Why are you doing this?
We believe that local music is underutilized and underappreciated. From the diversity of cultural music to the hybridization of disparate cultural tones to the modernization of traditional sounds, the diversity of our local music truly is unparalleled in the world.
We want to normalize the appreciation of local music and to avoid the “cultural cringe” (the perception that local art is substandard to their foreign counterpart) that is building up among the younger generation.
Accompanied with world-class production quality, we want to fully realize the cultural and market potential of local music. As artists ourselves, we are exhausted with artists being taken advantage of. We hope to change the system for the better, for good.
Where are you getting your legal advice from?
Our lawyers are from Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP — consistently regarded as one of the top law firms in the country and in the practice area of technology, media, and telecommunication (TMT). They have consulted on potential legal issues, payment flow and financial institution, general legal compliance of AnthemX, music licensing laws in Singapore, handling of contracts between buyer and sellers and the platform’s terms and conditions.
What’s wrong with the current system?
After extensive study and public consultation, IPOS has identified many pain points with the system and has elaborated on them here:
What constitutes as local music?
We define "local music" as any music that has at least one Singaporean/PR in a key creative or technical position, or any music that is produced in Singapore.
Where can I learn more about my protection in regards to music copyright?
The Intellectual Office of Singapore (IPOS), a statutory board of the Ministry of Law, has a factsheet that could help you:
What legal actions can I take against the person who has infringed on my copyright?
You can learn more about remedies, mediation, enforcements measures and protection measures here:
https://www.ipos.gov.sg/about-ip/copyright/infringement-enforcement
How can I reach you?
We'll love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to contact us at support@anthemx.co!
Is AnthemX only for Singapore local music?
Yes — for now, we are focused on amplifying the voices in the Singapore music industry.
General FAQs
What is a cut-down?
A cut-down is a shortened version of a full-length video, podcast, or media product. Cut-downs must share the same effect, intent and purpose as their full-length counterparts.
Can I choose what projects I don't want my song to be synced to?
Yes — copyright holders (e.g. publishers, artists) have 48 hours to rescind their offer.
What defines heavy manipulation of the sound (i.e. pitch or speed alteration)?
Modification to the sound recording to the extent that it misrepresents the artistic intentions of the artist.
What is “one video of one campaign”?
You are a shoe company, Nuki. You would like to sell the new model “Nuki Air.” Your license only covers that 1 video of the Christmas campaign of Nuki Air video starring Jichael Mordan. It does not cover another campaign for Nuki Air (e.g. New Years' campaign) even though the new campaign features the same product. Your standard license also does not cover another Jichael Morden Nuki Air Christmas campaign if the creative direction is different.
What if a user needs to produce 5 x 10-second assets for social media?
Only if the series of videos share a common effect, intent, purpose, creative direction and relates to one specific product, service, or narrative for one campaign (e.g. Nuki Air), then each of those 10-second assets constitutes a “cut-down” and only one license is needed. If any one of the assets deviates in effect, intent, purpose, creative direction or relates to another product, service, or narrative of the campaign, a new licence must be obtained.
Are teasers/ trailers considered “cut-downs”?
No. The purpose of teasers and trailers is to market the full-length product. Because teasers and trailers have a different purpose than their full-length counterparts, they are not considered cut-downs. If a user wants to use the same song in their teaser or trailer, they must obtain a new license.
Does one licence allow a user to replay the song multiple times in a feature film?
Yes.
Does the licence allow the user to replay the song multiple times in a TV series?
One licence grants permission to replay the song multiple times for only 1 episode.
A video is modified to work on different platforms (e.g. YouTube, Instagram, TikTok). Does the one licence cover all platforms?
Yes — as long as the videos maintain the same effect, intent, purpose, and creative direction.
How legally-binding are the agreements?
All our legal documents are drafted by top lawyers in Singapore. Our agreements are designed to be legally binding in Singapore. When a buyer pays for a song, they will receive three items:
(1) Standard Licence Agreement between the licensor and the licensee,
(2) Receipt of Purchase,
(3) Download link of Song.
The Standard Licence Agreement proves that you have legally licensed music to use in your video.
FAQs on the Standard Licensing Agreement
Is your agreement an exclusive contract?
No. You can still sign with other PROs.
In fact, we recommend that you continue being a member of COMPASS under a non-exclusive arrangement. COMPASS can help you collect your overseas performance royalties and we can help you collect your local royalties. It's a win-win for everyone!
Will you be regulated?
Yes. We will be regulated under the CMO licence by IPOS, MinLaw.
I’m with COMPASS, can I still sign with you?
Once the new regulations take effect, you should be able to sign with us despite having signed with COMPASS.
According to IPOS’ Proposed Licence Conditions paper, IPOS is proposing that “CMOs will be given a transition period (e.g. six months) to convert all existing contractual arrangements to non-exclusive ones” (IPOS, 31) or “CMOs must offer members the option of granting the CMO the right to manage on a non-exclusive basis” (IPOS, 32).
Can I still join AnthemX as a CMO if I have a publisher or a publishing administrator?
If you control the rights to your royalty stream, you are able to join AnthemX and enjoy the simple and uncomplicated process.
While the team at AnthemX will do our best to assist you, we are not in the position to provide legal advice or ensure that you are discharging the duties that you may have with other parties outside our control.
Are you trying to compete with or replace COMPASS?
No. Since the new regulations should allow you to join more than one CMO/ PRO in Singapore, you can have parallel, non-exclusive agreements with both COMPASS and AnthemX. Since AnthemX is focused on the Singapore market at the moment, you can appoint COMPASS to collect your overseas royalties.
We’re not trying to be the “next COMPASS,” we’re trying to be an additional revenue stream for you.
How are you different from COMPASS?
Among many other things, AnthemX provide music users with the access to the sound files on our online music library. Compass does not provide users with access and users still have to source the files themselves (i.e. buying CDs, subscribing to music libraries, etc.) even after paying COMPASS for the blanket licence.
How are you different from streaming services like Spotify?
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Spotify does NOT give you the legal rights to play their library publicly. A user must still attain that rights from a performing rights organization (i.e. COMPASS).
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AnthemX grants users the rights to play the song in commercial settings and in public. Spotify only grants users the rights for personal, non-commercial use.
How are you different from Soundtrack Your Brand?
Soundtrack Your Brand does not provide users with legal performance rights. Users must still seek those rights from a Performance Rights Organization (e.g. Compass, ASCAP, BMI).
FAQs on managing Performance Rights
Do I need a publisher to be on AnthemX?
No.
Can I still be on AnthemX if I have a publisher?
Absolutely! For now, your publisher will be the user that actively uploads your songs, fills up the information, and releases your royalty to you.
You will be able to track transactions on your dashboard.
How are you different from Artlist.io, MusicBed, Epidemic Sound, etc?
Those music libraries are focused on non-commercial music. Our library is focused on commercial music.
In this case, we are closer to Lickd.co, Songtradr, and Bopper - platforms that help creators attain rights to use commercial music. Lick.co focuses only YouTube videos; Songtradr’s user interface is difficult to navigate; Bopper’s adoption rate and market penetration is low.