Stand Up for Fair Pay: Protect Unsigned Artists and Songwriters from Unfair Streaming
Stand Up for Fair Pay: Protect Unsigned Artists and Songwriters from Unfair Streaming
The Issue
Make Congress Protect Unsigned Artists and Songwriters from Unfair Streaming Practices!
Source: Variety Article
The music industry is at a crossroads. As streaming platforms continue to dominate the way we consume music, the voices of unsigned artists and songwriters are being drowned out by unfair compensation models. Despite being the creative force behind the songs we love, these artists often receive only a fraction of the revenue generated by their work.
With one million signatures this petition calls for a fairer, more transparent streaming revenue distribution model that adequately compensates unsigned artists and songwriters for their talent and hard work. It’s time to demand change and create a fairer future for all music creators.
Why This Petition is Needed:
Unsigned artists and songwriters are crucial to the diversity and innovation of the music industry. However, the current streaming model heavily favors major label artists, leaving unsigned talent to struggle for recognition and fair compensation. To ensure a vibrant, diverse music industry, we must protect these creators and ensure they receive their fair share.
We demand:
1. A Fair Revenue Sharing Model: Streaming platforms must adopt a revenue-sharing model that ensures all artists and songwriters, particularly unsigned ones, receive fair compensation for their contributions.
2. Transparency in Payouts: Streaming platforms need to provide clear and transparent information on how revenue is calculated and distributed to artists and songwriters.
3. Support for Unsigned Talent: Establish minimum payout rates or special funds to ensure unsigned artists and songwriters are fairly compensated, regardless of their streaming volume.
The Reality of Streaming Payouts:
1. Unfair Compensation for Songwriters:
A recent report from MIDiA Research, as highlighted in Variety (2024), reveals that songwriters are increasingly being “screwed” by the current streaming models. The report emphasizes that while streaming platforms have become the primary source of music consumption, songwriters often receive only a minuscule share of the revenue.
• Diminishing Returns: According to the report, songwriters earn only about 3.4% of total streaming revenue. This low payout rate is unsustainable and fails to recognize the crucial role songwriters play in the music creation process.
• Lack of Transparency: Many songwriters and artists are kept in the dark about how their revenue is calculated. This opacity allows platforms to obscure the true value being generated from their work.
2. The Struggles of Unsigned Artists:
• Financial Insecurity: Unsigned artists, who do not have the backing of major labels, are particularly vulnerable. They often rely on streaming revenue as a primary income source, yet the average per-stream payout is between $0.003 and $0.005. To earn $1,000, an unsigned artist would need to accumulate around 250,000 to 330,000 streams — an incredibly high bar for most.
• Disparity in Revenue Distribution: The same MIDiA report shows that the top 1% of artists receive over 90% of streaming revenue, leaving very little for the millions of unsigned and independent artists who are struggling to make ends meet.
3. Impact on Creativity and the Future of Music:
• Stifled Innovation: With such low payouts, many unsigned artists are forced to take on additional work, limiting their ability to focus on creating new music. This financial strain stifles creativity and prevents new, diverse voices from being heard.
• Threat to the Music Ecosystem: If the current model continues, the music industry risks becoming homogenized, with only major label artists able to sustain a career. Unsigned artists and songwriters, who are often the source of innovation and change in music, need fair compensation to continue contributing to the industry.
Kal Marshell: A Leader in the Fight for Fair Pay
Kal Marshell, a passionate artist and the founder of The United Singer’s Artists and Songwriters Association (USAS) — a global community of over 15,000 members — is leading the charge for change. Kal Marshell has firsthand experience with the challenges faced by unsigned artists and songwriters in the current music landscape. His efforts are not just about advocating for fair pay; they are about securing a sustainable future for all music creators.
“We need to stand up for the rights of all artists and songwriters. It’s time to demand transparency and fair compensation in streaming. The music we love deserves more than the scraps of a broken system.” — Kal Marshell
Kal Marshell and USAS are committed to advocating for policy changes that protect the interests of all artists and songwriters. By signing this petition, you are joining a revolutionary movement to reshape the music industry and ensure a fairer future for all.
Call to Action:
Join us in demanding a fairer music industry.
Sign this petition to show your support for unsigned artists and songwriters and help us bring about change. Every signature counts in the fight for fair compensation!
