45 Facts About SESAC (Music Company)

SESAC: A Legacy in Music Licensing

SESAC, the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers, has been a cornerstone in the music industry for over nine decades. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this influential organization.

1. SESAC was founded in 1930 by Paul Heinecke, a German immigrant, in New York. Initially, it aimed to support underrepresented European stage authors and composers with their American performance royalties.

2. The organization’s mission is to support creators and rights holders by providing expertise in the collection and distribution of performance royalties. This ensures that songwriters, composers, and publishers receive fair compensation for their work.

3. In the 1930s, SESAC helped broadcasters satisfy Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements by supplying them with gospel recordings. This marked the beginning of SESAC's expansion beyond its initial focus.

4. SESAC expanded its repertoire beyond gospel and European composers during the 1940s. This move allowed the organization to represent a more diverse range of musical genres.

Notable Affiliates and Their Contributions

SESAC has represented some of the most iconic names in music. Here are a few notable affiliates and their contributions.

5. Bob Dylan, Adele, and Neil Diamond are among the notable affiliates represented by SESAC. Their music has left an indelible mark on the industry.

6. Mariah Carey, who was once a SESAC affiliate, left in 2020 to join ASCAP. Her departure marked a significant shift in the organization's roster.

7. SESAC represents a diverse range of songwriters and composers across various genres. This includes artists like The Cars, Robert Johnson, and Bryan-Michael Cox.

Headquarters and Offices

SESAC's physical presence has evolved over the years, reflecting its growth and changing focus.

8. SESAC moved its headquarters to Columbus Circle in Midtown Manhattan in the 1960s. This move was part of the organization's strategy to be closer to the heart of the music industry.

9. In 1964, SESAC opened an office in Nashville, Tennessee. This office became a hub for Christian songwriters and the Contemporary Christian music format.

10. The headquarters were relocated to Nashville in 1985. This move allowed SESAC to focus more on Christian songwriters and the Contemporary Christian music format.

Ownership Changes and Acquisitions

SESAC has seen several ownership changes and acquisitions that have shaped its current structure.

11. In 1993, SESAC was purchased by Stephen Swid, Freddie Gershon, and Ira Smith. This new ownership shifted the company's focus toward more mainstream music and television.

12. Rizvi Traverse Management acquired a majority stake in SESAC in 2013. This acquisition marked a new era for the organization.

13. The Blackstone Group acquired SESAC in 2017. This acquisition further solidified SESAC's position in the music industry.

14. In 2015, SESAC acquired the mechanical rights clearinghouse Harry Fox Agency. This expanded SESAC's services to include mechanical rights clearing.

SESAC's Extensive Repertoire

SESAC's catalogue is vast and diverse, covering a wide range of musical genres.

15. SESAC's repertoire includes over 1 million compositions. This makes it one of the largest PROs in the United States.

16. The organization's catalogue spans a wide range of musical genres. This includes Top 40, Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, Country, and many others.

17. SESAC-represented songs have been awarded numerous prestigious awards. These include Grammys, Clios, Dove Awards, MTV Awards, VH1 Awards, CMA Awards, Emmy Awards, and ACM Awards.

Music Licensing and Business

SESAC plays a crucial role in music licensing, helping businesses legally play music and enhancing customer experience.

18. SESAC offers a blanket license agreement. This is the most convenient and cost-effective method to obtain the required authorization to publicly perform all of the copyrighted music in the SESAC repertory.

19. SESAC licenses all types of establishments and broadcast entities that use music in their business operations. This includes restaurants, nightclubs, hotels, motels, resorts, health clubs, and many more.

20. The license fees are determined by relevant industry criteria. A licensing representative can walk businesses through the process to ensure the best fit.

Behind the Screens: Insights from Composers

SESAC provides a platform for composers and songwriters to share their creative processes and experiences.

21. SESAC has a series of "Behind the Screens" articles and interviews featuring notable composers and songwriters. These profiles provide insights into the creative process.

22. Christophe Beck, a notable composer, shares how he takes an idea from start to finish. His instrument of choice and creative journey are highlighted in these interviews.

23. John Ehrlich discusses scoring the TV series 'Goliath.' His experiences provide a glimpse into the world of television composition.

SESAC Music Awards and Recognitions

SESAC hosts annual music awards ceremonies to recognize the achievements of its affiliates.

24. The 2024 SESAC Music Awards featured notable winners such as Bryan-Michael Cox. He was presented with an Icon Award in 2022.

