It’s the age of streaming, with billions of plays, global reach, and… a pay cheque that barely covers the cost of a flat white. If you’re also stuck staring into the abyss of your bank account, you’re not alone. Most artists in the UK say they struggle to make ends meet, and their complaints are only getting louder.
Musicians are caught in a deeply flawed royalty system that favours the few while leaving the many to busk for scraps.
The crux of their critique is how payouts are distributed. Continue reading to learn what can be done to change it.
The Broken Royalty System: How Streaming Shortchanges Musicians
Let’s start with the numbers. The average UK musician earns just £20,700 a year—and for many, streaming income doesn’t even register. Why? The culprit is the so-called “pro rata” royalty model.
In this system, all subscription money is cast into a single pot, and payouts are divided based on which artists rack up the most streams. To put it simply, if you’re not one of the most popular artists, you’re not getting much from this pot.
Spoiler: it’s not the independent or mid-tier musicians getting rich. Instead, chart-toppers and major labels take the lion’s share, even if you never listened to them once.
To make matters worse, non-featured performers—think session musicians and orchestral players—often receive nothing at all. Zilch. Not a single stream-cent.
Case Study: Orchestral Musicians’ Fight for Fair Pay
In April 2025, more than 20 UK orchestras signed an open letter demanding urgent reform. Their plea? Recognise the artistry of those whose names may not headline a Spotify playlist but whose instruments bring the magic to life.
Threaded with anger and anxiety over the degradation of creative labour, this is a demand not just for compensation, but for dignity in a digital age that increasingly forgets who makes the music.
Legislative Levers: EU Precedent and UK Government Action
Progress is possible. The EU took a bold step in 2021 by voting in favour of fairer streaming models. Meanwhile, the UK’s 2021 streaming inquiry and the ongoing #FixStreaming campaign have put pressure on the government to act. But awareness alone isn’t enough. Artists need real, structural change.
Solutions: User-Centric Models and Collective Bargaining
One promising alternative? The user-centric payment system—where your £9.99/month goes to the artists you actually listen to. It’s transparent, fair, and levels the playing field. Combine that with stronger union advocacy, and we might just start to see a more equitable industry.
Want to be part of the movement? The Musicians’ Union is leading the charge with practical support, campaign muscle, and guidance on how to finance your work fairly in the age of streaming.
