Nile Rodgers on Streaming: Innovative Process, Harmful Business

Chic's Nile Rodgers, a prominent figure in the music industry, has spoken out about the world of music streaming, acknowledging its efficiency but criticizing the business models that come with it. As Chairman of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rodgers participated in a discussion with the Culture, Media and Sport Committee to address the challenges that songwriters and composers face, particularly in terms of financial compensation.

Navigating the World of Music Streaming

Rodgers emphasized that the actual process of streaming, which moves music digitally across platforms, is remarkable and indeed something he has supported. It allows artists to easily share their creations with a global audience, he said, calling the process 'amazing.' However, it's the business structure surrounding this technology that he believes has taken a turn for the worse, impacting the industry significantly.

The Impact of Streaming on Financial Remuneration

Having been in the music scene for over 50 years, Rodgers noted a shift in who controls the industry. Formerly led by passionate music enthusiasts, it's now more about those seeking profit than spreading the art. This change, he remarked, has not favored the idea of fair payment. In a world where production costs have plummeted, Rodgers argues that money should be more available to those who contribute to the success of the business.

Rodgers also touched on the irony of music contracts, explaining how even after recouping initial investments, artists can end up having no ownership of their work. He compared the music industry unfavourably to sports leagues, which often allocate a significant percentage of revenue to their athletes. Alongside him, music executive Merck Mercuriadis cited that organizations like the NFL and Premier League implement models that benefit the players to a much greater extent than the current music industry does for its artists.

streaming, business, change