Bjorn from ABBA sets out to fix $900 million problem
ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus has launched a campaign to fix the over $900 million problem in the music industry.
The project has been called Credits Due, and aims to ensure all musicians and songwriters are correctly identified when a song is recorded.
This proper confirmation allows royalty payments to be accurately distributed within the competitive music industry.
This incomplete and missing data has resulted in roughly $900 million left unallocated globally each year.
"It happens frequently," Ulvaeus told the BBC. "Which means that streaming services don't know who to pay."
The new scheme will also ensure that music fans can see the correct credits for everyone who worked on their favourite songs, from the writers and producers to the session musicians and engineers.
"We want to get back to that experience we had when we opened a double-sleeved LP and listened to the songs while reading the liner notes," Ulvaeus explained.
"I think that's a very valuable experience that young listeners today are missing."
The scheme will be able collate a more extensive catalogue for everyone involved in a track, as engineers and producers alike will be linked to "clickable in the digital liner notes".
"Every new person that walks into the recording studio will be registered," Ulvaeus said. "So, even in a symphony orchestra, every member will be clickable."
After launching the idea in London at the Ivor Novello Awards, which recognises the contribution of songwriters in the music industry, there was widespread support.
"I think it's really important because there's lots of people behind the scenes that don't get the credit they deserve," said singer Emeli Sande.
"You've got musicians that have practised and refined their art for their whole lives - so yeah, I'm very happy to support Bjorn."
British songwriter MNEK, who has written for pop stars around the world, agreed with the campaign, saying, "I think it highlights that more that goes into making music, than just being a pop star."
Image credits: Getty Images