The tides are finally turning for music creators. In 2025, a trio of new legislative and regulatory wins is reshaping the way artists—especially songwriters, session musicians, and independent creators get paid. And this time, it’s the government that’s driving the change.
Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for the future of music money.
The Government is (Finally) Showing Up for Creators.
🎙️ 1. The American Music Fairness Act (AMFA)
For decades, artists and session players got zero royalties when their songs played on AM/FM radio. That’s right, no performance royalties from terrestrial radio. In contrast, streaming platforms pay out regularly.
But that’s changing.
In 2025, Congress introduced the American Music Fairness Act (H.R. 861), which would require U.S. radio stations to pay royalties to all music creators, including vocalists, background singers, and musicians who played on a track. If passed into law, it closes a long-standing loophole in U.S. copyright law and brings the U.S. closer to global royalty standards.
“This bill finally gives session players and background vocalists the recognition and income they deserve,” said Rep. Darrell Issa, one of the bill’s sponsors.
Even better? Small, community-based stations aren’t being left behind. They’ll only pay $10–$500 per year, depending on revenue, keeping the doors open while still being fair.
2. Mechanical Royalties Are Going Up (CRB’s Phonorecords IV)
Streaming payouts have long been a sore spot for songwriters. But under the Copyright Royalty Board’s (CRB) latest ruling, mechanical royalty rates are finally rising.
From now through 2027, streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music will gradually increase their payments to songwriters:
By Year
Mechanical Royalty Rate (U.S.)
2023. 15.1%
2024. 15.2%
2025. 15.25%
2026. 15.3%
2027. 15.35%
This may seem like a small percentage, but when you’re talking about tens of millions of streams, those decimals add up.
3. The HITS Act is Now Law (Yes, Tax Benefits!)
In a win for the DIY generation, the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act was passed into law in mid-2025. It lets independent musicians, producers, and songwriters deduct up to $150,000 in recording expenses in the same year they’re incurred.
No more waiting years to recoup studio investments. No more messy amortization schedules. Just upfront deductions that put money back in the pockets of the people who actually make the music.
What Does This Mean for Independent Artists?
✔️ More Money, Less Middlemen
The combination of higher mechanical rates, new performance royalty streams, and smart tax law means indie artists are in a better financial position than ever before. Especially those writing, recording, and producing their own material.
✔️ You Don’t Need a Major to Get Paid
These laws aren’t just helping the industry elite. They’re built to support independent, working-class musicians and those who grind in home studios, play small venues, and upload tracks without a label.
✔️ Session Musicians Are Finally Seen
If you’ve ever laid down a guitar line, played keys on someone’s track, or sang a backup harmony, you’re no longer invisible. The AMFA ensures your radio plays are no longer charity.
What’s Next?
If these changes hold and especially if the American Music Fairness Act becomes law, 2025 could go down as the year the music industry actually evolved in favor of creators.
We’re watching a system that once favored platforms and broadcasters begin to rebalance. Slowly, but meaningfully.
And the best part? This isn’t just for the big names. It’s for the bedroom producers, the session drummers, the lyricists grinding in cafés, and the engineers moonlighting after gigs.
Law/Decision
AMFA
What It Does?
Requires AM/FM radio to pay artists & musicians for performance royalties
Who It Helps?
Recording artists, vocalists, musicians
Law/Decision
CRB Mechanical Rates
What It Does?
Raises songwriter royalty rates to 15.35% by 2027
Who It Helps?
Songwriters, composers, publishers
Law/Decision
HITS Act
What It Does?
Lets artists deduct up to $150K in studio costs
Who It Helps?
Independent artists, producers
For the first time in a long time, the U.S. is treating music creators not just as artists, but as essential laborers of culture. And if you’re an indie artist reading this? You’re not on the outside looking in anymore.
Your voice, your lyrics, your stems, they matter. And now, they’re worth more than ever.
Sources cited:
U.S. Congress: American Music Fairness Act H.R.861 (2025)
Music Business Worldwide CRB Update
VLA Legal Resources on the HITS Act
Beyond The Mainstreams 
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