recording artist with my current CD signed to indie label Linus Entertainment / True North Records. Without revision of copying laws there may be no more indie labels to support their artists, no artists to support their livelihood.

Performer, Songwriter

As an Independent songwriter and entertainer, I've been able to make a modest living writing, recording and performing my songs for the last 20 years. Obviously, I find it only fair to be paid for what I do and so support the Private Copying Levy.  With the changes to how we listen to music, it only seems right that now is the time to change the Levy to include the copying of our music onto MP3 players as well. This change is a must if we are to sustain our music, our performers, our culture and our future."

School of Music, Queen's University

As a past-President of the Canadian League of Composers (1998-2006), I know how important this issue is to composers.  We need to work hard to keep pressure on the federal government to embrace copyright reform in a variety of areas.  The following letter was printed in the Globe and Mail on Friday, March 23, 2010:

"Federal MP Charlie Angus's private member's bill to extend the blank cassette and CD levy to digital audio players such as the iPod is a truly inspired move and would certainly provide much needed support tot he creators of music whose works are often illegally copied and distributed using the Internet (A Musical Divide - editorial, March 19).

While Heritage Minister James Moore may view this levy extension as a new tax to fight against, a more enlightened view would be to call the extension an effective way to support Canada's composers and lyricists, and an enlightened means to ensure that we have access to music that is written by and for Canadians.

Music is everywhere in our lives these days, yet it becomes increasingly difficult for the writers of music to make a living from their art.  Why isn't the federal Heritage Minister representing, supporting and championing canadian culture as a first priority?"

Songwriter, Producer

I am a professional songwriter/producer, and have made my living exclusively from my profession for the past 12 years. In the last 2 years, my income has dropped massively due to decreased sales largely due to illegal downloading. 2 companies that I worked for went bankrupt due to illegal downloading.

My yearly earnings have diminished by more than 60 %, causing me to scramble and take on jobs like painting houses and carpentry which have severely taken away from my ability to write and produce music.

This is grossly unfair. The only way to guarantee I will be fairly compensated for my work is through programs like the Private Copying levy which distributes royalties fairly from the sale of blank media to composers and publishers based on sales and radio play.

As a writer of more than 1000 copyrighted compositions and arrangements, this levy is very, very important to me.

If I were a shopkeeper and people came in every day and stole my merchandise, I could phone the police. I could install an alarm. I could take steps to protect my property and my hard earned income. As a songwriter, I have no such solutions available to me.

The only way I can possibly be compensated for a fraction of what has been stolen is through programs like this. But this levy is in need of a serious, realistic update. Whereas 10 years ago, music was copied onto CDs and tapes, now the primary method of illegal downloading and distribution is through the internet and mp3 players. These developments have to be reflected in the program and steps need to be taken to reimburse writers and publishers their fair and reasonable share of lost revenue.

Singer/Song writer, guitarist, bassist, drummer, producer

As a struggling independent musician it is hard to make it past the general public of a small area due to the lack of music being sold. We can't just rely on the percentage we get for doing shows because what if the show doesn't sell past the scale point you have to pay for it out of your cut. We deserve to be compensated for our hard work if we don't save the levy my generation and future generations can't enjoy our work and may decide what's the point of trying any more then go get average joe jobs else where.

MC, vocalist, songwriter and producer

Truth is artists are often at the end of a long line of professionals when it comes to being compensated for their works. If the artists can't live their art then they can't create their best work. By protecting copyright laws it ensures that we can continue to enjoy the work we love from our favourite artists in a meaningful way.  Protecting copyright and making sure artists are able to survive financially to create their work is key to them filling our lives with food for our souls.

Recording artist and songwriter

The Private Copying Levy is the fairest way of protecting music composers and lyricists’ interests. When Canadians began copying music they were bypassing paying the creators for this use of their music. The solution, proposed by Canada’s songwriters, performers, record labels and music publishers to the government, was to establish the private copying legislation to address this widespread and un-stoppable violation of copyright. Now that we have that solution in place, please keep it there.

Thank you.

Performer/Composer

Royalties from copyright is 1/3 of our annual income we will have to rely on it in our old age. Artists cannot tour forever, they get older, have families and are as likely to get illnesses as anyone else.  Artists need all the income streams they can get from their creations.

Songwriter

"The revenue I recieve from the private copying levy is important to the way I live, for example, I can then afford to copywright more of my songs, I can buy more things that I need to better myself and my song writing. For every penny not recieved, that is one less song or album that I cannot copywright. I am definately not rich, and this to me is only fair that the laws should be changed to benefit the artists and businesses that need this support. Thank you for listening to what I have to say, I truly appreciate it."

Performer, Songwriter and Music Publisher

"The levy is vital to so many creators and publishers.  In the age of instant file sharing, the survival and modernization of levy is of paramount importance."

Composer and Arranger

"I am a composer and arranger and I believe strongly in the protection of copy right. Copyright Act needs to be updated to reflect the digital age."

Songwriter and Performer

"People pay for the use of parking spots, beer, potato chips, licence plates etc, so please, help insure that they also pay for the opportunity to listen to our music."  

"As a creator [or representative of a creator], I believe the Government must enact Copyright laws that ensure copyright is properly protected and fairly compensated. Protection of copyright is important for artists and businesses, and benefits all Canadians and the Canadian economy."

Songwriter/Performer

"Because I’m a relatively new songwriter/performer, the private copying levy is something I’ll begin to benefit from in the near future however I fully understand how important the levy is to the creative process and the critical support it provides for so many artists. I hope all of us will continue to support the CPCC through its initiatives and events and not only maintain, but also help expand the scope of the levy to reflect the continuing changes in the way music is delivered to our fans."

"I have been a songwriter since the early sixties and have dealt with Record Companies,Publishers and managers who have all had the opportunity to "share" the rewards of my work! Like most artists of that era I was taken advantage of by unscrupulous people! The only royalties I get are the ones that they could not take or steal and some publishing that I retained in later years after I learned the ropes! My biggest hits were in the early 80's and most of that music never went to cd format.  I thank God for the neighboring rights legislation and I wish I could be reimbursed for all the copying of my songs that I know of! I hear from fans all the time who download my songs for free and though they feel badly about it ... still do it! I don't blame them but I do blame "the powers that be" who could easily legislate an act that would help. It may be too late for me but I have a son who writes music now and I would hope that things will change in time for him to be able to get just compensation for his work!!"

My music has been played all over the world yet I live a very modest life. As I reach my retirement years I only wish my royalty cheques reflected somewhat all my years of work!!

Singer and songwriter

"The work of the CPCC and royalties collected as part of the Private Copying Levy is instrumental to my career. Without the extra funds from the Levy, I'd barely be able to keep making my music. Canadian independent artists are lucky to have the levy, and people looking out for their rights. I thank everyone at the CPCC from the bottom of my heart for everything they do, as much as I thank everyone reading this statement for taking the time to visit savethelevy.ca to learn a little more about the levy."

Singer and songwriter:

"If it wasn't for royalties like this, small independent recording artists/companies like myself would simply not be able to stay afloat! Thank goodness we live in a country that takes care of and supports its recording artists....."

Juno award winning singer and songwriter:

"When you create something and put it out in the world, you hope people will like what you have produced. And you hope they will respect the effort it took to create. The private copying levies are one way this respect is shown."