Musicians on recordings from 1963-74 may be owed money

If you have appeared on recordings from the period 1963-1974, you may be entitled to extra remuneration - even if you have never received royalties for the releases. 

Now it's easier to get paid from the 20% pool administered by Gramex. You can see if your tracks are on the list and claim the money yourself. 

20 per cent-pThe law was created when the term of protection for recorded music was extended to 70 years. This means that releases from the 60s and early 70s continue to generate revenue for producers - and that part of that money should go to the musicians who played along at the time but only received a one-time fee. 

How to claim your money 

You must "claim" your tracks in the Gramex system yourself. Gramex has collected all relevant recordings in an overview where you can search by title or main artist. 

If you find tracks you've contributed to, you can add them and submit your details. Heirs can also submit claims on behalf of deceased musicians. It's all done via the Gramex website and My Gramex. 

When should you do nothing? 

You do not need to submit claims if you are already registered on the recording as a non-featured artist in Gramex, or you are a member of a foreign sister organisation of Gramex. 

In these cases, the money is paid out automatically - either from Gramex or via the foreign organisation. 

When will the money arrive? 

Gramex processes claims continuously and expects the next payment in the coming year. How much you get depends on how many recordings you appear on - and how much money they have earned. 

The pool is expanded every year as more old recordings come under the extended protection period. The information comes from Gramex's official guidance on the 20 per cent pool and their My Gramex system.