07/16/2026
Songwriters — a government royalty board just made a quiet move that touches your paycheck, and almost nobody's talking about it. 👀
The rate you're paid for vinyl, CDs, tapes, and downloads could be locked in all the way through 2032.
Here's the wild part: this "mechanical" royalty started at 2¢ back in 1909… and stayed frozen for most of a century. It only recently climbed to 13.1¢ — and finally rises with inflation each year.
Now the Copyright Royalty Board has proposed extending today's rates through 2028–2032, and the public comment window is open until August 10, 2026.
Swipe through for the 2-minute history, where the rate stands today, and the one thing every songwriter should check this week: 👉 who is actually collecting your mechanicals?
🎧 Full 10-minute breakdown on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWZfL6MiEwE
Not streaming money — this is the physical & download lane. But if you press vinyl or sell downloads, it's your song's money. Don't leave it on the table.
Which slide surprised you most? Let me know below 👇
