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New rights for artists and musicians in EU law

In 2019, the EU introduced new laws to ensure artists and musicians receive fair remuneration, more transparent information from their record labels, improved contracts, alternative dispute resolution possibilities and provisions on when artists can get their rights back from a record label.

National governments are responsible for making this work effectively but the IAO Streams and Dreams (part 2) report shows that so far this is not happening. AEPO-ARTIS and IAO hosted a webinar discussing this, but if you want to do more here is some information about how you can make these rights work for you.

 

Be informed.

  • Read the Streams and Dreams (part 2) report.
  • Download the presentation from the Streams and Dreams (part 2) webinar here.
  • Read the law! It is available here in all EU languages and is not difficult to understand. Read articles 18 to 22.

 

 

Inform others.

  • If you have management, make sure they know about these rights.
  • If your label is not complying with its obligations, speak to them and insist they do so. If they refuse, ask for alternative dispute resolution.

 

 

Make some noise! Get active.

 

  • Politicians are responsible for making these new laws work. If you’re not happy, let them know.
  • Become an active participant in your local collective management organisation, guild, union or any other organisation representing artists.
  • Follow up your record company’s or distributer’s obligations towards you.

 


Ask yourself if you have given permission for your music to be used on streaming platforms e.g. Spotify.

 

  • It is illegal for your music to be on platforms like Spotify if you have not agreed to this. Nonetheless it still happens. If it has been used without your permission, you may be entitled to damages.
  • Can’t find your contract? Ask your label to send it to you.
  • Still not happy? Speak to your local collective management organisation, guild or union.