Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Indian Session Musicians Struggle for Recognition and Royalties
Imagine musicians who play instruments or sing background vocals on your favorite songs.
They help make the song sound great, but they often don't get their names on the song or get paid royalties, which is like getting money every time the song is played.
This happens a lot in India's music industry.
Even though the industry is making a lot of money from streaming songs online, these musicians are missing out.
They often don't have proper contracts, so they can't claim the money they deserve.
Some people are trying to change this by making sure these musicians get credit and are paid fairly, but it's still a work in progress.
Session musicians in India's music industry are often uncredited and receive no royalties despite contributing to hit songs.
The shift to digital music has boosted the industry but hasn't resolved the issue of uncompensated session musicians.
Lack of formal contracts and documentation leaves session musicians vulnerable to exploitation and prevents them from receiving royalties.
Existing copyright laws in India haven't adequately protected the rights of non-featured performers.
Industry insiders agree that enforceable contracts and increased awareness are necessary for reform.
- Who
- Session musicians, backing vocalists, and instrumentalists, as well as composers, lyricists, and industry insiders.
- What
- Session musicians in India are often uncredited and underpaid for their work on hit songs.
- When
- The issue persists in the digital age despite the growth of India's music industry.
- Where
- India's music industry.
- Why
- Due to a lack of formal contracts, inadequate copyright protection, and a system that often overlooks non-featured performers.
Session Musicians
Music Industry
Credit and Compensation
Session Musicians
Session musicians are often uncredited and do not receive royalties.
Music Industry
Music producers, record labels, and copyright holders benefit from the lack of formal recognition and royalty structures.
- IPRS Royalties (2024-2025)
- Rs 600 crore (Rs 60 billion)
- Primary Source of Royalties
- Streaming
- Lyricist's Comment
- Session musicians deserve way more than what they are getting.
- Legal Framework
- Copyright (Amendment) Act, 2012
- Issue
- Lack of enforceable contracts and awareness.