For those of you ain't in the know, SOCAN is a quasi-government entity that monitors copyright issues in Canada, much like ASCAP does in the States. SOCAN are the folks that ensure that, for every three or four Beyonce and Rihanna songs you hear on the radio, you get to hear Kardinal at least once (or "Summer of 69" a million times). Since the advent of MP3s and CD burners, SOCAN has been shitting its drawers like a lactose intolerant person at a fondue party, particularly as it takes much of its marching orders from the industry. Yes, that same industry that rappers all over bitch and bemoan as "the game."
There's practical effects of SOCAN. That levy you pay on blank CDs/DVDs is due to SOCAN. For the most part, fine: we get taxed to death as it is, and one more levy hasn't caused the people to revolt. I also don't mind if a couple of local bands get a $1.99 in royalty cheques from airplay on college radio, though it's entirely obvious that SOCAN has done shit all for the MSTRKRFTs of the nation in terms of mainstream radio or television play. But ask your average musician - not the Hovas or Weezys - and you'll find out that royalties on album sales means nothing relative to touring income and publishing income on ad play (what cracks new artists more than iTunes commercials?).
SOCAN just ain't for the indie artist. It ain't for any artist, period. It's for industry. When SOCAN starts going after buskers at transit stations, that's proof in the pudding. Swing that big dick, SOCAN, but stop pretending you're helping the average Canadian musician get ahead in this world and own the fuck up.
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