Source:
YouTube: Snoop Dogg Disgusted
Articles:
Music Business World: 7/10 Unhappy with streaming
LA LOYOLAN: Unethical Streaming Services
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/spotify-penny-per-stream-royalties-130000176.html
4
The Issue
Make Congress Protect Unsigned Artists and Songwriters from Unfair Streaming Practices!
Source: Variety Article
The music industry is at a crossroads. As streaming platforms continue to dominate the way we consume music, the voices of unsigned artists and songwriters are being drowned out by unfair compensation models. Despite being the creative force behind the songs we love, these artists often receive only a fraction of the revenue generated by their work.
With one million signatures this petition calls for a fairer, more transparent streaming revenue distribution model that adequately compensates unsigned artists and songwriters for their talent and hard work. It’s time to demand change and create a fairer future for all music creators.
Why This Petition is Needed:
Unsigned artists and songwriters are crucial to the diversity and innovation of the music industry. However, the current streaming model heavily favors major label artists, leaving unsigned talent to struggle for recognition and fair compensation. To ensure a vibrant, diverse music industry, we must protect these creators and ensure they receive their fair share.
We demand:
1. A Fair Revenue Sharing Model: Streaming platforms must adopt a revenue-sharing model that ensures all artists and songwriters, particularly unsigned ones, receive fair compensation for their contributions.
2. Transparency in Payouts: Streaming platforms need to provide clear and transparent information on how revenue is calculated and distributed to artists and songwriters.
3. Support for Unsigned Talent: Establish minimum payout rates or special funds to ensure unsigned artists and songwriters are fairly compensated, regardless of their streaming volume.
The Reality of Streaming Payouts:
1. Unfair Compensation for Songwriters:
A recent report from MIDiA Research, as highlighted in Variety (2024), reveals that songwriters are increasingly being “screwed” by the current streaming models. The report emphasizes that while streaming platforms have become the primary source of music consumption, songwriters often receive only a minuscule share of the revenue.
• Diminishing Returns: According to the report, songwriters earn only about 3.4% of total streaming revenue. This low payout rate is unsustainable and fails to recognize the crucial role songwriters play in the music creation process.
• Lack of Transparency: Many songwriters and artists are kept in the dark about how their revenue is calculated. This opacity allows platforms to obscure the true value being generated from their work.
2. The Struggles of Unsigned Artists:
• Financial Insecurity: Unsigned artists, who do not have the backing of major labels, are particularly vulnerable. They often rely on streaming revenue as a primary income source, yet the average per-stream payout is between $0.003 and $0.005. To earn $1,000, an unsigned artist would need to accumulate around 250,000 to 330,000 streams — an incredibly high bar for most.
• Disparity in Revenue Distribution: The same MIDiA report shows that the top 1% of artists receive over 90% of streaming revenue, leaving very little for the millions of unsigned and independent artists who are struggling to make ends meet.
3. Impact on Creativity and the Future of Music:
• Stifled Innovation: With such low payouts, many unsigned artists are forced to take on additional work, limiting their ability to focus on creating new music. This financial strain stifles creativity and prevents new, diverse voices from being heard.
• Threat to the Music Ecosystem: If the current model continues, the music industry risks becoming homogenized, with only major label artists able to sustain a career. Unsigned artists and songwriters, who are often the source of innovation and change in music, need fair compensation to continue contributing to the industry.
Kal Marshell: A Leader in the Fight for Fair Pay
Kal Marshell, a passionate artist and the founder of The United Singer’s Artists and Songwriters Association (USAS) — a global community of over 15,000 members — is leading the charge for change. Kal Marshell has firsthand experience with the challenges faced by unsigned artists and songwriters in the current music landscape. His efforts are not just about advocating for fair pay; they are about securing a sustainable future for all music creators.
“We need to stand up for the rights of all artists and songwriters. It’s time to demand transparency and fair compensation in streaming. The music we love deserves more than the scraps of a broken system.” — Kal Marshell
Kal Marshell and USAS are committed to advocating for policy changes that protect the interests of all artists and songwriters. By signing this petition, you are joining a revolutionary movement to reshape the music industry and ensure a fairer future for all.
Call to Action:
Join us in demanding a fairer music industry.
Sign this petition to show your support for unsigned artists and songwriters and help us bring about change. Every signature counts in the fight for fair compensation!
Source:
YouTube: Snoop Dogg Disgusted
Articles:
Music Business World: 7/10 Unhappy with streaming
LA LOYOLAN: Unethical Streaming Services
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/spotify-penny-per-stream-royalties-130000176.html
4
Petition created on August 25, 2024