San Francisco-based blockchain-based music platform Audius has entered into a multi-territory licensing agreement with the International Copyright Enterprise (ICE).
Audius says the deal “establishes a pathway for more than 330,000 rights holders to receive royalties when their music is used on Audius across a broad geographic footprint, including sub-Saharan Africa and Asia Pacific.”
Audius has signed deals with several major players in music publishing and performance rights in recent months.
Companies Audius works with include Kobalt, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC and GMR, among others.
Several independent labels and distributors have also partnered with Audius, including; DistroKid, Beatport, EMPIRE, Nettwerk Music, Ninja Tune, Merge Records, Ampsuite, Circus Records, Anjunadeepand Anjunabeats.
The latest deal follows the public launch in September of the company’s instant payment feature, which allows artists to set prices for their music and receive payments from fans.
The monetization feature, which was initially introduced in beta to more than 100 artists in November 2023, allows fans to make credit card payments to USDCa digital stablecoin pegged to the US dollar, which artists can convert to any currency.
“Our mission at ICE is to proactively embrace and support emerging platforms like Audius, ensuring creators, songwriters and publishers benefit from a dynamic and evolving international music ecosystem,” said Tim Rawlinson, VP of Licensing at ICE.
“We are delighted to partner with Audius, whose platform not only creates and fosters deep connections between artists and fans, but also opens up new revenue opportunities to ensure sustainable growth in unique digital ecosystems.”
“Entering into an agreement with them ensures that thousands of artists, songwriters and other rights holders around the world can start earning royalties through Audius’ global music marketplace.”
Shamal Ranasinghe, Audius
“ICE is one of the most forward-thinking technology players in royalty collection and distribution,” said Shamal Ranasinghe, Chief Business Officer of Audius.
“Entering into an agreement with them ensures that thousands of artists, songwriters and other rights holders around the world can start earning royalties through Audius’ global music marketplace.”
Founded in 2018, among Audius supporters Unorthodox Founder Guy Oseary‘small Sound Ventures, SESAC‘small John Josephsonformer Sony Music Publishing (then Sony/ATV) boss Martin Bandier, as well as artists such as The Chainsmokers, Katy Perry, Nas, Steve Aoki, and Jason Derulo.Music Business Worldwide
