New Bill Put Before Congress Pushing for 1-Cent Per Stream Pay for Artists

Members of Congress have presented a new bill called the Living Wage for Musicians Act that targets an increase in compensation for artists.

On March 6, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Congressman Jamaal Bowman had presented the bill at the Motown Museum in Detroit. The Living Wage for Musicians Act has been created in partnership with United Musicians and Allied Workers. It has called for streaming services to pay artists a minimum of 1 cent per stream. 

It has been reported that Spotify, the largest streaming service, pays its artists an average of $0.004 per stream. The bill has suggested that payouts be capped at 1 million streams with the remaining money being split between artists. The creator has said that 1 penny for each stream would be equivalent to minimum wage.

In 2022, the same members of Congress introduced a resolution that called for the creation of a fund that would ensure fair pay to musicians. Users’ subscription service fees would go towards the fund. Of the bill, Congresswoman Tlaib said, “It’s only right that the people who create the music we love get their fair share so that they can thrive, not just survive.” 

As physical media continues to take a hit, streaming platforms like Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify have only grown. The platforms make billions of dollars annually. Congressman Bowman said, “Ensuring streaming services pay their artists a fair wage is just a first step to ensure the artists in our communities can pay their bills while following their passion.” 

France and Canada have already presented legislation that protects musicians who put their art on these platforms. With a little legal discussion on unfair pay for musicians, this bill has given hope to the industry.

The Living Wage for Musicians Act is available to read in full. Stay updated with Congress members fighting for musicians and follow the legislation as it travels through the system.