Rebecca Ferguson supported a demonstration in Parliament Square, London, on Wednesday.
Former X-factor contestant (35), wore a big black hat and a checked trench coat to join crowds demanding support for a Bill which ensures that artists get ‘fairly compensated’ for music streams.
Glen Matlock, the founder of Sex Pistols, was there as well as 30 other MPs from outside Westminster. They highlighted the importance and significance of the Bill which will be introduced in parliament on December 3.
Activism: Rebecca Ferguson cut a stylish as she lent her support to a protest in Parliament Square in London on Wednesday to ensure artists were ‘fairly paid’ for streams of their music through a new Bill that will be presented in parliament on December 3
The Musicians’ Union, The Ivors Academy of songwriters/composers, and Labour MP Kevin Brennan supported the Bill.
The streaming income would be entitled to an equitable remuneration, where artists can receive a portion of the stream without regard to label agreements.
The Bill’s primary goal, according to supporters, is to ensure that composers and performers are properly remunerated by putting the treatment for music streaming revenue on the same footing as revenue earned from other sources.
The British Phonographic Industry, the UK’s independent record label association and major music industry, stated that the Bill “completely misunderstands the current music business” and would tie the sector with’red tape”.
Crowds
It is officially called the Copyright Rights and Remuneration of Musicians Private Member’s Bill. This bill comes amid increasing awareness about streaming royalty rates due to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee inquiry into the economics and streaming.
In its previous report, the committee warned of the pitfalls of current systems and how they are affecting the creative “entire ecosystem”. Ministers then referred to the Competition and Markets Authority the matter of dominant market positions for major record labels.
Bill Sponsored by Mr Brennan: “More people stream music, heightened due to the pandemic. Yet, unlike radio, there’s no guaranteed royalty payment.
My Private Member’s Bill seeks a remedy to this. It allows composers and performers to have access to the means necessary to share in the revenue generated by their work.
“In particular the Bill will create a right for equitable remuneration of performers on musical works where they are performed upon and made available to public.
Idea: This would allow performers to be paid a fair share of streaming income, without regard to label agreements.
“These reforms would result in more new music and the revival of recording stations, a boost for the UK’s session music scene, the uncovering of new British talent, and Britain being once again a leading cultural hub for the record music industry.
Naomi Pohl was the deputy general secretary for the Musicians’ Union. She stated: “The dominance by the major music group in the streaming marketplace is obvious. Legislative reform for musicians and songwriters is needed.
“Now is the best time to correct the injustices within the music industry and especially music streaming. The Government should allow the Brennan Bill to be voted on free of charge on December 3rd.
“Members from all parts of the House of Commons support the Bill. This shows the bipartisan commitment to fix streaming and ensure that musicians are paid fairly for their music.
Journey: Rebecca became famous after finishing second in the 2010 X-Factor series. Rebecca has spoken before about the well-being and health of the contestants.
Graham Davies is chief executive at The Ivors Academy. He said that songwriters and composers owe Kevin Brennan and all MPs who have understood that Britain’s position as cultural capital rests on its ability to invest in music-making talent.
“The rise of streaming has caused too much wealth to be diverted to multi-national record labels at the expense and music creators.
“These market distortions need to be corrected in order for Britain to have a thriving music industry.”
The BPI’s spokesperson said that this Bill could bind British Music in red tape and lower income for most entrepreneurs artists. It would also stifle investments and innovation by record label and adversely affect the independent sector.
It would lead to a lot of uncertainty for artists and rob them of their opportunity to create a successful career. This misunderstands the music industry today and labels’ role in nurturing and finding talent.
“Labels have committed to ensuring that artists are rewarded according to their success streaming. But just as British music has finally recovered from its lengthy downturn, this outdated, misguided regulation would be a dangerous step backwards and erode the foundations for the UK’s incredible global success in music.
She told her fans online: ‘They need to be stopped! Exploitation at its worst modern-day slavery!’