Australia’s music industry faces a unique challenge compared to many other countries, as it does not provide session musicians ongoing royalties for their recorded performances. This absence of economic support has significant implications for the music ecosystem in the country.
Session musicians play a crucial role in creating the music that forms the backdrop of our daily lives, whether we’re listening at home, in the car, or out in public spaces. Despite their essential contributions to recordings, these musicians do not receive ongoing royalties for their work in Australia.
Unlike several developed economies that recognize the rights of performers to continuous royalties, Australia stands out for its lack of support in this area. This limitation not only impacts the livelihoods of musicians domestically but also affects their ability to engage in international trade and collaborations.
Over the years, various global agreements and treaties have aimed to protect the economic rights of performers, including the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty established in 1996. However, Australia’s exclusion of crucial provisions from such agreements has left its musicians at a disadvantage compared to their international counterparts.
In countries like the UK, the US, and many parts of Europe, performers receive a share of license revenue for their work, ensuring a fair recognition of their contributions. This practice contrasts sharply with Australia’s approach, where session musicians are not entitled to performance royalties when their recordings are broadcast abroad.
As a result, Australian artists with international appeal often choose to record outside the country to access royalties available in territories that recognize performers’ rights. This trend has led to a brain drain of talent and a missed opportunity for the Australian music industry to thrive on the global stage.
To address these challenges, Australia must reconsider its stance on equitable remuneration for musicians and align itself with international standards. By adopting measures that support performers’ rights, the country can enhance its music economy, create new revenue streams, and provide a sustainable environment for emerging talents.
The current free trade agreement between Australia and the UK offers a platform for discussions around fair remuneration for performers and producers. Engaging in these dialogues and advocating for equitable treatment of musicians is essential to fostering a supportive environment for the music industry.
By valuing and compensating musicians adequately, Australia can not only boost its music sector but also contribute to a more vibrant and inclusive global music community. Recognizing the contributions of session musicians and ensuring their fair remuneration is a crucial step towards building a more sustainable and equitable music industry.
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