Detroit City Council Unanimously Supports Federal Push to Boost Musicians' Pay on Streaming Platforms
The Detroit City Council has voiced its support for a federal proposal aimed at increasing the pay of musicians on streaming platforms, with proponents citing the city's significant influence on music as a major factor. The Living Wage for Musicians Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, would overhaul the current system that often leaves artists earning fractions of a cent per stream.
Under the proposal, a small surcharge on streaming subscriptions would be added, with platforms also contributing a share of their advertising revenue to a nonprofit fund that distributes payments directly to recording musicians. The cap per track would be set at $10,000 per month to prevent artists with massive hits from absorbing a disproportionate share of payouts.
Detroit has joined a growing list of major cities backing the legislation, including New York City, which passed a similar resolution in May. Advocates argue that the bill would allow more artists to record, tour, and connect with fans, while also helping musicians make a living in cities like Detroit.
The proposal is seen as a long-overdue correction to a system that has left many musicians struggling. Tlaib says the goal is to ensure that musicians who drive the streaming economy can afford to build sustainable careers, rather than just survive.
"Artists and creators are not just producers of goods or services; they are also drivers of social change and cultural expression," Tlaib said in announcing the bill's reintroduction last year. "It's only right that we ensure they receive a fair share of the profits from their work."
Detroit's creative workforce stands to benefit from the proposal, with many local artists already backing the plan. The city's influence on music is undeniable, from Motown Records to its vibrant indie scene, and proponents say that this legislation could help keep talent in Detroit.
"We honestly can do anything," said Marcus Miller, co-founder of the Creative Union. "It's the most important thing in the world that with every step forward, we make every step together because that's the only way we're going to make a difference — through our voice, our shared efforts, through knowing that the only real change comes from the people, for the people, and by the people."
Detroit's support for the Living Wage for Musicians Act is seen as a key moment in the ongoing push to reform streaming platforms. With the bill set to move forward in Washington, D.C., advocates are urging lawmakers to take action and ensure that musicians receive fair compensation for their work.
The Detroit City Council has voiced its support for a federal proposal aimed at increasing the pay of musicians on streaming platforms, with proponents citing the city's significant influence on music as a major factor. The Living Wage for Musicians Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, would overhaul the current system that often leaves artists earning fractions of a cent per stream.
Under the proposal, a small surcharge on streaming subscriptions would be added, with platforms also contributing a share of their advertising revenue to a nonprofit fund that distributes payments directly to recording musicians. The cap per track would be set at $10,000 per month to prevent artists with massive hits from absorbing a disproportionate share of payouts.
Detroit has joined a growing list of major cities backing the legislation, including New York City, which passed a similar resolution in May. Advocates argue that the bill would allow more artists to record, tour, and connect with fans, while also helping musicians make a living in cities like Detroit.
The proposal is seen as a long-overdue correction to a system that has left many musicians struggling. Tlaib says the goal is to ensure that musicians who drive the streaming economy can afford to build sustainable careers, rather than just survive.
"Artists and creators are not just producers of goods or services; they are also drivers of social change and cultural expression," Tlaib said in announcing the bill's reintroduction last year. "It's only right that we ensure they receive a fair share of the profits from their work."
Detroit's creative workforce stands to benefit from the proposal, with many local artists already backing the plan. The city's influence on music is undeniable, from Motown Records to its vibrant indie scene, and proponents say that this legislation could help keep talent in Detroit.
"We honestly can do anything," said Marcus Miller, co-founder of the Creative Union. "It's the most important thing in the world that with every step forward, we make every step together because that's the only way we're going to make a difference — through our voice, our shared efforts, through knowing that the only real change comes from the people, for the people, and by the people."
Detroit's support for the Living Wage for Musicians Act is seen as a key moment in the ongoing push to reform streaming platforms. With the bill set to move forward in Washington, D.C., advocates are urging lawmakers to take action and ensure that musicians receive fair compensation for their work.
. What about all the indie labels and small-time producers who can't even afford equipment let alone a fancy studio? It's like they're trying to help the right people while screwing over everyone else 
. I'm just saying, I'd rather see them focus on making it easier for artists to get their music out there instead of messing with the money part 
. But hey, if it means more people can make a living off their art, then I'm down 
It's about time someone did something about the streaming platforms just sucking artists dry 
. As someone who loves live music and supports local artists, this proposal feels like a major win for the creative community 
. If it gets passed, it'll not only make a difference for Detroit but also for all the other cities struggling with similar issues 
. Fingers crossed! 
and i'm def rooting for marcus miller he sounds like such a passionate guy 
can't wait to see if this bill passes and musicians start getting the recognition they deserve 
Tlaib is on point with this bill - artists do drive social change and cultural expression, and they should be compensated accordingly 
I'm not sure if this is the right solution... I mean, $10k a month per track is still pretty low considering how much streaming platforms make off these tracks. What's next? Are they gonna start paying artists in pizza slices or something 
? It feels like a band-aid on a bullet wound. What about all the other factors that affect an artist's income, like record label deals, touring costs, and promotion? Can't we focus on those issues instead of just throwing more money at the problem?
, but I'm still a bit skeptical about how this will all play out 
.
. Not to mention, this plan relies on Congress doing its job 
. What if they just ignore it or water it down? That'd be a total bummer 
.
. And Detroit's support is definitely a win for the city's creative community 
. the idea of a small surcharge on streaming subscriptions and platforms contributing to a nonprofit fund sounds like a good starting point 
. detroit has such a rich music history and its great to see the city's creative workforce standing behind this cause 
. Detroit has such an incredible music scene, from Motown to indie vibes, and I think this legislation could really help keep that talent in the city 
. but seriously, having a city like detroit on board with this proposal is huge 
. let's hope this bill moves forward and we start seein' some real change 
at least they're trying to address this issue and not just ignore it like some other industries might 
It's crazy how the music industry can be so broken, leaving people struggling just to get by. I'm low-key impressed that Rep. Tlaib is pushing for change - it's time we start valuing our creators more 
. The idea of a cap per track at $10,000 per month sounds like a solid starting point - it's not about making the artists rich, but about giving them enough to sustain themselves 
they're talkin about addin a small surcharge on streamin subscriptions and platforms havin to give a share of their ad revenue to help artists out. its like, totally needed tbh - all those artists r strugglin to make ends meet from just fractions of a cent per stream 
. cant wait to see this happen and watch our local artists thrive 
. but if detroit city council is getting on board with this federal proposal, it gives me hope! 
. The fact that Detroit City Council has come together to support a proposal that benefits musicians in their own city, sets an amazing precedent for other cities and communities to follow suit. It's like when you're working on a group project at school, and everyone pitches in to help – it's only fair that we do the same thing for our artists. The idea of a small surcharge on streaming subscriptions might seem like a tiny change, but trust me, it can make all the difference in helping musicians build sustainable careers 
. It just goes to show that even the smallest actions can add up and create positive change in the world 
.
like, who doesn't want artists to be able to afford avocado toast and Netflix while they're out making sick beats? the fact that they can barely scrape by on a fraction of a cent per stream is just crazy... i mean, imagine if your favorite musician was trying to make music while living in poverty 
10k per track is actually a good start but i feel 4 them its not enuf lol the struggle is real & i think its so cool that detroit is supportin this bill like we need more voices in favor of these artists 
. the fact that detroit is leading the charge and getting behind this bill is everything to me 
. let's get this law passed and see some real progress in the music industry!