“You have used us” songwriters tell Spotify
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- Songwriters’ stinging open letter to Spotify
- NSAI, NMPA statements about Spotify, Amazon challenge to songwriter royalty increase
As you know by now, the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB) recently issued a ruling raising songwriters’ rates for streaming and other mechanical uses by more than 44 percent. Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) led the fight to achieve this ruling on behalf of song creators.
“You cannot feed a family when you earn hundreds of dollars for millions of streams.” – Bart Herbison, NSAI Executive Director
The rate increase came after a lengthy trial where the NMPA and NSAI faced tech giants Google, Apple, Amazon, Spotify and Pandora. This huge victory for songwriters is now in jeopardy due to the streaming services’ filing.
NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison stated, “It is unfortunate that Amazon and Spotify decided to file an appeal on the CRB’s decision to pay American songwriters higher digital mechanical royalties. Many songwriters have found it difficult to stay in the profession in the era of streaming music. You cannot feed a family when you earn hundreds of dollars for millions of streams.
“Spotify specifically continues to try and depress royalties to songwriters around the globe as illustrated by their recent moves in India. Trying to work together as partners toward a robust future in the digital music era is difficult when any streaming company fails to recognize the value of a songwriter’s contribution to their business.”
‘Attempt to cut songwriter pay by one third’
NMPA President & CEO David Israelite: “When the Music Modernization Act became law, there was hope it signaled a new day of improved relations between digital music services and songwriters. That hope was snuffed out today when Spotify and Amazon decided to sue songwriters in a shameful attempt to cut their payments by nearly one-third.
“We all create the ONE thing that you sell: songs…” – songwriters’ open letter
NSAI and NMPA were not the only ones who are fighting back against Spotify, in particular. In an open letter to Spotify, reported in this article in Variety, dozens of top songwriters bitterly slammed Spotify. In the letter, addressed to Spotify chief Daniel Ek and posted on social media, the songwriters said they were hurt and disappointed by Spotify’s action. The reason: Spotify had positioned itself as the only provider that made songwriters feel that they were working together to build a modern music industry.
The letter continues:
“Now, we can see the real reason for your songwriter outreach. You have used us and tried to divide us but we stand together. Our fight is for all songwriters: those struggling to build their career, those in the middle class and those few who have reached your Secret Genius level. But none of us are ‘secret!’ WE all create the ONE thing you sell… songs. Do the right thing and drop your appeal of the Copyright Royalty Board rate determination.”
The songwriter signatories designate themselves the “Not So Secret Geniuses” at the foot of the letter.
National Music Publishers’ Association’s David Israelite and NSAI’s Bart Herbison released a statement on Amazon and Spotify’s decision to file a notice of appeal of the recent CRB ruling. Click here for the full statement.
Let Spotify know you support songwriters
Songwriters and publishers need to wholeheartedly support the action that NSAI and NMPA are taking to fight off this appeal from Amazon and Spotify. Contact NSAI and NMPA to voice your support. Voice your opinion to the founder of Spotify at daniel.ek@gmail.com
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com