skip to main content

MU supports The Fair Digital Deals Declaration

The Fair Digital Deals Declaration is a statement of commitment made by independent record labels to treat their artists fairly in agreements relating to digital exploitation of artists’ work in recorded music agreements with third parties.

Published: 17 July 2014 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:28 PM

The MU supports The Fair Digital Deals Declaration, launched by the Worldwide Independent Network (WIN).

The Fair Digital Deals Declaration is a statement of commitment made by independent record labels to treat their artists fairly in agreements relating to digital exploitation of artists’ work in recorded music agreements with third parties.

Commitments include:

  • Clearly explaining artists’ share of download and streaming revenues in recording agreements and royalty statements in reasonable summary form,
  • Accounting to artists a good-faith pro-rata share of any revenues and other compensation from digital services that stem from the monetization of recordings but are not attributed to specific recordings or performances,
  • Encouraging better standards of information from digital services on the usage and monetisation of music,
  • Supporting artists who choose to oppose, including publicly, unauthorized uses of their music, and
  • Supporting the collective position of the global independent record company sector as outlined in the Global Independent Manifesto.

Any label signing up to this declaration will also commit to communicating to their artists that they have signed the Declaration. They will agree to attach a signed copy of the Declaration to their artists’ royalty statements at the next royalty payment run to demonstrate their support for the initiative.

In order to sign up you will need to download the Fair Digital Deal Declaration, sign and send to emmy@musicindie.com.

To view a full list of companies so far that have committed to the declaration please click here to visit the signatories page.

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

The MU Members' Assembly, sat in a semi-circle around the front desk and large monitor screens. Some people are making notes and others are typing on laptops.

MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation

Last week, the MU Members’ Assembly met to review regional and national representation within the Union. The meeting brought together members from across the UK to discuss how regional identity shapes their experiences and how the MU can best support musicians in different areas.

Published: 26 March 2026

Read more about MU Members’ Assembly Explores Regional Identity and Representation
Bridget at a Green Party march in New Zealand.

Bridget Walsh on the Intersection of Music and Climate Justice

From community organising to creative resistance, MU Climate Emergency Action Group co-chair Bridget Walsh explores how climate justice and the struggle against oppression are deeply intertwined - and why that matters this Women’s History Month.

Published: 25 March 2026

Read more about Bridget Walsh on the Intersection of Music and Climate Justice