Gene Simmons, the Kiss co-lead singer and bassist, is gearing up for a conversation on the Hill. The musician, known for his 55+ tenure in live music, will testify before a Senate panel on legislation that would require radio corporations to compensate artists for playing their songs. Simmons is expected to be in Washington, D.C. next week, according to the musicFIRST coalition. 

Regarding the task at hand and bolstering his perspective on the matter, Simmons says: “Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue. The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy. Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work.”

“I look forward to meeting with both Republican and Democratic Senators to discuss why this legislation is crucial for thousands of present and future American recording artists,” he continued. During his time in The District, Simmons will testify alongside the president and CEO of SoundExchange, Michael Huppe, who heads a nonprofit that collects and administers digital streaming royalties to artists. 

Huppe has been a pronounced advocate for change, with the ambition to urge AM/FM radio to compensate artists. In his own words, Huppe says, “Recording artists are an essential part of our culture. It’s outrageous that, in 2025, they are still not paid fairly for the work they do.” He continued, “I hope the Senate will remedy this inequity and act swiftly to pass legislation.” 

Simmons is just one of the 300 prominent recording artists who have signed a letter to congressional leaders back in February, ranging from the Frank Sinatra Estate to TLC, Foreigner, Stevie Nicks and countless others. 

“America’s artists deserve to be paid when their music is played on AM and FM radio. Gene Simmons understands this fight firsthand, and his testimony will help show why it’s critical that Congress pass my bipartisan American Music Fairness Act,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn, one of the bill’s sponsors, says.