Sixx:A.M have hit back at YouTube‘s statement declaring co-operation with the artist community, accusing the platform of inaction in the past and demanding a response from Google boss Larry Page.
Earlier this week, it seemed YouTube was about to cut a better royalties deal for artists after being publicly challenged over its payments by a number of high-profile names.
In a very interesting statement handed to MBW, the company, which is believed to be in active negotiations with label representatives, said:
“The voices of the artists are being heard, and we’re working through details with the labels and independent music organisations who directly manage the deals with us.”
The likes of Katy Perry, Nelly Furtado, Debbie Harry and Elvis Costello speaking out about remuneration from the streaming platform culminated in an open letter written by Sixx:A.M (including founder member Nikki Sixx) to Google boss Larry Page on Monday.
“We are now appealing to you Mr. Page, as a saxophone player who ironically credits his love of music as the inspiration behind the success of the world’s most valuable company, to step up,” it read.
“As the man who coined the slogans, ‘Don’t Be Evil’ and ‘Do The Right Thing,’ we want you take your own advice before irreparable damage is done to the future of artists around the world.”
Now, James Michael, DJ Ashba and Nikki Sixx of Sixx:A.M have responded to YouTube’s latest statement.
“We are glad to hear that YouTube is listening, but actions speak louder than words. Previous meetings have been postponed and emails left unanswered, after YouTube asked us and other artists to postpone our protests in return for a meeting and action on the issues.” James Michael, DJ Ashba and Nikki Sixx
“We are glad to hear that YouTube is listening, but actions speak louder than words. Previous meetings have been postponed and emails left unanswered after YouTube asked us, and other artists, to postpone our protests in return for a meeting and action on the issues,” said the band.
“The protests were restarted after a lack of activity by YouTube’s Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl, and we sincerely hope that this is not further spinning on their side.
“Larry Page is Google’s CEO, and our letter was to him. He’s accountable to shareholders and the board of Alphabet. Where is his response?”
Sixx:A.M’s campaign is called ‘Don’t Be Evil, Do The Right Thing’. You can read their full list of complaints through here.
Music Business Worldwide
