A Fair Stream: Recommendations for the Future of Fair Trade Music

Ricardo Hernandez · 19 Vand. J. Ent. & Tech. 3

Abstract

Allied Business Intelligence research suggests that, by 2019, the music streaming industry will reach $46 billion in premium subscription revenues. As the music streaming industry grows, the creators of the musical content appear to be getting left behind. While there are a number of suggestions for why creators of musical content are not receiving their share of the pie, one thing is certain: a new business model is needed. This Note suggests that one possible way to ensure fairness in the music streaming supply chain is through applying the fair trade concept to the music streaming model. As such, this Note explores the tools, standards, and standard-setting bodies of the conventional fair trade movement and attempts to harmonize them with the needs of the music streaming industry.