1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

The Living Wage for Musicians Act, introduced by Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Rashida Tlaib in 2024, is a crucial step towards ensuring fair compensation for musicians in the digital streaming era. This bipartisan bill addresses the unsustainable economic model of current streaming platforms, where artists receive an average of only $0.003 per stream on Spotify. The proposed legislation offers a practical solution to this pressing issue. By implementing a modest fee on streaming service subscriptions and a 10% levy on non-subscription revenue, the act would create a dedicated fund for direct royalty payments to performers and featured artists. This system, modeled after the successful SoundExchange, would significantly improve the financial stability of independent musicians. The current streaming economy is untenable for artists trying to make a living from their craft. Without intervention, we risk losing diverse voices and talents that enrich our cultural landscape. The Living Wage for Musicians Act provides a fair and balanced approach to address this problem, benefiting both established and emerging artists across all genres. Supporting this bill is not just about compensating musicians fairly; it's about preserving the vitality of our music industry and ensuring its sustainability for future generations. The act's bipartisan support demonstrates its broad appeal and recognition of the issue's importance across political lines. I urge you to support the Living Wage for Musicians Act. By doing so, you will be championing the rights of artists and contributing to a more equitable music industry. Your backing of this bill will show constituents that you value the arts and understand the economic challenges faced by creative professionals in the digital age. Time is of the essence. As streaming continues to dominate music consumption, every day without fair compensation further strains the livelihoods of countless musicians. Please commit to co-sponsoring this bill and advocating for its swift passage through the necessary committees. Your action now can help secure a sustainable future for music creators and the industry as a whole.