IMRO Feature: How the organisation puts music first

The setting up of the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) as an independent music copyright collection agency in the ‘80s was confirmation of the Irish music industry “taking its place among the music nations of the world”. Ireland had already been acknowledged internationally as a major source of musical talent, being the fifth largest producer of hit artists for the global market. The country had also become a “bucketlist” destination for superstar touring acts, talent scouts, fans, musical explorers and recording artists alike.

To music scene insiders, this impact was no surprise. Our treasure chest of classic songs had touched successive generations of artists all over the world, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Kate Bush, The Byrds, The Beach Boys – and that’s only some of the Bs! But we also had a deep respect for the music of other cultures. Thus, IMRO arrived into a fertile music scene with a notable past and a glorious future. That scene has continued to grow and prosper, with a pride and professionalism that’s the envy of many outsiders, who marvel that an island of about six million inhabitants can be so culturally rich and commercially astute.

But then, music isn’t a casual part of who we are. It is central to our culture, and an essential ingredient in our daily lives. It’s the soundtrack to virtually every event, every rite of passage – all of our triumphs and disappointments. But a rich musical landscape does not materialise by itself. It must be nurtured by musicians, composers, music lovers, the media and the industry. And IMRO has been notably proud to play its part on the frontline of the forward march of the Irish music scene.

In a real sense, there are two frontlines, one of art and the other of commerce, and they are not always comfortable bedfellows. To nurture the former, IMRO has created and supported numerous collaborative initiatives, which encourage songwriters and composers to explore and develop their skills and ambitions.

They have been equally active on that other key battlefront, playing a crucial role in educating the general public – as well as those in the media and in the broader commercial community – about the legal ramifications of copyright ownership and respect for intellectual property rights. IMRO actively protects the copyrights of all its members, campaigning for more appropriate remuneration for the use of their copyrighted material, and advocating against the casual misuse of their works by those who undervalue music, or who do not even acknowledge the rights of copyright holders.

On a daily, and a weekly basis, IMRO strives to improve the collection, distribution and re-distribution of royalties on behalf of their Irish and international members, through the use of state-of-the-art digital technology. IMRO has helped to create a sustainable situation whereby songwriters, composers and copyright owners the world over are now in a better position to protect their copyrights, and to demand adequate remuneration for the use of their works. Alongside others, IMRO has fought against the bizarre notion that all music should be free, and are clearly winning that argument, as recent developments at EU level have indicated.

IMRO provides over 12,000 members with a range of invaluable services, from global royalty collection, bursaries and grants, to national and international showcasing opportunities. They engage with government and the political system in an effort to enhance the environment for music creators in Ireland. In addition, they have helped the wider public to value music as a career, and work constantly towards improving supports for those already working in the music industry.

IMRO have been key players in the improvements in music education in Ireland, and are sponsors and supporters of a wide range of initiatives and events. These include television programmes showcasing original talent, competitions, festivals, showcases, summer schools, and the IMRO Radio Awards. The provision of travel grants has been a particular boon to members, and application forms can be accessed on imro.ie. The website is also a mine of useful information for songwriters and copyright holders, providing ample evidence of IMRO’s engagement with all aspects of the creative musician’s life.
It has also collaborated with other relevant organisations, including the Screen Composers Guild of Ireland; AIC (Association of Irish Composers); IASCA (Irish Association of Songwriters, Composers and Authors); Hot Press; First Music Contact and RTÉ. This is all part of IMRO’s ongoing commitment to Irish talent. With mental health a daily topic around the globe, IMRO has also sponsored initiatives that focus on the health issues affecting musicians in their professional and personal lives.

Constantly looking to innovate, IMRO’s achievements and level of professionalism have been widely praised in the international music industry. To date, it has partnered with more than 80 global licensing bodies. None of this has happened by accident –IMRO are continually innovating. As a data driven business that is digital to its core, the focus has always been on innovating not for the sake of it, but for the sake of its members.

Understandably, many Irish people see music as either an exciting source of entertainment or as a valuable part of our culture, but it also makes a significant commercial impact on the nation. The music industry contributes more than €700 million to the Irish economy annually, and at least 13,000 people in Ireland are employed in the music sector. The success of a spectacular, and apparently endless, parade of Irish artists on the international stage brings respect and admiration to the country as a whole all across the world. As a central ingredient in our national identity, music also attracts tourists. According to data gathered by Fáilte Ireland, of the nine million who visited in 2017, 85% said that our history and culture were important to their decision to come here.

Furthermore, the composing and playing of music has an impact that goes way beyond artistic and commercial factors. It plays an under-appreciated role in helping young musicians learn life-enhancing skills that can assist them in other spheres.

On so many levels, our lives are made richer by music.

In a very real sense, IMRO has shown that everyone in the music community can play a role in building a brighter future for music in Ireland and in building a brighter future for Ireland in the world. In putting music first, IMRO is doing an invaluable job for Irish culture and society.

Long may it run.