SSRC

The Future of Music Coalition is a not-for-profit collaboration between members of the music, technology, public policy and intellectual property law communities. The FMC seeks to educate the media, policymakers, and the public about music / technology issues, while also bringing together diverse voices in an effort to come up with creative solutions to some of the challenges in this space. The FMC also aims to identify and promote innovative business models that will help musicians and citizens to benefit from new technologies.

We build this organization as an attempt both to address pressing music / technology issues, and to serve as a voice for musicians and citizens in Washington, DC, where critical decisions are being made regarding intellectual property rights without a word from either citizens or creators -- the only two groups mentioned in the copyright code.

The FMC actualizes its mission through a number of activities. First, we organize public discussion of issues that impact musicians and the public at large, making sure to include a variety of voices in the conversation. Second, we submit testimony, publish articles and speak on panels to make sure the creators' experience is heard. Third, we encourage musicians and citizens to publicly document their experiences on the FMC website. Finally, we generate original research on historic trends and issues of import to the public to more completely illuminate the mechanics of the music industry.