LOS ANGELES (Top40 Charts) - A wealth of high-profile musicians converged on California's
State Capitol in Sacramento on Wednesday (Jan. 23) to show support for Senate Bill 1266, legislation to repeal a California labor code that excludes recording artists from 1987's "Seven-Year Statute."
Recording Artists Coalition (RAC) President
Don Henley, joined by
Dexter Holland of the �
Offspring,
Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello,
Beck,
Carole King,
Stevie Nicks,
Sheryl Crow, the
Deftones, and
Matchbox Twenty's Paul Doucette, among others, spoke out for the repeal of California Labor Code 2855, Subdivision B -- the 1987 amendment that states all California personal contract workers, except recording artists, have the right to terminate their contracts after seven years.
"This practice of singling out recording artists is discriminatory and it restricts the basic American philosophy of free market competition," said Henley. "A recording artist, like any other working person, should be given the ability to seek higher compensation and test his or her value in the open marketplace."
"You can't deny one profession the same basic labor rights as every other individual in the state," added Democrat Senator Kevin Murray, who is leading the charge of Senate Bill 1266.
This isn't the first time the RAC has spoken out against what the artists perceive as unfair contracts. Henley, Courtney Love, LeAnn Rimes, and Patti Austin were among those who participated in a similar hearing last September,� which prompted Murray, a former music agent, to seek this legislation on behalf of the artists.
The RAC believes record companies induce musicians into signing long-term contracts knowing full well that fulfilling them is unlikely due to the many side commitments that come with recording and promoting an album. The artists also contend that the "Seven-Year Statute" affects their ability to participate in outside opportunities (film roles, soundtrack work, etc.) due to time constraints.
"Recording artists sign these contracts in good faith fully intending to honor them," explained the Offspring's Holland. "But the record companies know from experience that it is highly unlikely artists will be able to fulfill their requirements due to the demands they place on the artists, including touring, video shoots, and other marketing chores. The labor code which exempts artists from the seven-year rule must be repealed to level the playing field and make it fair for everyone."
The RAC has organized four benefit concerts on Feb. 26 to help raise money for its cause. The Eagles, Elton John, Billy Joel, and No Doubt are a few of the artists set for The Concert for Artists Rights,�which coincides with GRAMMY week.
