How musicians are paid — or in most cases not paid — for what they create has become a real point of contention with the rise of digital and streaming services. And while many consider the payouts from popular services like Spotify and Apple Music to artists be borderline criminal, they at least pay something.
That’s apparently not the case when it comes to AM and FM radio stations, and KISS bassist Gene Simmons wants to change that. According to The Hill, Simmons is set to testify before a Senate panel next week on legislation that would require radio corporations to pay artists for playing their music. The American Music Fairness Act seeks to make sure artists are compensated for airplay.
“Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue,” Simmons said in a statement. “The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy. Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work. “I look forward to meeting with both Republican and Democratic Senators to discuss why this legislation is crucial for thousands of present and future American recording artists.”
Simmons will testify alongside SoundExchange CEO Michael Huppe. SoundExchange is a nonprofit that collects and distributes digital streaming royalties to artists. “I’m pleased for the opportunity to testify before the Senate next week,” Huppe said. “Recording artists are an essential part of our culture. It’s outrageous that, in 2025, they still are not paid fairly for the work they do. I hope that the Senate will remedy this inequity and act swiftly to pass this important legislation.”
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