A recent survey conducted by Musicians Australia, which is part of the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), has highlighted alarming levels of exploitation within the music industry. The survey, involving over 300 musicians, reveals that a staggering 44% of respondents earn less than $250 per gig, and nearly half make less than $15,000 annually from their music endeavors.
This troubling data comes at a time when the Australian music industry boasts nearly $9 billion in annual revenue. Despite this financial success, the survey indicates that the financial situation for musicians has worsened since the COVID-19 pandemic. The concerns are further exacerbated by the emergence of artificial intelligence in music, particularly following the recent success of an AI-generated country song, which has raised fears among artists regarding unauthorized licensing deals.
Key findings from the survey include that 31% of musicians earn under $6,900 each year from their musical performances, and 59% of gigs do not offer payment for superannuation. Additionally, the survey found that 25% of performances violated contract terms, indicating a pattern of disregard for musicians’ rights. Conversely, it was noted that 68% of musicians were compensated for every gig, an improvement from 53% in 2020.
Erin Madeley, the Chief Executive of MEAA, expressed dismay at the findings, stating, “These findings paint a clear picture: musicians are overworked, underpaid, and undervalued.” The MEAA is urging the music industry to implement fair wages, ensure safe working conditions, and foster sustainable career opportunities for artists in Australia.
As the music industry continues to evolve, there is hope for progress. The increased awareness brought by this survey could potentially lead to meaningful changes that recognize the valuable contributions of musicians and address the systemic issues they face.