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This week saw the launch of a long-awaited inquiry by the DCMS Select Committee into the economics of streaming, with artists Tom Gray (Gomez), Nadine Shah, Guy Garvey (Elbow) and Ed O’Brien (Radiohead) joining Tom Frederikse from Clintons and Colin Young from CC Young & Co in giving evidence before MPs. 

MMF and the FAC have entered a joint submission to the inquiry, and future evidence sessions are expected to call on artists, songwriters, managers labels, publishers and DSPs to provide further input. Once those sessions are concluded, the Committee is expected to issue a report and recommendations to which the Government must respond within 60 days.

In anticipation of the inquiry, MMF Chair Paul Craig has penned a well-received opinion piece detailing some personal thoughts on his year to date as manager of Biffy Clyro, as well as drawing on our joint submission and potential remedies to address long-standing inequalities in the recorded market.

As Paul says, the time for the impossible is now! We encourage you to read the full piece here and to share widely through your networks. A full recording of the Committee session has been uploaded here, and Music Ally have produced a reliably thorough write-up here.

In response to the discussions, our CEO, Annabella Coldrick, commented:

“The MMF is delighted that this hugely important inquiry has started, and that MPs have heard directly from artists and songwriters. Hopefully more will get an opportunity to do so in the coming weeks, as well as managers, labels, publishers, PROs and digital services. This needs to be a diverse and open conversation, and one that delivers tangible change beyond the Committee’s recommendations. 

At today’s session, it was particularly welcome to hear discussions hone in on contractual reforms and improved transparency around licensing practices. Both areas need to be addressed, and it is of paramount importance that many of our industry’s long-standing inefficiencies and outdated practices are overhauled. Only then will a greater number of artists and music makers benefit from the new and fast-evolving dynamics of streaming”.