skip to main content

Major rights group launches online campaign for artists

In May, four organisations representing more than 500,000 performers in Europe joined forces to campaign for the fair remuneration of online revenues.

Published: 21 May 2015 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM
Various instruments and sheet music stands set up on stage

In May, four organisations representing more than 500,000 performers in Europe joined forces to campaign for the fair remuneration of online revenues.

The Fair Internet for Performers Campaign (AEPO-ARTIS, EuroFIA, FIM and IAO) represents musicians, actors and dancers.

On 6 May, the campaign responded to the release of the European Commission’s Digital Single Market Strategy. “We welcome the Commission’s intent to put copyright at the heart of its digital single market strategy but have the view that to consider ‘measures to safeguard fair remuneration of creators…in order to encourage future generation of content’ is not enough, lacking any concrete proposals for action. The current situation is no longer acceptable for performers who receive mostly very low royalties or no remuneration at all from legal online, on-demand services.”

Campaign supporter Nick Mason of Pink Floyd believes change must come from the EU to ensure “young people coming into our industry [have] the chance to get properly paid.”

Currently, only a few featured performers manage to negotiate the payment of royalties for the exploitation of their performances. The vast majority receive no money at all or, at best, a derisory single all-inclusive fee. Currently, all exclusive rights granted to performers are generally transferred to producers under contractual agreements.

Fran Healy from Travis stated: “The opportunity to make streaming payments equitable for the artists who record and perform...is one giant step towards a savvier, more sustainable music industry.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Back shot of a busker, performing in front of a small crowd in London.

MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square

The MU calls on Westminster City Council to appeal a court ruling which classifies busking in Leicester Square as a "statutory nuisance." The judgment unfairly targets those already following the licensing scheme, and threatens both musicians' livelihoods and the future of street entertainment.

Published: 03 April 2025

Read more about MU Calls for Westminster City Council to Keep Music Live in Leicester Square
Four young musicians in a band, performing on stage.

MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025

Back for its fourth year, the Musicians’ Mental Month campaign runs throughout April and features collaborative advice, coaching and workshops from the MU, YCAT, Tonic Rider and BAPAM. This year’s theme will focus on coping strategies.

Published: 01 April 2025

Read more about MU Celebrates Musicians’ Mental Health Month 2025
A young, Black female musician, playing electric guitar in a recording studio.

Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players

How can the music industry fix streaming for session players and ensure that all artists get fair pay from music streaming? Musicians’ Union (MU) General Secretary Naomi Pohl explains...

Published: 28 March 2025

Read more about Fix Streaming: Making the Case for Session Players