Photo Credit: United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW)
Historic Vote in New York City: Advancing Fair Compensation for Streaming Musicians and Supporting the Living Wage Initiative
In a landmark decision, the New York City Council has approved Resolution 368, a move that champions equitable earnings for artists involved in music streaming. Additionally, the council expressed support for the federal Living Wage for Musicians Act, introduced in Congress in 2024, signaling a broader commitment to artist rights and fair pay.
“I am proud that the City Council has adopted Resolution 368 today, endorsing the Living Wage for Musicians Act,” stated Council Member Shahana Hanif. “As the music hub of the world, New York City must ensure that artists are paid fairly and treated with respect. With streaming services currently compensating artists at less than a third of a penny per stream, this legislation marks a crucial step toward making our city a more equitable environment for musicians to live and thrive.”
The core aim of the Living Wage for Musicians Act is to establish a new, transparent royalty system for streaming platforms, ensuring artists receive a fairer share of revenue generated from their work. This proposed royalty would serve as an additional income stream, supplementing existing royalties. Originally introduced by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and former Congressman Jamaal Bowman, the legislation was crafted in partnership with United Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW), a prominent advocacy group for musicians’ rights.
The resolution was introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif and garnered support from colleagues including De La Rosa, Ossé, Rivera, Menin, Cabán, Brannan, Louis, Brewer, Riley, Farías, and Bottcher, reflecting a broad consensus within the city government.
“UMAW appreciates the leadership of Council Member Hanif and all the council members who voted in favor of this resolution,” said Joey La Neve DeFrancesco, a musician and UMAW organizer. “This is a significant victory for NYC’s music community and sets an example for musicians nationwide. When artists unite and advocate for fair compensation, change becomes possible. While there’s still work to do to overhaul streaming royalties, this resolution is a major step forward.”
Addressing the Economic Challenges Faced by Musicians in NYC
“More than 14,000 musicians call New York City home, yet many still earn below the minimum wage despite generating billions in revenue for the entertainment industry,” remarked Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Chair of the Civil Service and Labor Committee. “The Living Wage for Musicians Act offers a vital lifeline, helping artists who are often exploited by outdated royalty models to earn a living wage. This legislation recognizes the value of their artistry and ensures they are compensated fairly for their contributions.”
Broad Support for Fair Pay in the Music Industry
“The City Council’s endorsement of this initiative underscores a growing recognition that fair compensation in streaming is a pressing issue,” explained Damon Krukowski, a musician and UMAW organizer. “The Living Wage for Musicians Act is a practical solution to a problem that affects countless artists. Music benefits society as a whole, but streaming platforms have yet to provide equitable pay. This legislation offers a clear path toward rectifying that imbalance and supporting the creative community.”
