Story perspectives

Jay Jay Slams Record Industry as 'Criminal Organization'

3/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jay Jay labeled the record industry a "criminal organization" that exploits artists.
He notes artists receive no pay for radio play, citing Aretha Franklin earning nothing from seven million radio plays.
SoundExchange has improved payments for artists, but the traditional model still favors publishers and labels.
Contracts leave artists with minimal earnings, and artists now earn from touring rather than record sales, which has led to higher ticket prices.

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Story summary

Jay Jay labeled the record industry a "criminal organization" that exploits artists.
He notes artists receive no pay for radio play, citing Aretha Franklin earning nothing from seven million radio plays.
SoundExchange has improved payments for artists, but the traditional model still favors publishers and labels.
Contracts leave artists with minimal earnings, and artists now earn from touring rather than record sales, which has led to higher ticket prices.