Richard Burgess, outgoing President and CEO of A2IM, reflects on his decade-long tenure and shares insights about music industry monetization challenges and opportunities. During his leadership, A2IM achieved significant growth and improved diversity within its board and membership.

Key achievements under Burgess's leadership include:

• Enhanced collaboration with industry organizations
• Introduction of the Protect Working Musicians Act (PWMA)
• Improved negotiating power for independent labels

On music industry revenue, Burgess highlights several critical points:

• Current revenue is 35-40% lower than 1999 levels (adjusted for inflation)
• Streaming platforms are undervaluing music content
• Music subscriptions should be priced closer to video streaming services
• Physical formats remain crucial for independents (42% of revenue vs. under 10% for major labels)

Regarding emerging markets, Burgess notes:

• Significant growth potential in developing economies
• Different consumption patterns (e.g., India: 80% ad-supported, 20% paid subscriptions)
• Increasing visibility of international artists through streaming platforms
• Rising domestic revenues in emerging markets

The future focus should be on monetization strategies that ensure sustainable income for musicians while maintaining artistic integrity. "We need to make sure that we don't kill the art of making music," Burgess emphasizes.

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