Introduction: The harm of the subscription model of streaming platforms
On the surface, streaming platforms appear to be a convenient and accessible solution for consumers, but their subscription model hides far more harmful aspects than one might think. Systematic underplaying, disproportionate revenue distribution between artists and platforms, and a lack of transparency in billing are just the tip of the iceberg of problems facing music creators.
Streaming as a source of pathology in the music market
The music market has been absorbed by the technology market, resulting in the algorithmisation of music. This has led to the homogenisation of music, to the detriment of both artists and listeners, and to the destruction of music listening culture. Artists are forced to adapt to algorithms, resulting in the creation of songs that are shorter, more accessible and easier to 'consume', and therefore less diverse and original.
WEB3 opportunity
Let me give you a great example of how pathologically this has affected the creative community: yesterday during the X spaces "Sound.xyz OpenMic, an artist apologised to the audience that his song was over 4 minutes long, that it was so long. The presenter assured him that it was fine. This shows that this algorithmic system is already ingrained in the thinking of today's artists. And yet it is clear that it is impossible to make an emotional connection with a 1 or 2 minute piece. Music has to last, it has to be listened to!
Web3 offers an alternative to this model, allowing artists to interact directly with fans, offering a variety of monetisation options and community building. Web3's reward systems can offer artists a much fairer distribution of revenue and greater control over their work.
Fan discomfort
Fans need to understand that their convenience, i.e. unlimited access to music for little money, cannot take precedence over the well-being of artists. The subscription model, while convenient for the consumer, has proven detrimental to the world of musical art. Music has become 'free filler' and artists have become 'free employees' of large corporations. What appeared to be a democratisation of access to music actually led to its devaluation.
Summary
Artists are not escaping Spotify and other streaming platforms against their fans, but for their own good. Cases like the limited availability of DEAD STAR TALK's new album 'Solid State Chemicals' will continue to happen as musicians begin to understand that their work is being exploited in the web2 model in a way that serves neither them nor the music labels. The 'Solid State Chemicals' album will be available for one month from its release date of 31 May 2024, after which only four singles will remain on streaming services.
There are those who still believe that, by some miracle, they will fall into the vortex of TikTok or a super playlist on Spotify. But there are also those who have had enough and are hopefully looking at WEB3 and the possibilities it offers, anticipating that it could define the future shape of the music market. Fans can already be part of this change by exploring new platforms (Lens.xyz, Sound.xyz etc) and supporting artists in a more direct and meaningful way.
