Neighbouring rights and private copying royalties, also referred to as equitable remuneration, are outlined in the Copyright Act to ensure that recording artists, meaning all performers on sound recordings from session players and backing performers to featured vocalists and instrumentalists, are compensated for the use of their recorded work.
These rights were introduced in the Copyright Act of Canada in 1997 to acknowledge the essential role of recording artists and record companies in the creation of recorded music, similar to rights in other countries that recognize the value of artistic works. Before 1997 only composers and authors received royalties from the broadcast or public performance of their songs in Canada, through SOCAN, CMRRA, SODRAC and CSI.
ACTRA RACS collects and distributes Canadian and International royalties owed to performers for the use of their recorded work. To date we’ve distributed $150 million directly to recording artists.
“Thanks to the ACTRA RACS team. For protecting my rights, collecting the royalty revenue I’ve earned, and giving me peace of mind as we continue to build.”
DJ Shub
