Ilaiyaraaja on royalties: ‘When a song is mine, how can I not have a share in it?’

In a video statement, music composer Ilaiyaraaja made it clear that he does not wish to be an obstacle for the act of singing itself.
Ilaiyaraaja on royalties: ‘When a song is mine, how can I not have a share in it?’
Ilaiyaraaja on royalties: ‘When a song is mine, how can I not have a share in it?’
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Over a year after Ilaiyaraaja’s legal notice to singer SP Balasubrahmanyam made headlines, the ace music composer has provided a video explanation of his stance. Clarifying that he does not stand in the way of singing, but demands only what is owed to him, Ilaiyaraaja states that following the law is the way forward for upcoming generations of artistes.

In a two-minute video released on Tuesday, the musician says, “Music artistes, this is a new announcement. For those who wish to sing my songs without my permission, it is only right that you take my permission and follow due procedures. Failure to do so is illegal. Those who sing and provide accompaniments to my songs without my permission need to realise that it is wrong. I would like to inform that if you do that, action will be taken.”

Ilaiyaraaja sent a legal notice to renowned singer SPB in March 2017, sparking a debate on whether the music composer was right in seeking royalty for stage performances of his songs. In a career spanning nearly 50 years, Ilaiyaraaja has composed over thousands of popular film songs that are hit numbers in light music concerts. Further, the Copyright Act, amended in 2012, stipulated the payment of royalty to music artistes during the course of their lifetime as well as 60 years after their death.

Ilaiyaraaja clarified that he was not an obstacle to the artiste’s singing; he also does not seek royalty for free concerts.

“The royalty is only for the money you are getting. It is not for the song you are singing. If you are singing for free, you don't need to pay. This is a small matter, please understand it properly,” he urged.

He added, “Aren't you taking money? Are you doing kutcheris for free? You are singing my songs, right? You are taking money for my song. Am I not owed a share of that money? When the song itself is mine, how can I not have a share in it?”

The music composer also said that this would set an example for upcoming generations of artistes.

“What is my share? It is a small amount. It is just a token amount for legal purposes. This will be a model first step for upcoming generations,” he said.

The composer informed people that the body that will be collecting royalty on his behalf is now the South Indian Film Music Artistes' Association.

“So far I have been a member of the IPRS (Indian Performing Right Society). Now since I am not a member of IPRS, I have provided the rights to claim royalty on my behalf to the South Indian Film Music Artistes' Association. Instead of IPRS, the Film Music Artiste’s Association will collect the royalty amount,” he said.

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