ASCAP (you know, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers?) has always been in the thankless business of pinching pennies for... well, generally penniless artists, admirably robbing from the rich to feed the poor, standing up for the little guy, striking a blow for intellectual property, fighting for truth, justice... you know the drill.
But you know what? Fuck that polite, good guy routine. ASCAP is sick of your favorite nightclub's SHIT, man. It's been pushed too far, goddamn it, and now it's taking the kid gloves off, getting down to business, and trading its cute, Penny-Larcany racket for some real Grand Theft.
The Schwarzenegger-esque vengeance has begun with the recent filing of 29 separate copyright infringement lawsuits against nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in 22 U.S. states and Washington D.C. ASCAP claims that these dastardly defendants have publicly performed the songs of the performing rights organization's songwriter, composer, and publisher members (you know, via playing the songs on their jukeboxes, hosting live shows, and so on) without a license.
See, all such establishments are required to obtain licenses from the various performing rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI, and SEASAC, in the U.S.'s case) before they start kicking out the jams to ensure that all of the represented artists can obtain their fees for public performances of their music. Nearly 90% of the fees ASCAP collects are paid as royalties directly to its members, while the balance covers ASCAP's operating costs. The action heroes at ASCAP claim to have repeatedly reached out to the owners of these ne’er-do-well establishments over "a significant period of time" before deciding to workout, get huge, buy some ammo, and take this blockbuster legal action. But each felonious club failed to license the music while continuing to play it.
"By filing these 29 actions at the same time, ASCAP is aiming to heighten awareness among music users and the public that it is a federal offense to perform copyrighted music without permission," says Vincent Candilora, ASCAP senior VP of licensing (and, now, ass-kicking). "ASCAP's priority is to serve as a voice and advocate for its more than 315,000 members who are essentially the smallest of small business owners. ASCAP not only has a right to collect license fees from the users of music, but it also has a responsibility to its members to ensure they are adequately compensated for their hard work."
Bangarang, Vincent! It's time to take out the trash!! Hasta la vista!!! How does it feel to be hunted?!?!! Huh? Oh... yeah, umm, anyway: "Using music is a vital part of the total service that businesses offer, both in attracting customers and driving more revenue," Candilora continues. "By accepting an ASCAP license, business owners can legally use music in ASCAP's popular and ever-increasing repertory." Church!
ASCAP’s Revenge List:
Brookside Sports Bar & Grille, Surprise, Ariz.; Bar 330, Brea, Calif.; Paulie's Upper Deck, Redondo Beach, Calif.; Frankie's Too!, Falcon, Colo.; The Guards / Griffin Room, Washington, D.C.; Matilda's Pub & Barbie, Newark, Del.; Ultra Lounge, West Palm Beach, Fla.; Best Western - Sea Breeze Lounge, Fernandina Beach, Fla.; Wrigleyville North, Chicago, Ill.; Ice Lounge, Indianapolis, Ind.; Tin Alley Grill, Framingham, Mass.; The Quarter Bistro & Tavern, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Scott's 1029 Bar, Minneapolis, Minn.; Parrot's Sports Bar, St. Peters, Missouri; Black Tie Nightlife, Raleigh, N.C.; Dexter's, Riverdale, N.J.; One, New York, Your browser may not support display of this image.N.Y.; Cannon's Black Thorn Inn, Rockville Centre, N.Y.; Fireside Inn, Port Crane, N.Y.; Club Majestic, Tulsa, Okla.; Emerson's Pub, York, Penn.; Charleston Beer Works, Charleston, S.C.; Chattanooga Food & Drink, Chattanooga, Tenn.; Drillers, Houston, Texas; Pat's Pub, The Colony, Texas; Vette's Sports Grill, Odessa, Texas; Five 01 City Grill, Virginia Beach, Va.; The Flame, Spokane, Wash.; and Long Wong's, Milwaukee, Wis.
