Streaming services have become a normal part of our everyday lives. Especially in these past few months, music has been there to keep our minds off our worries. Music is our escape. Music is medicine.

 

However, streaming services are like those big box stores. Musicians are like the local businesses. Many musicians rely on touring to make a living and this year that changed.

 

Did you know musicians make less than a penny per stream?* I realize there’s so much more to it than that but that’s the bottom line. It takes approximately 250 streams to make one dollar! Now imagine the time spent to create just one song. Not to mention the cost of hiring musicians, engineers, promotion, etc… This is why musicians NEED to tour and sell merchandise.

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So, what do we do about it? Well, we can support them directly. Many musicians sell their music (CD’s/downloads) and merchandise on their website. How about gifting an album you love to your auntie? How about sending some merch to your brother? How about putting the money into the pockets of the musician, not the middle man.

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I’m not saying to stop using your streaming service. They’re definitely not going away. But do consider supporting your favourite artist, as their music has supported you in this past year.

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* Check out this ARTICLE that discusses this and so much more.

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