Gene Simmons to Testify on Artist Rights in December
KISS co-founder Gene Simmons is set to appear before the US Senate Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee on December 9. He will support proposed legislation aimed at requiring radio stations to compensate artists when their music is played. This marks the first Senate hearing on this issue since 2009, as the push continues to address what many refer to as the “radio loophole.” This gap in the law allows radio companies to air music without paying the artists who created it.
The coalition musicFIRST, established in 2007 to advocate for fair compensation for music creators, has been instrumental in this renewed effort. Simmons will be joined by Michael Huppe, the President and CEO of SoundExchange, a nonprofit focused on collecting and distributing digital streaming royalties.
Senator Marsha Blackburn and Representative Darrell Issa have reintroduced the American Music Fairness Act, a bipartisan initiative that seeks to establish a performance right for sound recordings broadcast by terrestrial radio. This legislation has garnered support from the Recording Academy and the musicFIRST coalition, highlighting its growing momentum.
Simmons expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue. The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy. Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work.” His testimony is expected to emphasize the importance of fair treatment for current and future American recording artists.
While platforms like Spotify and Apple Music provide royalties to performers, traditional radio stations have historically avoided compensating artists, leveraging a loophole in current legislation. This has been a point of contention for years, with the Recording Academy noting that artists have been deprived of earnings from radio play.
In February, over 300 artists rallied together, sending letters to Congressional leaders, advocating for the American Music Fairness Act. They argue that the existing system has robbed them of fair pay for decades. Country singer Randy Travis has also publicly supported this legislation, testifying in favor of it before Congress.
Community broadcasters, including organizations like the Alliance for Community Media and the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, have endorsed the legislation as well, further broadening its support base.
Michael Huppe of SoundExchange remarked on the need for change, stating, “It’s outrageous that, in 2025, they still are not paid fairly for the work they do. I hope that the Senate will remedy this inequity and act swiftly to pass this important legislation.” This sentiment resonates in an industry where the financial dynamics are rapidly evolving.
Despite this push for fair compensation, some industry players have highlighted recent increases in royalty agreements. For example, AM/FM radio stations are now set to pay a higher rate of 2.14% of their gross revenue for a blanket license to play songs represented by BMI. This increase is a step, albeit a small one, towards addressing the long-standing concerns regarding artist compensation.
As the conversation around artist rights and compensation continues, the outcome of Simmons’ testimony could have significant implications for the future of the music industry.
For more information on the American Music Fairness Act, visit the RIAA.