For lesser-known artists, I’m obligated to represent. I’m not only a member of the club, I’m the damn president. I currently have no plans to release Live From Fatherhood on any digital streaming platforms for at least a year, and there’s even a possibility that I may not release it at all. I must admit that I feel out of touch and somewhat disconnected from the current era.

I’m from the era where we recorded songs off the radio using cassette tapes, officially old school. In this digital age, the music industry has undergone a profound transformation, enabling artists to reach global audiences with just a few clicks. Digital streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music have emerged as dominant players, promising unprecedented exposure and access to millions of potential listeners. However, for lesser-known artists, the allure of these platforms may not always live up to expectations. In this session, we will record reasons why some artists choose to forgo major streaming services and take alternative paths to success.

Promoting Platforms or Artists?

I’m facing a dilemma where I worry about diverting attention away from my music while promoting popular streaming platforms with statements like “Check out Question Your Answers on Spotify!” These platforms have become household names because of such statements, enjoying recognition and user loyalty. Consequently, these platforms do not prioritize the growth and exposure of lesser-known artists. Every week I receive an email from Apple Music, and every month from Spotify, informing me that I had zero to four listeners—usually 0. Granted, I stopped promote years ago, but are you trying to tell me they couldn’t accidentally put me on a playlist or in someone’s algorithm? Who and how much do I have to pay?

The Pointlessness for Lesser-Known Artists:

For emerging artists with a limited fan base, the impact of digital streaming platforms can feel negligible. The sheer volume of content available on these platforms means that smaller artists struggle to cut through the noise and capture listeners’ attention. Consequently, the effort and resources invested in getting music on these platforms may not yield significant returns, leaving artists disheartened and discouraged. After all, we just want to be heard.

The Financial Conundrum:

Monetizing music in the streaming era remains a challenge for most artists, particularly those who are just starting their careers. Let’s exclude time spent. I invested roughly $200 in promoting my second album, ‘Question Your Answers,’ and received about the same amount of money back from the streams. Although I could have, and perhaps should have invested more money, many of the seemingly convenient avenues turned out to be streaming farms. Regardless of how good those numbers looked, I was disgusted with myself for not taking a more authentic approach. My music did.

While the potential for royalties exists, the reality is that the revenue generated from streams can be meager, especially for artists who aren’t Drake, Taylor Swift, Beyonce, or other major stars. When the financial returns fail to justify the effort expended, independent artists are forced to consider alternative strategies for sustaining their musical endeavors or quitting altogether.

Navigating a Saturated Industry:

The accessibility of digital platforms has democratized the music industry, making it easier than ever for artists to share their creations. However, the flip side of this democratization is the oversaturation of the market. With millions of songs vying for attention, it becomes increasingly challenging for lesser-known artists to stand out and make an impact. For some artists, this realization prompts a shift away from traditional distribution channels and towards more unconventional methods of building an audience, like blogging.

Final Thoughts:

While digital streaming platforms undoubtedly offer unparalleled convenience and exposure, they may not always be the best fit for lesser-known artists. The promotion of these platforms can inadvertently overshadow the artist’s work, and the financial returns may not justify the effort invested. Furthermore, navigating a saturated industry poses a significant challenge for emerging musicians. Ultimately, each artist must evaluate their goals, artistic vision, and desired level of independence to determine the most suitable approach for sharing their music with the world. Finding alternative paths to success might just offer the breakthrough needed to thrive in an ever-evolving musical landscape. I’ll be right here dropping these platinum blogs twice a week.