SAG-AFTRA Stike Ends: How Does This Effect The Music Industry

The music industry faced a major challenge in 2023, when the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA went on strike for months, demanding better pay, residuals, working conditions, and protections from the studios. The strike had a significant impact on the musicians who were involved in film and TV projects, as well as the music awards and TV shows that featured them.

Musicians who were also members of SAG-AFTRA, or who had acted in any film or TV projects, were not allowed to work or promote their work for the studios that were on strike. This meant that they could not perform, record, or release new music that was related to their acting roles, or that was produced by the studios. For example, Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is known for his musical Hamilton and his role in Mary Poppins Returns, could not promote his new Disney+ series Encanto, which featured his original songs.

The strike also reduced the demand and supply of music for film and TV, as many productions were halted or delayed due to the lack of actors. This meant that composers, songwriters, and performers who worked on creating music for the screen had fewer opportunities and income. For example, Ludwig Göransson, who composed the music for Black Panther and The Mandalorian, had to postpone his work on the sequel and the spin-off series, respectively.

The strike also affected the music awards and TV shows that featured actors and musicians, such as the Grammys, the Oscars, and Saturday Night Live. These events had to either cancel, reschedule, or find alternative ways to showcase the music and the talent, such as using pre-recorded segments, virtual performances, or non-union guests.

The strike ended with a tentative agreement that met some of the demands of SAG-AFTRA, such as increased minimum pay rates, increased streaming residuals, improved working conditions, and protections against the use of artificial intelligence and digital replicas of actors.

The strike was a major challenge for the music industry, as it disrupted the collaboration and the creativity of the artists and the professionals involved. However, it also showed the solidarity and the support of the musicians for their fellow actors, who were fighting for better working conditions and fair compensation. The strike also raised awareness of the issues and the opportunities that the digital era brings to the entertainment industry.