The Austin Music Commission convened on June 2, 2025, to address pressing issues affecting local artists and the broader music industry. The meeting focused on the challenges musicians face regarding compensation and the regulatory environment surrounding music royalties.

The discussion began with concerns about the current market value for artists, particularly in light of the low streaming rates set by the Copyright Royalty Board (CRB). Participants highlighted that artists receive only $0.004 per stream, a rate heavily influenced by lobbying from major tech companies like Google, Apple, and Spotify. This situation was described as "highway robbery," emphasizing the urgent need for reform.

A two-pronged approach was proposed to address these issues. First, the commission discussed sending a letter to Congress advocating for the removal of BMI and ASCAP from their consent decrees. This would potentially allow these organizations to negotiate better terms for artists. The second part of the proposal involved urging the CRB to increase the royalty rates paid to artists, thereby improving their financial situation.

The conversation also touched on the existence of GMR, a company not bound by the same consent decrees as BMI and ASCAP, which has been able to negotiate higher payouts for artists. This disparity was noted as a significant factor contributing to the inequities in the music industry.

Commissioners expressed the need for a strategic approach, considering collaboration with larger organizations like the Texas Music Office to amplify their advocacy efforts. The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of drafting a letter to Congress and further discussions on how to proceed effectively.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing struggles within the music industry and the commission's commitment to advocating for fair compensation and regulatory reform for artists in Austin and beyond.