Beyond Spotify: Practical Ways to Support Your Favourite Artists Financially
In an era dominated by digital streaming, many music lovers are questioning how to better support the artists they admire. While platforms like Spotify offer convenience, they often provide minimal compensation to musicians, prompting a search for more equitable alternatives.
Victoria Bigelow, a singer-songwriter based in Phoenix, Arizona, recently performed at Last Exit Live and shared insights on how fans can make a tangible difference. Her advice highlights small but impactful changes to listening habits that can help artists thrive without sacrificing access to music.
Explore Smaller Streaming Platforms
Bigelow recommends considering platforms like Bandcamp, which pays 80% to 85% of sales directly to artists or labels, and Tidal, which offers approximately $0.013 per stream—significantly higher than Spotify's $0.003 to $0.005. "If you're an audiophile, Tidal is the best place to start, and it's amazing for supporting artists," she noted. Tidal also features a "transfer music" tool, allowing users to seamlessly import playlists from Spotify or Apple Music, easing the transition.
Consider Artist-Friendly Giants
While not as high as Tidal, Apple Music's royalty rate doubles that of Spotify, making it a viable option for those seeking better compensation for artists. Bigelow observed, "When a song does really well on Apple compared to when a song of mine isn't really well on Spotify, the difference definitely shows up in my bank account." This underscores the financial impact of platform choice on musicians' livelihoods.
Merchandise Matters
Merchandise sales are crucial for artists, especially given the high costs of touring. Bigelow explained that touring expenses often leave little profit, making merch a key revenue stream where artists have more control. "Everyone gets a cut before you do. And financially, [touring] can put people in a really rough spot. So I think merch is one way that artists actually get to have control, unless they're fully independent," she said.
Listen Locally
Supporting local music scenes is another effective way to back artists. Bigelow encourages fans to attend live shows, follow venues on social media, and sign up for newsletters to stay informed. She also suggests tuning into college radio stations via sites like Campus.fm to discover emerging local talent and upcoming performances, fostering community-driven engagement.
These strategies, combined with a broader shift towards conscious consumption, can help ensure that artists receive fairer compensation in the digital age. By making informed choices, music enthusiasts can play a vital role in sustaining the creative industries they cherish.
