Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Andrew Paulson, Singer-songwriter from ASCAP, on Fair Pay for Musicians
1:23:41
·
97 sec
Andrew Paulson, a singer-songwriter from Hell's Kitchen and ASCAP member, testifies about the challenges musicians face in earning a living from streaming platforms like Spotify. He emphasizes the value of music to New Yorkers' daily lives and calls for fair compensation for artists.
- Represents himself and other musicians who couldn't attend due to work commitments
- Highlights that many musicians need day jobs to survive in the city
- Argues that the art and lives of musicians have value that Spotify should recognize
Andrew Paulson
1:23:41
Hi there.
1:23:42
My name is Andrew Paulson.
1:23:44
I live in Hell's Kitchen.
1:23:45
I'm a singer songwriter.
1:23:47
I'm a member of the performing rights organization ASCAP.
1:23:51
And like most musicians, I have music on Spotify.
1:23:55
And while I'm using my own words and representing myself, I'm also here on behalf of all of my musician friends that are unable to be here at City Hall today.
1:24:03
I could read off a list of at least 25 incredibly talented performers and songwriters that are friends of mine with music also available on online streamers.
1:24:13
And, these are also the same people that you would find performing at cafes and bars or busking in parks all around the city each night, each day providing entertainment relief to thousands of New Yorkers and they would all love to be here to speak to you today at City Hall but they're not.
1:24:31
Why?
1:24:32
Why aren't they here?
1:24:33
Well, it's because they're working.
1:24:35
They are teachers, waiters, office workers, graphic designers, nannies and baristas by day because they cannot survive in this city off their music alone.
1:24:45
Every day I see New Yorkers on the sidewalks, the subway, the bus with their headphones on or their bluetooth speakers blaring their favorite music because it makes them happy, it gives them confidence and it expresses how they are feeling.
1:24:59
The stories and emotions shared with and through music help listeners make sense of their lives and make connections for all of us to understand the world that we live in.
1:25:12
Our art has value.
1:25:13
Our lives have value.
1:25:15
It's time that Spotify recognizes that.
1:25:18
Thank you.