Arts Secretary Tony Burke hints at possible changes for streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music

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The importance of music streaming to artists’ profile and income is enormous. invigorate claims that 67 per cent of music in Australia in 2021 was consumed via online streaming services. Steps to increase Australian artists’ share of this listening could have significant results.

But any attempt to regulate what music is prioritized in suggested listening for users would have to go beyond Spotify, Apple Music and the like. It would also have to factor in Google-owned YouTube and China-backed TikTok – where 60 per cent of 16-19 year olds in Australia found new music in 2021 (again, loudly invigorateciting research from the Australian Communications and Media Authority).

Whatever the challenges of going head-to-head with some of the world’s biggest tech companies, Burke isn’t alone in believing some sort of action is needed.

Annabelle Herd, chief executive of the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), said it was important to “pay close attention to what streaming platforms and the algorithms are doing to encourage discovery and listening” to new music and Australian artists.

“This is an urgent issue that requires an urgent focus and response from government, industry and streaming companies,” she said.

APRA/AMCOS, which represents music songwriters and publishers, has in the past advocated a 25% Australian content quota on streaming services.

Burke might also find an unlikely ally in Sir Lucien Grainge, the London-based head of Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company.

Grainge wrote to his staff last month that the economic model for streaming needs to evolve. He vowed that Universal – a Spotify shareholder – will work to foster “a healthier, more competitive music ecosystem, one where great music, no matter where it comes from, is easily and clearly accessible for fans to discover and enjoy.” enjoy…and one where the creators are…rewarded fairly.”

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