Tell the FTC: Stop Unfair Non-Competes for Musicians And Other Professions

Federal Trade Commission

In the new music economy, live gigs are crucial to musicians’ ability to earn a living.

From up and coming acts to established megastars, touring has never been more important.  For weeknight and weekend bands, the door take at local gigs can make all the difference between keeping the dream of a music career alive and hanging it up.

But too often abusive festival and venue contracts unfairly limit where and when musicians can play – cutting off vital streams of income and blocking fans from seeing their favorite acts perform live.

The problem is restrictions on distance and time between shows at different festivals and venues. They are the music industry’s version of widely criticized “non-compete” clauses that treat workers like commodities, not valuable partners and human beings.  These agreements often impose vast and unwarranted "exclusive" zones that make it impossible for a working band to book a cost-effective regional tour.

Non-compete clauses impact workers in a myriad of industries – from physicians to yoga instructors to computer programmers.  Even entry-level workers at places like auto shops and fast food restaurants can be locked in by non-competes that take power and agency away from workers and hinder competition for their services.

That’s why the Artist Rights Alliance has joined with labor unions, consumer advocates, and antimonopoly groups to petition the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to make rules outlawing abusive non-competes.

The FTC cares about public comments, but it isn't accustomed to real grassroots energy or the passion of our community. A large showing of musicians and fans speaking out against abusive non-competes that unfairly shrink the economic geography of music could make a difference.

Please sign our petition to the FTC below.

To: Federal Trade Commission
From: [Your Name]

I join the labor unions, consumer groups, and artist advocates asking the FTC to ban abusive non-compete contracts.

Musicians and fans are hurt by coercive agreements that impose unreasonable geographic and time restrictions on when and where artists can play.

These agreements unfairly limit artists’ ability to earn a living and fans’ opportunities to see their favorite acts play live.