MU in Action: Fix Streaming Campaign by Musicians’ Union
Our journey with the campaign to fix streaming started in 2020 when musicians began sharing their struggles with streaming royalties using the #BrokenRecord hashtag. The pandemic further highlighted the fragile state of the music industry, with many musicians facing financial hardships due to the absence of live performances.
In April 2024, a significant milestone was reached with the inception of the Creator Remuneration Working Group. This group, comprised of major labels, trade bodies, royalties collection societies, and creator representatives like the Musicians’ Union (MU), aims to negotiate fairer deals for musicians and creators. The MU has three key demands: a digital royalty rate for all featured artists, guaranteed royalties for session players, and rights of contract adjustment and reversion.
If these demands are not met through the working group, the MU is prepared to push for legislative action with the support of MPs across various political parties. The aim is to ensure that musicians are fairly compensated for their work in the ever-evolving music industry.
The campaign initially called for a Government review to shed light on the issues surrounding streaming royalties and hold major labels accountable. The movement gained traction, with the Guardian, Pitchfork, Wired, and BBC Radio 5 Live reporting on the cause. Notable figures like Tom Gray and Naomi Pohl also joined the conversation, sharing their insights on podcasts and in media interviews.
Musicians like Tasmin Little OBE and KT Tunstall highlighted their personal experiences with streaming royalties, while social media buzzed with stories of artists earning minimal returns from their music. A survey of MU and The Ivors Academy members revealed that a staggering 82% earned less than £200 from streaming in 2019, despite having substantial streaming numbers.
The campaign to fix streaming is a collaborative effort to ensure that musicians receive fair compensation for their work, especially in an industry that heavily relies on digital platforms for distribution. By sharing their stories and advocating for change, musicians are making strides towards a more equitable future for music creators worldwide.
