SOCAN Concert Royalties 2018–2024

Summary#

On May 4, 2024, the Copyright Board published SOCAN Tariff 4.A – Popular Music Concerts (2018–2024). It sets the fees and reporting rules for playing songs from SOCAN’s repertoire at live popular-music concerts in halls, theatres and similar venues for the years 2018–2024.

What it does#

• Covers live performances (including lip synching) of musical works in SOCAN’s repertoire at concert halls, theatres and open‑air events. It also treats DJs as performers when they are the featured act.
• Sets the basic royalty rate at 3% of gross ticket receipts for paid concerts.
• For free concerts, sets royalties at 3% of the total fees paid to performers.
• Establishes minimums of $35 per concert for the per‑event option and $60 as the minimum under the annual option.
• Gives event organisers two ways to pay:
  • Per event: pay and report within 30 days after each concert.
  • Annual: estimate and pay on or before January 31, then reconcile with actuals by the following January 31.
• Requires users to report promoter and venue contact details, the acts, and song titles (if available), within 30 days of a concert.
• Allows SOCAN to audit users’ records on reasonable notice. Late amounts carry interest at 1% above the Bank Rate (published by the Bank of Canada). All amounts are exclusive of taxes.
• Excludes certain situations: internet streaming, performances in cabarets/cafes/clubs/restaurants and similar places, and events held mainly for dancing.

Who's affected#

• Concert promoters and event organisers who put on popular‑music concerts in halls, theatres and open‑air venues.
• Venue owners and operators where those concerts take place.
• Festivals and free public events that feature live performances.
• Songwriters and music publishers whose works are in SOCAN’s repertoire (because those works are what the tariff licenses).
• It does not generally apply to typical bar/restaurant/club gigs, streaming broadcasts, or events primarily for dancing.

Why it matters#

• Organisers face an extra cost equal to 3% of ticket sales (or a minimum $35 per event). That can matter for budgeting small shows and community events.
• Free festivals may still owe fees based on what performers are paid. That can change how organisers structure payments to artists.
• There is paperwork and a potential audit risk. Organisers must keep good records and meet the 30‑day and January 31 deadlines.
• The tariff clarifies common questions, such as that lip synching is covered and that the rule does not apply to online streaming or typical bar/restaurant performances.