SoundExchange today announced the appointment of music legend, David Byrne, to its Board of Directors.
Byrne, the singer/songwriter best known as the front man of Talking Heads, will bring his knowledge and passion for the music industry to the SoundExchange board.
SoundExchange, which collects revenues for master rights holders from more than 2,500 non-interactive internet, satellite and cable radio services, paid out a record $773m to artists and labels in 2014.
Byrne will fill the position previously held by Walter McDonough. The SoundExchange Board of Directors is comprised of 18 individuals, split evenly between artists and label representatives, serving virtually all aspects of the recorded music industry.
“It is an honor to welcome David to the SoundExchange Board of Directors. His experience in the music industry as an artist, songwriter, producer and visionary make him an extraordinary addition to our organization and his perspective will be invaluable in this exciting time of change and growth in the digital music market,” said Michael Huppe, president and chief executive officer, SoundExchange.
“I also want to thank Walter McDonough for his significant contributions to our company and his dedication to the recorded music industry.”
“I am honored to join the SoundExchange board where I can leverage my experience as a performing artist and fight on behalf of all creators for fairness and the long-term value of music,” said Byrne.
“SoundExchange is a global leader across the entire music industry in advocating and protecting the rights of music creators. I look forward to working with their exceptional leaders that are dedicated to moving music forward.”
“Since its inception, I’ve served as an artist representative on the SoundExchange board and together we transformed SoundExchange into an important performance rights organization. I now pass the baton to one of our industry’s most innovative artists, David Byrne,” said McDonough.
“I will continue to be an avid and loyal supporter of SoundExchange and their efforts on behalf of all artists.”
David Byrne is a singer, songwriter, composer, director, producer and guitarist best known as the front man of Talking Heads.
Despite Talking Heads breaking up in 1991, Byrne launched a solo career and founded his own label, Luaka Bop.
Byrne has written a successful musical and worked with a wide range of artists, including Brian Eno, Fatboy Slim and St. Vincent.Music Business Worldwide
