5 Ways to Support Independent Musicians and Strengthen India's Music Ecosystem

Below, I reproduce the letter I addressed to Mr. Saket Gokhale – a Member of Parliament of the Rajya Sabha – in response to his public call dated 25.11.2024, for inputs and ideas on how the Indian government and policymakers can support the independent music scene in India.

I am reproducing my letter with the hope these points act as a jumping off point for more discussion and exploration, even outside the scope of the aforementioned request for inputs. As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below, via email or you can follow @artistiklicense on instagram.

Dear Mr. Gokhale, 

Thank you for inviting inputs and responses from the music ecosystem in India. I am an entertainment lawyer and creative legal consultant based out of Hyderabad and Bangalore, India. Since 2013, I have founded and run Artistik License – a boutique legal consultancy and education platform empowering artists, musicians, creators, creative entrepreneurs, creative professionals and cultural workers to take control of their creative businesses and careers. In addition, I also engage with research and advocacy initiatives relating to the protection of artistic freedom and cultural rights. Drawing on my experiences working closely with the independent music community in India, I would like to share the following urgent needs:

1) A comprehensive legal framework protecting freelance musicians

With most independent musicians in India working in a freelance capacity, introducing a comprehensive and dedicated law aimed at securing freelancer rights alongside upholding accountability, can make a significant impact in enforcing and safeguarding the legal rights of indie musicians and those engaging with the independent music ecosystem. Models for such a legal framework already exist in countries such as the US. Such a framework would encourage the use of contracts, fairer terms of negotiation as well as provide independent musicians with recourse in the event of delayed or non-payments. Furthermore, such a framework could also prescribe a minimum wage for independent and folk musicians alike, preventing their undue exploitation. 

2) An increased emphasis of government funded capacity building initiatives for independent and folk musicians 

There’s a significant lack of accessible resources and training programs focused on professional skill development, music business and artist rights education for independent and folk musicians. Government-supported capacity-building initiatives and workshops, co-designed by musicians, music business experts, and educators, could be transformative. Offering these programs in inclusive, accessible formats—such as virtual or in-person sessions, and in multiple languages beyond English—would ensure wider reach. Additionally, incorporating mentorship opportunities for emerging independent musicians and music business professionals could help build a stronger, more resilient music ecosystem.

3) The need for accountability and safe spaces in the music ecosystem

The existing music ecosystem suffers from a lack of safe and welcoming spaces for independent musicians and music business professionals. As a woman and someone who is deeply concerned with the values of inclusivity and diversity, I am often appalled by the stories of negligence, casteism, sexism and harassment endured by musicians, producers, sound engineers and other stakeholders in the independent music ecosystem. I believe that there is an urgent need to introduce greater measures to safeguard the wellbeing of members of the indie music ecosystem, especially being mindful of the experiences endured by women and members from the LGBTQIA+ community and marginalized groups. This involves investing in initiatives that educate the indie music ecosystem on creating safe and inclusive spaces, alongside creating strict guidelines and bodies that monitor, document and hold accountable those engaged in perpetrating discrimination and violence. 

4) Regulation of Streaming revenue payouts 

The lack of regulation with respect to streaming payouts is highly problematic for indie musicians who are increasingly reliant on streaming platforms to help the distribution and discovery of their original music. There is an urgent need to re-examine the existing business models and prescribe fairer terms that are artist friendly, and not merely beneficial to streaming platforms and major record labels.

5) Advocating for stronger copyright protection and anti-plagiarism of independent music

Our music industry, particularly in the context of film music, has a long history of plagiarism and cultural misappropriation. To combat this and promote proper crediting of original creators or the communities from which songs originate, we need sustained government advocacy. This includes raising awareness about what constitutes plagiarism and copyright infringement, as well as highlighting how these practices undermine creativity and cultural heritage protection. I’ve shared more in-depth thoughts on this topic in this article.

Much of what I’ve shared above, might resonate with other colleagues and friends from the independent music ecosystem. Several points are also in line with global guidelines and frameworks such as the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Diversity of Cultural Expressions – Indian having become a signatory to the same, in 2006. 

I am deeply motivated to engage in the work that I do, being passionate about art, culture and music. I have a great fondness and deep respect for artists and those working with creativity. Despite the challenges I have mentioned here, I am excited and optimistic about envisioning a brighter and more resilient future for creative professionals and cultural workers, especially in India. Once again, I appreciate your invitation and interest for inputs from the ecosystem, and humbly offer my assistance in furthering any related efforts that you might undertake.

Warm regards,

Manojna Yeluri