Universal Music has become the third of the major labels to claim that it shares digital ‘breakage’ money with artists, following a campaign by Music Business Worldwide. That means all three majors are claiming that they DO share unattributed income from advances and minimum revenue guarantees with artists on their rosters, contrary to the mutterings of some managers about the issue. “Our approach to artist compensation is designed to provide income across multiple sources. While the most significant source is comprised of royalty payments, we also choose to share with artists minimum guarantees as well as unrecouped digital advances, where they exist,” a UMG spokesperson told the industry site. “For example, by the end of 2015, artists will be allocated a share of unrecouped advances from the current calendar year.” And no, none of the labels are explaining how they calculate what to share and who to share it with – but it’s a welcome step, and also a sign that the growing calls for more transparency within the music industry are having their desired effect.
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