IMPORTANT info for INDIE artists/labels

In case you missed it, the AAIM (American Association of Independent Music) just released the following information and, yes, you should read it.

Independent Labels Publicly Call For Fair Treatment From YouTube

Last week, A2IM joined with our global independent music label trade organization colleagues represented by WIN (Worldwide Independent Network) issuing a press release expressing our collective disappointment regarding YouTube’s treatment of independent labels and artists relating to the announced YouTube subscription service.

See full press release HERE.

The intent of the global independent press release was to stand in support of the digital services that are treating independent creators respectfully in their licensing practices and also to support the many independent labels who have not signed YouTube’s subscription service license and are subsequently being sent termination notices from YouTube. These termination notices advise the independent labels that they must either sign the YouTube subscription service license or YouTube will take down the labels’ officially delivered content and cease monetizing all user uploaded content which would be attributable to those labels.

Numerous press outlets have published stories related to the press release including the New York Times (see NY Times article from Monday, 5/26 HERE).

Digital licensing is a priority issue for all creators – artists, labels and publishers – as we work towards a “new” music economy and as streaming revenues grow to become a more important income stream. A2IM’s lead talking point with every digital service is to urge them to embrace engagement and fair treatment with independents. Simultaneously, we remain committed to educating independent labels about the digital licensing landscape (see earlier item about key licensing terms HERE) and helping insure that our members are the most well-connected and educated independents so that they can maximize revenues and promotional opportunities with the services that wisely choose to make independent repertoire a priority on their service. This has an effect not just on A2IM’s label members but also upon their artists and the consumer fans of our artists who will lose this form of access to our music. We hope that discussions can continue with YouTube and that we can ultimately restore and grow our community’s relationship with this very important service.