Over 4000 independent artists back “Justice at Spotify” campaign

The Union of Musicians and Allied Workers is demanding radical change at Spotify, including an increase in royalty rates and equity between the way the company deals with major and independent labels. The union, a collection of musicians and producers alongside other industry figures, has gathered over 4000 signatures for its "Justify At Spotify" campaign.

Among those who have backed the changes outlined by the union are: Moor Mother, Empress Of’s Lorely Rodriguez, Sheer Mag, Sadie Dupuis, Downtown Boys, Jay Som, Frankie Cosmos, Ezra Furman, Amber Coffman, DIIV, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and more.

The list of demands outlined in the campain include: a guarantee of at least one cent per stream, the introduction of a user-centric payment model, the end of "payola" (paid-for placement on editorial playlists), more prominent credit for behind-the-scenes involvement in recordings, and the publication of closed-door contracts. An in-depth breakdown can be viewed here.

In a statement, the UMAW says "Music workers create all of the enormous wealth Spotify accumulates for its CEO, its investors, and the major labels. But we artists continue to be underpaid, misled, and otherwise exploited by the company." The demands will be delivered to Spotify’s offices in person “via a socially distanced delivery” in the coming days.

Thumbnail via DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images.