Aslice, which tried to correct the imbalance between DJ fees and producer royalty payments, is no longer accepting playlists. Are you owed money?
Aslice Shutting Down
Dance music producers are not getting paid. Physical media sales have dried up and streaming royalties are a joke. While producers are supposed to receive performance royalties from PROs (performance rights organizations) like ASCAP and BMI, many do not due to outmoded and inaccurate reporting and royalty distribution systems.
Aslice, an alternative revenue-sharing program launched by DJ and producer DVS1 in 2022, attempted to correct this imbalance by offering a way for DJs to voluntarily donate a portion of their fees directly to producers. However, the company has announced that it is shutting down its service and is no longer accepting new playlists. No reason was given for the closure.
“In less than four years, Aslice proved that real change in the music industry is possible,” the company said in a statement on its home page. “Our community platform was built by artists for artists. We developed a revenue-sharing software that worked – without any corporate funding or influence. (We have) always been dedicated to ensuring music producers are compensated fairly, driven by a simple yet profound principle: share with the artists you love.”
How It Worked
Aslice was a voluntary payment system, with DJs donating 5% or more of their set fees to a pool that Aslice would then distribute to producers (minus a 15% fee). This was accomplished with a proprietary app that could identify artists based on songs in the DJ’s playlist. Money allocated for songs not identified was donated to a charity as chosen by platform users.
A Slice of Fairness
As part of its closure, Aslice generated a report called ‘A Slice of Fairness,’ (link here) detailing its efforts while it was active. According to the report, 4069 registered producers earned money through Aslice, with 29% reporting that this was the first time they had ever received money for their work. In addition, 60% reported that their earnings through the platform exceeded income from physical sales, streaming and other performance royalties.
A Noble Cause
With so many producers receiving money through the service, it’s unfortunate that the company is closing up shop. Maybe it was the voluntary aspect of the system that prevented DJs from signing up. Or perhaps a lack of awareness of the company at all?
Although Aslice is no longer accepting new playlists, it will honor royalty payments to producers until December 31, 2024. If you’re a dance music producer and think you may have unpaid royalties with Aslice, you can check on the site without having to sign up for an account. Check here.
More Information
