Downtown Music Publishing Launches Neighbouring Rights Division

Downtown Music Publishing has launched Downtown Neighbouring Rights, a new division that enables Downtown to secure global Neighbouring Rights for performers and master holders whose songs are performed in public. This service is open to all rights holders, not just Downtown Music Publishing clients.

Neighbouring Rights ensure that artists are compensated when the recorded performance of their songs are performed in public on satellite and online radio services such as Pandora. This is comparable to songwriters being compensated for the public performance of their songs or copyright.

Downtown is just one of the handful of companies providing Neighbouring Rights services globally. Although newly launched, the division has been operational for nearly five years and formed part of the Eagle-i Music acquisition from last year.

“We are already established and are currently members of over 30 Neighbouring Rights societies; offering a full global reach for labels, performers and non-featured performers alike,” said Roberto Neri, MD of Downtown UK. “The difference now is the unique unparalleled systems at Downtown, which take our level of transparency and service to new heights and makes us the destination of choice for Neighbouring Rights collection.”

Luke Montague has been appointed Neighbouring Rights Manager. “I am extremely proud of Luke who has been key to helping build our Neighbouring Rights division. He is a real asset to the company and our clients,” said Neri.

Last year, such payouts in the United States alone amounted to over $800 million, according to Downtown Music Publishing. Internationally, Neighbouring Rights also include compensation for performances on terrestrial radio.