I am an artist, and I, along with others in my community, struggle to make ends meet with the current payment model of streaming platforms. Mega-corporations like Spotify and Apple Music pay artists fractions of pennies per stream. That amount is frankly unacceptable considering the time, energy, and passion we pour into our work.

Despite reaching thousands, sometimes millions, of listeners around the globe, many of us struggle to sustain our craft financially. The Digital Music News reports that Spotify pays artists between $.003 to $.005 per play while Apple Music pays around $.006 to $.008 per play (2019). With this revenue model, an artist would need millions of plays to earn the monthly U.S. minimum wage. This model disproportionately benefits already successful artists, leaving smaller names in the shadows.

We need to bring attention to this systemic issue and demand that streaming platforms revise their payment model. Artists, no matter how big or small their following might be, deserve fair compensation for their work. It’s time for streaming platforms to pay artists a decent wage that reflects our efforts, our talent, and our dedication.

Please, as workers in a field that is too often overlooked and underpaid, we are calling on you to sign this petition. Your support could be a step towards making the dream of fair pay in the music industry a reality. Together, we can call for change in the music streaming payment model and demand justice for all artists.