“Historic” was the adjective of choice for artists, songwriters and politicians alike when Congress passed the Music Modernization Act last year. The overdue bundle of reform — intended to update copyright rules for the streaming age and help music-makers take home more money — was an industry-wide effort, years in the making.

Despite rumors of anti-competitive threats, the American Music Licensing Collective (AMLC) is aggressively moving forward and seeking qualified tech partners.

President Trump may have signed the Music Modernization Act (MMA) into law.  But he’s also throwing a gigantic monkey wrench into process required to transform the MMA into reality.

With the U.S. government shutdown entering its third week with little signs of ending, implementation of the MMA is likely being delayed.  The U.S. Copyright Office has indicated to Digital Music News that copyright registrations are still being accepted, though it’s unclear whether longer-term issues are simply being placed on hold.

The newly-passed Music Modernization Act calls for the creation of a music licensing collective (MLC) -- and the competition is heating up over who should sit on the collective’s board.

Last week, DMN first reported on the formation of the American Music Licensing Collective, or AMLC, which is focused on fulfilling the duties the the MMA’s Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC).

Earlier this month, Digital Music News first reported on a surprise entrant into the post-MMA world.  Instead of a one-horse race to fill the role of the MMA’s Mechanical Licensing Collective, or MLC, a surprise second choice emerged.