Thank you to all the songwriters and artists who participated in our first public survey. Our intention was to better understand what lights you up as a creator, what supports you to thrive and what your biggest challenges are…
The article highlights critical challenges that artists and songwriters face in today’s music industry. Here are the main points:
Key Challenges
- Revenue Inequity:
- Artists struggle with fair access to revenue, with an average income from music significantly below the standard living wage.
- Global revenues from music are high, but the share reaching individual artists is minimal.
- Live Music Decline:
- Limited venues for original music, especially in non-metropolitan areas.
- Declining audience engagement impacts artists’ earning potential.
- Media Representation:
- Australian music is underrepresented on major platforms like commercial radio and TV, impacting exposure and career growth.
- AI Disruption:
- Concerns about AI affecting rights, royalties, and creative integrity are growing.
- Financial Struggles:
- Rising costs for touring and production paired with low payment rates make sustaining a music career challenging.
- Youth-Oriented Social Media:
- Platforms prioritize viral content over artistry, marginalizing meaningful artistic expression.
Structural Inefficiencies
- Neighbouring Rights and Royalties:
- Australia lacks a statutory framework to protect performers’ rights to royalties from public performances and broadcasts.
- UK legislative changes have improved rights but expose Australia’s lag in this area.
- Radio Licensing:
- Current licensing caps disincentivize Australian radio stations from playing local music, favoring international (especially US) recordings.
- Raising licensing caps could significantly increase income for local artists.
Proposed Solutions
The article suggests changes to address these issues, including:
- Legislative amendments to protect neighbouring rights and enforce fair remuneration for artists.
- Increasing local content quotas on Australian radio and streaming platforms.
- Advocating for corporate responsibility in radio and record industries to prioritize Australian music.
- Strengthening collective bargaining for artists through unions or associations.
Conclusion
The music industry remains skewed towards corporate interests, with little support for artists and songwriters. However, ongoing advocacy and digital innovation provide a foundation for gradual change.
Source: The Biggest Issues Facing Songwriters and Artists in the Music Industry – Nov 2024
