Streaming rates are under scrutiny in the U.K. with the first evidence session of the British Government’s inquiry into the economics of music streaming taking place Tuesday. Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien and Elbow frontman Guy Garvey were among the multiple witnesses calling for equitable remuneration.
O’Brien, Garvey, solo artist Nadine Shah, musician and songwriter Tom Gray, streaming auditor and accountant Colin Young and Clintons Solicitors Partner Tom Frederikse
outlined the current economics of streaming to several MPs, and what impact that has on the wider music ecosystem.
All the musicians said that streaming doesn’t pay enough to creators. Garvey said that the current system is “threatening the future of music” while Shah admitted that, despite how successful she may appear to be, she doesn’t make enough from music to “keep the wolf away from the door.”
Reforms are needed, argued witnesses, with Gray, Young and Frederikse all mentioning the idea of applying equitable remuneration to streaming.