25. SESAC celebrates its affiliates who are nominated for Latin GRAMMY Awards. The 2024 Latin GRAMMY nominees include Yahritza Martinez, who won Song of the Year at the 2024 SESAC Latina Music Awards.

26. SESAC congratulates its affiliates who are nominated for CMA and ACM Awards. The 2024 CMA and ACM nominees include Megan Moroney, who won New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards.

27. SESAC also recognizes its affiliates who are nominated for Emmy Awards. The 2024 Emmy nominees include Laura Karpman, who received her eighth Emmy nomination.

28. SESAC presents annual Film & Television Composer Awards. These awards honor the contributions of its affiliates in the film and television industry.

Support for Songwriters and Customized Licenses

SESAC is committed to supporting songwriters and composers through various initiatives and customized licenses.

29. SESAC hosts an annual songwriting workshop in association with Fairwood Music Publishing. The 2024 workshop aimed to provide a platform for songwriters to share their experiences and learn from industry experts.

30. SESAC offers customized blanket music licenses tailored to the specific needs of each business. This ensures that businesses can play the music they want without infringing on copyright laws.

31. SESAC's repertory includes over 1.5 million songs from top-selling writers and composers. This extensive catalogue ensures that businesses have access to a wide range of musical genres and styles.

Industry Recognition and Contributions

SESAC has been recognized for its contributions to the music industry and its role in supporting creators.

32. SESAC has been celebrated for its role in supporting creators and ensuring fair compensation for their work. The organization plays a vital role in the music industry.

33. Music performance licensing is a critical aspect of SESAC's services. The organization ensures that businesses obtain the necessary licenses to play copyrighted music legally.

34. U.S. Copyright Law requires a public performance license for the use of live and recorded music, TV, radio, or streaming music. SESAC provides these licenses to businesses, ensuring compliance with copyright laws.

35. SESAC has a long history of compliance with copyright laws. The organization has been instrumental in helping broadcasters satisfy FCC requirements.

Historical Milestones and Achievements

SESAC's history is marked by significant milestones and achievements that have shaped its current structure.

36. In the 1950s, SESAC established its electrical transcription service. This involved recording transcriptions of its affiliates and distributing them on disc to radio stations across America.

37. By the 1940s, SESAC had expanded beyond its initial focus on European composers. The organization began representing a wider range of writers and genres.

38. In the 1980s, SESAC shifted its focus to Christian songwriters and the Contemporary Christian music format. This led to the relocation of its headquarters to Nashville in 1985.

SESAC in Film & TV and Beyond

SESAC's influence extends beyond music licensing to the film and television industry.

39. SESAC plays a crucial role in the film and television industry by providing licenses for the use of copyrighted music. This ensures that composers and songwriters receive fair compensation for their work in movies and TV shows.

40. SESAC's "Behind the Screens" series provides insights into the creative process of its affiliates. These profiles offer a glimpse into how composers and songwriters approach their work.

41. The SESAC Latina Music Awards recognize the achievements of Latin music affiliates. The 2024 awards featured notable winners such as Yahritza Martinez.

42. SESAC affiliates participated in CMA Fest 2024, showcasing their talents and performances. The event highlighted the contributions of country music artists to the SESAC repertory.

43. Megan Moroney, a SESAC affiliate, won New Female Artist of the Year at the 2024 ACM Awards. Her performance of ‘Tennessee Orange’ was a highlight of the event.

44. Laura Karpman, a film and television composer affiliated with SESAC, received her eighth Emmy nomination in 2024. Her work continues to be recognized in the industry.

45. SESAC celebrates its affiliates who win GRAMMY Awards. The 66th GRAMMY Award winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions to music.

SESAC's Impact on the Music Industry

SESAC has played a vital role in the music industry for over nine decades. Founded in 1930, it supports songwriters, composers, and publishers by ensuring they receive fair compensation for their work. With a repertoire of over 1.5 million songs, SESAC represents a diverse range of artists across various genres. The organization offers customized blanket music licenses, making it easier for businesses to play music legally. SESAC's annual awards and workshops highlight the achievements of its affiliates and provide valuable opportunities for growth. Ownership changes and acquisitions, like the purchase of the Harry Fox Agency, have expanded SESAC's services. Recognized for its contributions, SESAC continues to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the music industry. By understanding these key facts, one can appreciate SESAC's significant impact on protecting and promoting the rights of music creators.