Paris-based CISAC (International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers) has officially launched a new ISWC system after a two-year modernisation project.
The International Standard Musical Work Code, or ISWC, is the unique code that identifies music works and helps to remunerate creators and publishers.
CISAC promises that the new system, upgraded for the first time in 15 years, will improve the accuracy, speed and efficiency of societies’ work in tracking creators’ works and paying royalties.
It will also help societies and music publishers manage the trillions of data transactions generated by the growth of music streaming.
Following a “switchover” in July, over 100 authors societies have already migrated to the new system.
The development of the system, commissioned by CISAC to Spanish Point Technologies in January 2018, is supported by companies and organizations across the collective management, publishing and digital services community.
The new ISWC system will also be shortly rolled out for use by the publishing community and digital music platforms.
CISAC states that “the upgrade comes at a crucial time when songwriters across the world have seen the collapse of their traditional income streams, especially live concerts and public performance”.
“The upgrade of the ISWC could not come at a more timely moment for songwriters and composers, who are now depending more than ever on digital income for their livelihoods.”
Björn Ulvaeus, CISAC
CISAC President Björn Ulvaeus (pictured) said: “The upgrade of the ISWC could not come at a more timely moment for songwriters and composers, who are now depending more than ever on digital income for their livelihoods.
“SWC is one of the most important identifiers in the music industry and I ́m delighted that the upgrade is now completed and is being implemented across the sector.
“It will track music works better and faster and help put more money more quickly into creators’ pockets.
“The key now is to make sure the system really does go global – it needs to be universally applied to bring the potential rewards it offers to all players”.
“We very much welcome the launch of the new ISWC management system and look forward to the benefits it will bring to creators and publishers.”
Harald Heker, GEMA
Harald Heker – CEO of GEMA in Germany, said: “The ISWC is a key standard for international data and payment exchange.
“To fulfil its important role, the ISWC requires a future-proof management system supporting the accuracy of data.
“We very much welcome the launch of the new ISWC management system and look forward to the benefits it will bring to creators and publishers.”
“CISAC’s commitment to upgrade the ISWC system that connects copyright ownership data globally is a meaningful step forward and welcome news to performing rights societies and our music creator and publisher members.”
Elizabeth Matthews, CEO of ASCAP, added: “It is so important for all of us as collective management organizations to ensure the best possible data for our songwriters, composers and music publishers to receive accurate and fair payments as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“CISAC’s commitment to upgrade the ISWC system that connects copyright ownership data globally is a meaningful step forward and welcome news to performing rights societies and our music creator and publisher members.”
“Our members rely on us to simplify their administration and let them focus on creating new music works.”
Dean Ormston, APRA AMCOS
Dean Ormston- CEO of APRA AMCOS, Australia and New Zealand, said: “Our members rely on us to simplify their administration and let them focus on creating new music works.
“The new central ISWC system is set to bring more speed, accuracy and efficiency to tracking unique works globally, and importantly, get royalties to creators faster.”
“We applaud CISAC’s much-needed and long-awaited modernization of ISWC.”
Victoria Campoamor, Spotify
Victoria Campoamor, Sr Director Licensing, Spotify, said: “We applaud CISAC’s much-needed and long-awaited modernization of ISWC.
“We hope to see dissemination of this very important work identifier across the whole ecosystem, including labels and licensees, so that royalties can reach songwriters in a faster, more efficient and more accurate way.”
“The new ISWC system will lead to significantly faster creation of codes and increased sharing of codes between the different stakeholders.”
Alex Batterbee, Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Alex Batterbee, Senior Director, Global Administration, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, said: “The new ISWC system will lead to significantly faster creation of codes and increased sharing of codes between the different stakeholders.
“That is good for creators and good for the whole digital market.”Music Business Worldwide