A broad coalition of music industry organizations is backing the reintroduction of the Protect Working Musicians Act (PWMA), championed by Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), legislation that would give independent artists and labels the legal right to collectively negotiate with AI companies and digital streaming platforms.
The bill, first introduced in September 2023 and updated to address the realities of the AI era, targets a fundamental power imbalance. Under current antitrust law independent musicians cannot band together to negotiate licensing terms.
What the PWMA would do
- Allow independent artists and labels to negotiate collectively with AI developers and DSPs without antitrust liability
- Create a voluntary, market-based licensing pathway for AI use of copyrighted music
- Complement existing transparency efforts including the TRAIN Act and CLEAR Act
"If you're not at the table, you're on the menu," said Nathaniel Marro, Executive Director National Independent Talent Organization. "Independent musicians and songwriters have been without a seat at the table for over 40 years. The Protect Working Musicians Act changes that and finally recognizes creators' rights to collectively negotiate without fear of antitrust allegations."
Along with NITO, supporters include the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), Recording Academy, American Federation of Musicians, National Music Publishers Association, Black Music Action Coalition, and over a dozen other organizations.
"Independent musicians are the lifeblood of a diverse and thriving music ecosystem, yet they continue to face an uneven playing field," added A2IM CEO Ian Harrison.
Bottom Line
The Protect Working Musicians Act is both a rights bill for artists and a deregulatory one.
It would enable voluntary market deals rather than mandated rates, and responds to the White House's National AI Legislative Framework, which called on Congress to explore collective licensing models.
For the first time, independent musicians would have a real seat at the table.
