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 accident cover, health schemes, travel insurance and car insurance add-ons through the Musicians’ Union.

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

Exterior of the Wales Millennium Centre Cardiff, where the Welsh National Opera is based.

MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts

Musicians' Union members in the orchestra of Welsh National Opera (WNO) are facing a reduction in working weeks, equating to a 15% pay cut as a result of a funding shortfall for the company.

Published: 28 March 2024

Read more about MU Responds to Welsh National Opera Cuts
Young Black musician looking thoughtful while looking at a laptop in a recording studio.

Celebrating BAPAM at 40

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) turns 40 this year, and all musicians should be aware of how this pioneering charity could help them to prevent and overcome practice-related physical and mental health problems.

Published: 27 March 2024

Read more about Celebrating BAPAM at 40