#PaySongwriters Campaign
Donation protected
Imagine a world without songs. It's a bleak thought, isn't it? Songs have the power to inspire, heal, and bring people together. They reflect our deepest emotions and connect us on a universal level. But the future of the songwriting profession is at risk, and we need your help to protect it.
Support the #paysongwriters campaign and strike fund by donating today. Your contributions will be allocated to vital initiatives to help educate the public on how streaming and corporate greed have destroyed songwriters' income. The money will also support creatives who go on strike, withholding their labor to win change in the business relationship between songwriters and record labels.
Here are the facts:
- In 2022, the global recorded music industry earned $26.2 billion in revenue, and 65% of that came from streaming. Songwriters contributed to that success.
- It's hard for many songwriters to make a livable wage from the songs they write.
- Songwriters make 15.1% of total streaming revenue in the U.S., while record labels make 52% - 57%, and DSPs(Spotify, Apple Music, etc.) make 27.9% - 32.9%.
- The current streaming model operates on a pro-rata system, meaning that the most played songs receive the highest payouts. Consequently, this structure heavily favors popular singles, resulting in a financial disadvantage for middle-class songwriters.
- Sometimes, artists or their representatives receive publishing rights for songs they didn't contribute to, which reduces the royalties received by actual songwriters. While this doesn't apply to everyone, it does occur frequently.
- There have been times when songwriters are strongly encouraged not to attempt to negotiate with artists and labels for a songwriter fee or session fee.
- Songwriters, classified as independent contractors, are denied the majority of the rights of someone self-employed, including receiving payment for their services and having a service agreement.
Our ambitious fundraising goal for this campaign is $1,000,000. Together, we can ensure that songwriters can continue to create songs that bring joy, solace, and inspiration to our lives.
Funds will be spent on the following:
- Strategic PR to secure media coverage and raise awareness.
- Impactful billboards to emphasize fair compensation for songwriters.
- Magazine and newspaper ads to engage industry professionals and the public.
- Powerful PSAs on TV, radio, and online platforms.
- Grants to professional songwriters.
The 100 Percenters are running this fundraiser. The 100 Percenters is a revolutionary organization that fiercely advocates for the rights of music creatives, with a particular focus on BIPOC and marginalized communities. Our mission is to empower and uplift music creatives by providing them with essential resources, support, and education, ensuring that they have equal access to opportunities and revenue streams. Join us in our quest to level the playing field and make the music industry truly inclusive for all!
Organizer
The One Hundred Percenters
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA