Giving Soul to Every Song: On World Music Day, ISAMRA Champions the Rights of Those Who Breathe Life into Music

On World Music Day, while the world dances to the rhythm of melodies and memories, the Indian Singers’ and Musicians’ Rights Association (ISAMRA) reminds us that behind every song lies a soul—a voice, a hand, a heartbeat that deserves not just applause, but acknowledgement, rights, and remuneration.

 

Celebrating this day not just with music but with meaningful milestones, ISAMRA is leading the way in redefining how India honours its music creators. From lead singers to session musicians, every artist is now slowly but surely beginning to receive their rightful dues—thanks to structural reforms, global tie-ups, and a shared dream to turn applause into action.
 

“Every day should be World Music Day—because every day, somewhere, a singer lends their soul to a song,” says Sanjay Tandon, Founder & CEO of ISAMRA. “At ISAMRA, we are working tirelessly to ensure that these voices are not only celebrated but also compensated. Recognition is no longer enough—rights and royalties must follow.”
 

With the distribution of over ₹45 crore in royalties in recent years and a robust ERP-backed system that ensures timely payments, ISAMRA has transformed the way royalties are processed. No longer lost in bureaucratic delays, artists today receive what is due to them in just months—not years
 

“Music is divine. And those who create it are messengers of that divinity,” says Padma Shri Anup Jalota, Chairman of ISAMRA. “Every day we listen to music is a day we should honour our musicians. On World Music Day, let’s pledge to make this respect a daily act—not a yearly ritual.”
 

The association’s efforts go beyond borders. With historic international collaborations—including a landmark bilateral performers’ rights agreement with Nepal and a royalty-sharing pact with PPL UK and 18 such other Societies — ISAMRA is ensuring that Indian artists are paid when their music is played abroad. Over 1100 Indian performers have already benefited from these efforts, with global royalties now flowing back to their rightful creators.
 

World Music Day also marks a significant moment for those often unheard—session musicians, background vocalists, instrumentalists—who now find themselves included in the royalty fold. “World Music Day is not just a date—it’s a reminder,” shares iconic singer and ISAMRA Board Member Sonu Nigam. “A reminder that behind every note is an artist who deserves respect, rights, and reward. Every day that music touches hearts should be a day we stand up for those who make that music.”
 

At its recent 64th board meeting, ISAMRA inducted 96 new members, reinforcing the growing strength of its movement. With performers from every corner of the country, the association now truly reflects the vast, diverse, and vibrant landscape of Indian music.
 

This World Music Day, ISAMRA isn’t just playing the music louder—it is ensuring the creators are heard clearer, their rights written in ink, and their contributions no longer background noise in the symphony of success. Because music is not just made of notes and lyrics—it’s made of people. And thanks to ISAMRA, the soul behind every song finally has a voice that echoes beyond applause.