MPs to debate musicians’ revenues

PROPOSALS to ensure musicians “have a future” by giving them a larger share of revenue from streaming services are to be debated by MPs.

Recording artists currently earn “very little money” from their own music through streaming, Labour MP Kevin Brennan has said.

The Copyright (Rights and Remuneration of Musicians) Bill due to be discussed in Parliament on Friday, and backed by Mr Brennan, would introduce a right to “equitable remuneration” for streaming income – where performers have a right to receive a share without reference to their label contracts.

The Bill would also give musicians more of a say over how their music is used, including rights to reclaim ownership from record companies after 20 years.

“People do forget that our creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy,” said Cardiff West MP Mr Brennan. “Our music industry is actually a very successful export thanks to the musicians and the creators themselves.

“We have got to make sure they have a future.”

Copyright law on music rights was last changed in 2003, Mr Brennan said, adding: “The law hasn’t moved on and that is part of the problem with the technology.

“Money is being made, the question is – where is it going? And a lot of it is going to the record labels and the streaming services.”

He also said: “I think Covid has thrown into daylight the fact that without live music musicians earn very little money from their recorded music.”

Mr Brennan, who sits on the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, said he had heard from musicians who struggle to make ends meet because of how streaming has changed their income.