A group of songwriters is planning a demonstration against Spotify in Los Angeles this week, citing "years of low royalty rates."
The 100 Percenters—a group of songwriters founded by Grammy-winning musician Tiffany Red—announced details for the Feb. 28 event in a statement to news agencies.
"Spotify was founded on the backs of musicians, yet we get the tiniest slice of the pie," Red explained. "Songwriters and producers are entitled to a living salary, but record companies and DSPs are making billions while we are making peanuts. It's time for us to speak up; our voices will be heard."
A "perfect storm" has hit the group, according to a press release, formed thanks to the recent confluence of royalty rates and Joe Rogan-focused controversies, as well as the exit from the platform by Neil Young and India Arie, among others. Red’s group points to the Music Modernization Act of 2018, which calls for a pay increase to songwriters. Spotify, the group notes, is “fighting against” this increase at an upcoming trial.
According to the organization, a "perfect storm" has formed as a result of the recent confluence of royalty rates and Joe Rogan-related incidents, as well as Neil Young and India Arie's departures from the platform. The Music Modernization Act of 2018, which demands for songwriters to be paid more, is cited by Red's group. Spotify is "fighting against" this hike in a pending trial, according to the group.
The rally in Los Angeles is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. local time on Feb. 28, with the exact site still to be announced. Participants can expect to be served "food and beverages.
