Representing the rights and interests of featured artists in the music industry
“Where words fail, music speaks”
– Hans Christensen Anderson
IAO is the umbrella association for national organisations representing the rights and interests of featured artists in the music industry.
Our principal interests are transparency, the protection of intellectual property and a fair reflection of the value an artist’s work generates.
Latest news
Open joint letter on AI to the attention of Ministers of Culture of the EU ahead of the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council on 12-13 May 2025
[pdf-embedder url="https://www.iaomusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Open-letter-to-the-attention-of-Ministers-of-Culture-ahead-of-the-Education-Youth-Culture-and-Sport-Council-on-12-13-May-2025-1.pdf" title="Open letter to the attention of Ministers of Culture ahead...
European Commission’s new study on contractual practices
We are proud to ascertain that the European Commission’s new study on contractual practices affecting authors and performers makes multiple references to Streams and Dreams Part 2, IAO’s groundbreaking report on the realities artists face in the streaming economy....
IAO warns about UMG acquisition strategy threatening diversity
As a voice for performers and featured artists across Europe, we at the International Artist Organisation (IAO) are deeply concerned about UMG’s accelerating acquisition strategy — consolidating control over distribution, publishing, and artist services. This isn’t...
Facebook Posts
www.iaomusic.org
IAO is the umbrella association for national organisations representing the rights and interests of featured artists in the music industry.
We urge Spotify to address the problems listed in Lis Pelly’s book ”Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist” and join us in building a sustainable music industry!
IAO Welcomes Commissioner Micallef!
Today, IAO and 60 European music organizations welcome Commissioner Micallef urging continued support for music as Europe’s diversity, culture, and economy. Let’s make music central to Europe’s cultural future!
https://www.iaomusic.org/iao-welcomes-commissioner-micallef/
Level the Playing Field for European Artists!
European artists face unfair financial burdens when touring, while US artists enjoy generous exemptions.
IAO and EMMA, IMPALA, FIM, EMEE, Live DMA, and Liveurope call on the EU https://www.iaomusic.org/level-the-playing-field-for-european-artists/
ARTISTS ENCOURAGED TO SPREAD REPORT TO EXPOSE THEIR HARSH REALITY
In a webinar the report Streams and Dreams 2 was presented, and it's clear how important it is to raise awareness of how bad the situation still is for artists today. Link below
https://www.iaomusic.org/streams-dreams-webinar
Current campaigns
GECAT Pass
Getting ALL European artists back on the road Proposal for a cultural area permit scheme across multiple geographical groupings, July 2021 The European Union and its nearest neighbours across multiple geographical groupings share many aspects of aligned cultural and...
Music First
A campaign in the USA to demand fair market pay for all music on ALL radio platforms
Make Music Work
Music needs a fair and transparent marketplace for performers whether to protect cultural assets or encourage new growth
