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

Hands holding a pink sign with a megaphone illustration, the text says

The Arts and Minds Campaign: One Year On

One year after its launch, our Arts and Minds Campaign has helped put arts education back on the Government’s agenda. The next challenge is ensuring those commitments deliver meaningful change for teachers and pupils.

Published: 01 May 2026

Read more about The Arts and Minds Campaign: One Year On
Close up of someone playing guitar, their hands both on the fretboard.

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

In this guest blog to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Dr Finola Ryan, Consultant Occupational Physician and BAPAM Medical Director, explores how strokes can uniquely affect musicians and what support is available to help them return to performing.

Published: 01 May 2026

Read more about Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters
Close up of someone playing guitar, their hands both on the fretboard.

Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters

In this guest blog to mark Stroke Awareness Month, Dr Finola Ryan, Consultant Occupational Physician and BAPAM Medical Director, explores how strokes can uniquely affect musicians and what support is available to help them return to performing.

Published: 01 May 2026

Read more about Stroke and Musicians: When Precision Matters