"Examining the streaming overhaul aimed at benefiting musicians: An analysis of proposed reforms for a greener music industry"
The UK music industry is witnessing a significant shift, as the government and major labels have announced a new initiative aimed at improving the earnings of legacy artists, songwriters, and session musicians from streaming platforms. This initiative, which was formalized in July 2025, follows extensive consultations by the Creator Remuneration Working Group (CRWG) involving industry stakeholders [1][2][4].
Key measures announced include support for legacy artists, financial support for session musicians, marketing and engagement tools, and commitments from major labels. The UK arms of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group have pledged their support for these measures, collectively estimated to bring tens of millions of pounds in new investment to the music creators' ecosystem by 2030 [2].
One of the most eye-catching reforms is a £75 per diem from major labels to cover expenses for songwriters attending sessions [1]. Additionally, labels are recommended to provide bespoke financial support for legacy artists, including digitizing previously unexploited works, providing marketing support, and advising on reactivating full catalogues [1][2].
The measures on legacy artists aim to ensure that they can all benefit from a streaming economy that was not even envisaged in their original contracts [4]. The reforms also include a commitment to monitor the measures for 12 months to ensure they are boosting income for music creators [4].
Labels are also encouraged to respond meaningfully to queries to renegotiate legacy contracts within 60 days, considering factors like the artist's commercial history, genre, sales, and existing royalty rates during negotiations [1][2].
The issues with streaming income go back several years, with a streaming inquiry launched almost five years ago during the pandemic [4]. The government, led by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Creative Industries Minister Chris Bryant, has announced this package of reforms to address concerns over music creators' earnings from streaming services.
While these announcements mark a step towards addressing the issue, some creator bodies such as the Featured Artists Coalition have criticized the reforms as insufficient. They argue that the label-led code lacks binding commitments, fails to significantly alter streaming economics, and exaggerates the expected benefits for artists [3].
The Musicians’ Union has announced plans for a petition pushing for broader copyright law reforms, including minimum digital royalties and rights reversion policies, aiming to address structural issues beyond the current label-led deal [4]. This petition could potentially influence future legislation such as the upcoming AI Bill.
In summary, while the UK government and major labels have enacted concrete initial measures to improve streaming pay, especially for legacy artists and session musicians, criticism remains about the reforms’ scope and enforceability. Further government-industry dialogue and potential legal reforms are anticipated to address ongoing concerns.
[1] BBC News (2025). UK announces streaming reforms for music creators. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-57854582
[2] Music Business Worldwide (2025). Major labels commit to implementing new UK streaming reforms. [online] Available at: https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/major-labels-commit-to-implementing-new-uk-streaming-reforms/
[3] Music Week (2025). Featured Artists Coalition slams streaming reforms as "insufficient". [online] Available at: https://www.musicweek.com/news/readnow/featured-artists-coalition-slams-streaming-reforms-as-insufficient-20250701/
[4] Music Ally (2025). UK government announces streaming reforms for music creators. [online] Available at: https://www.musically.com/news/uk-government-announces-streaming-reforms-for-music-creators-20250701
Technology can play a vital role in realizing the full potential of the announced initiatives, as innovative tools and solutions could help legacy artists and session musicians manage their funds, track their royalties, and optimize their creative output.
Recognizing the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability, education-and-self-development programs could be designed to equip music creators with the necessary skills to navigate the changing landscape of the music industry and make the most of the new opportunities presented by the reforms.
