skip to main content

Show Your Support for the Campaign to Fix Streaming and Keep Music Alive

The MU is working in partnership with the Ivors Academy to keep music alive, starting with fixing streaming.  

Published: 11 May 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 02 June 2021 | 11:39 AM
Keep Music Alive poster featuring a female singer performing on stage
The record labels announced record profits from streaming, so it’s hugely popular. But, unfortunately, that’s not translating into decent royalty rates for our members. Artwork: Jens Wolter

We’re calling on Government to urgently undertake a review of streaming. Show your support for the campaign to fix streaming and keep music alive.

Sign the petition now

Why musicians are supporting the campaign to fix streaming  

We launched the petition on the morning of Monday 11 May, and signatures began piling up straight away. Some highlights from the accompanying supportive comments:

“I am adversely affected by my music being streamed with no financial compensation” – Glenn  

“I'm signing as its time songwriters. composers and performers were given a fair share of the profits from streaming their music. Streaming is a great channel for people easily accessing music, but is unfair how little of the profits go back to the people who created the music” – Jamie 

“I’m signing because i believe music creators should be given a fairer share of the profits their work generates” – Steve   

“Lockdown has proven the vital part creativity and art plays in our lives. As we recognise value in different, more human ways society ought to level up. Artists shouldn't be struggling” - Rachel 

Read more comments on the Keep Music Alive petition.  

Coverage in the press

The campaign has also already begun to gain momentum in the media. Coverage in the press so far included:

“Spotify is reckoned to pay out an average of only £0.0028 (or 0.28p) per stream to so-called “rights holders”, a term that encompasses both massive record companies and artists who put out their own music. On YouTube, the per-stream rate is put at a mere £0.0012” - John Harris explores the issues in the Guardian. 

“The record labels announced record profits from streaming, so it’s hugely popular. But, unfortunately, that’s not translating into decent royalty rates for our members” - MU Deputy General Secretary Naomi Pohl speaks to Jazz FM about the campaign to fix streaming.  

Take action now! 

  • Sign the petition now 
  • Show your support on social media:  share this tweet  or use this text to share on other social media platforms:  "I support the campaign to #fixstreaming and keep music alive. Find out more and sign the petition now https://bit.ly/2WlNKOL "

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

Cardboard box with mics in and around to capture organic sound for the shoe box scene.

Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film

Musician Janie Price aka Bird has just released her first short film soundtrack ‘Wider Than The Sky’, she’s also been a member of the MU for 24 years. In this guest blog, she shares her journey and advice for other members intrigued by the world of score design and DIY projects.

Published: 15 July 2024

Read more about Wider Than The Sky: Janie Price on First Time Scriptwriting and Composing for Short Film
Black and white image of Gil sat at a piano in his younger years.

Tribute to Gil Martin

Gilbert Alexander Martin was a successful and highly accomplished pianist, as well as a lifelong member and supporter of the Musician's Union. He passed away on 29 May 2024. This tribute has been provided by Gil’s daughters, Gillian and Susan.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about Tribute to Gil Martin
Sir Kier Starmer Labour leader giving his first speech after winning the general election and becoming prime minister on 5 July.

MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs

Having been so heavily involved in forming Labour policy and the manifesto, we look forward to working with the new Government to implement meaningful change for the country and for musicians.

Published: 11 July 2024

Read more about MU Welcomes New Labour Government and Meets New MPs