Orchestral musicians seek action on streaming royalties 

Musicians from more than 20 orchestras across the UK have signed an open letter urging the government to address streaming royalties.

The letter, coordinated by the Musicians’ Union, stresses that the UK music sector is “in a real crisis and facing an existential threat to its existence”, and calls on government to ensure musicians are properly and fairly remunerated for their recorded performances.

Addressed to Arts Minister Chris Bryant, the letter points out that musicians’ careers are becoming unsustainable, with many struggling to earn more than £20,000 a year, despite music “being consumed and listened to more than ever before”.

“Much of that [consumption] now happens on streaming platforms and many of those tracks were recorded by us,” the letter explains.

“Yet, despite radio stations paying royalties when they broadcast our music, non-featured performers currently receive no royalties for music streaming.”

The signatories argue that if musicians create an asset that someone can profit from, they should be properly and fairly remunerated for that in every case.

“In the long term, if all the profit goes to streaming platforms and record labels, there won’t be a next generation of musicians to record for them,” the letter adds.

The musicians also wrote that they hope the ongoing Creator Remuneration Working Group will provide a solution, either negotiated with industry or via legislation.

Orchestral musicians from the Royal Opera House, Scottish Ballet Orchestra and Sinfonia Cymru are among those to have signed the letter.