What is at stake?

Independent musicians across Australia are facing an existential crisis, primarily due to the unfair practices of global streaming services and the long-tail impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. These artists, who are the backbone of our cultural and economic landscape, struggle to make a living in a largely unregulated industry that grossly undervalues their work.

Recent data reveals that over half of Australia's working musicians earned less than $6,000 last year, forcing many to seek work outside the music industry. It's not a living wage. It's not even minimum wage. They must often work multiple jobs to survive, sacrificing their artistic development and personal wellbeing. The lack of fair compensation from streaming platforms has exacerbated financial instability, leading to severe mental health issues across the industry. With 65% of musicians experiencing depression or anxiety, and 25% having considered or attempted suicide, the situation is dire. We've lost too many friends to this industry over the past five years, we're not willing to lose any more.

If the current situation continues, we risk losing a significant portion of our creative talent in Australia. The existing pro-rata model of streaming income distribution overwhelmingly benefits major labels and signed artists, leaving independent artists with negligible earnings. Festivals and venues, already struggling post-COVID, will face further declines, making it even harder for artists to earn a living. Without substantial changes to how streaming revenues are distributed, and how the industry is regulated, we will see more musicians leaving the industry, resulting in a cultural void that will affect not only the artists but also the communities that thrive on their creativity, now, and in the future. 

Nothing is changing.

Immediate action is crucial to prevent the further decline of Australia's music industry and to ensure that emerging musicians have an industry to enter. The state of the industry has been highlighted in numerous parliamentary inquiries since 2017, and significant international research. Disappointingly, these inquiries have not yielded effective, strategic actions by state or national governments, leaving the largely unregulated independent music industry to fend for itself amidst compounding adversities. This information is not new – and yet another political inquiry, or industry talkfest, or ineffective funding strategy is not a solution. It's time for real change.

While some might argue that recent national policy changes present some hope for independent and emerging musicians, we are yet to see this manifest in any meaningful way. Government recognition of a minimum fee for public-funded gigs and superannuation for artists are steps in the right direction, but more active and comprehensive measures are needed to address the impact of global streaming services.

We must seize this moment to push for systemic changes that include a fairer distribution of streaming revenues, better working conditions, and greater support for independent artists. There has never been a more critical time to act. By supporting this petition, you are helping to ensure that independent musicians receive the recognition and support they deserve, and advocating for a revolutionary change in the streaming model that secures a future where Australia’s music industry can flourish.

How can I help?

Despite exhaustive efforts, including over 20 grant applications in the past five years, we have yet to receive any support from the government for our work. This is juxtaposed against decades of policy failures, with resources funneled into developing export pathways that largely benefit musicians who have existing supporting infrastructure, and recording new music that has no functional distribution system. In short, our governments throw public funds into meaningless investments and continue to use the same worn out strategies expecting different results, while sidelining real innovations.

In the face of this lack of foresight, it's time for us to take a stand. We invite the community to join us in challenging the status quo that favours bureaucratic inertia over cultural innovation. We're asking our community to rally behind the values of The Pack Music Co-operative, a platform that values the artists it serves - the local, original unsigned artists of Australia. 

The Pack Music Co-operative is leading the charge to rebuild an ethical streaming space for independent artists. We are calling for support for from government to complete and launch a new streaming service exclusively for independent, original, unsigned artists.

This platform will challenge the profit-driven global music streaming giants and create an equitable space where musicians are fairly compensated for their work. By prioritising local, original music, and inverting the label, investor and profit-driven music streaming business model, The Pack’s streaming service aims to support community engagement, foster genuine connections between artists, listeners, local businesses and local governments, strengthening local creative economies.

We need government support will help us create a sustainable model that values and promotes the work of independent artists, ensuring a vibrant future for Australia’s independent musicians.

Please sign this petition to show your support to government for The Pack Music Co-operative. Together, we can create a sustainable and thriving music industry for all.