It’s been thrilling to see reaction to the Living Wage for Musicians Act since its introduction a few weeks ago – nearly 15,000 musicians, labels, and music workers have already signed on in support; and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Delia Ramirez, and Rep. Bennie G. Thompson have now joined as co-sponsors alongside leads Rep. Rashida Tlaib and Rep. Jamaal Bowman. SAG-AFTRA issued a statement of solidarity, a vote of confidence from a labor organization that recently won a huge victory for its members on related issues of streaming royalties. And many musicians have been voicing their positive feelings about the bill, online and at a series of live shows organized by UMAW to publicize the launch.
One of the most moving responses I’ve heard was said to me by a young folk musician. When she saw news of the legislation on social media, she said, “I allowed myself to feel a possibility.”
Of course, not everyone has been supportive. Pushback so far has been less substantive and more si…
