A new initiative, backed by the Association For Electronic Music (AFEM) and supported by prominent figures in the electronic music industry, has been launched with the aim of establishing a new standard for crediting musical works in social media content. The campaign, named #RespectTheCreators, seeks to address the widespread issue of failing to properly credit the artists behind the music featured in DJ performances and other social media videos.
Social media, particularly live event footage, plays a crucial role in the promotion and discovery of new musical talent. However, according to recent research, there is a significant lack of proper attribution. Dutch DJ and Producer Frank Nitzinsky, who delivered a keynote speech at IMS Ibiza, highlighted that only 3% of the music played by DJs during their sets is their own production. Furthermore, up to 90% of DJ performance content shared on Instagram lacks proper credit for the music being played.
The #RespectTheCreators campaign, supported by artists, labels, and brands including DJ/Producer Mason, fabric, and Glasgow Underground, aims to address this issue by promoting best practices for crediting music on social media. The campaign is calling for a collective industry-wide commitment to ensure that the work of artists is appropriately recognised.
The campaign organisers argue that a lack of crediting can diminish the impact of music created by others, benefitting only the DJ or account sharing the content. They stress that respect for fellow creators is an essential part of electronic music culture and should extend to online platforms as well.
The campaign offers practical advice for supporting creators: DJs should tag artists and list full track names in their posts; online platforms are encouraged to include track lists directly below videos or audio; and promoters should credit music in their promotional materials.
As electronic music continues to thrive on social media, the campaign seeks to foster a healthier ecosystem that acknowledges and supports the artists behind the music. The message is clear: respecting creators is not just a courtesy but a responsibility integral to the culture of electronic music.