Long accused of ignoring artists who self-produce, the Society for the Development of Cultural Enterprises (SODEC) announced on Monday aid of one million dollars a year for the next three years to help those who choose this way, away from the major record companies.
A report commissioned by the state corporation and produced by the firm Nordicity concludes that the phenomenon has indeed grown in recent years. More and more artists choose to self-produce in one way or another, while the music industry is completely different from when selling records was the main source of income for artists.
The study concludes that artists are less dependent on large companies for the production of material. She also notes a certain distrust of the industry following bad experiences.
However, many were not eligible for SODEC programs, which, as its name suggests, are intended for “cultural businesses” and not for individuals. Admittedly, a good number of self-producers are incorporated, but they did not meet SODEC’s criteria.
The state corporation corrects the situation with an aid of three million spread over three years. “We are delighted that we are finally recognizing that self-production is not a marginal business model, that it is part of reality. […] Now, the challenge is that these new programs are adequate and well targeted, ”reacted David Bussières, president of the Regroupement des artisans de la musique (RAM), who also participated in this large study, with ADISQ. among others.
Two weeks ago, voices were again raised in the industry to express their impatience for a program aimed at self-producers to be put in place. This should finally see the light of day in 2023.
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