Is Spotify Hurting New Talent The Most?

Published on: 12 October 2018 Last Updated on: 23 March 2019
Spotify

I can still remember sitting at my ancient desktop computer in the early 2000s risking not only my computer’s health but also getting into a huge fight with my parents once they realized I had given my computer yet another virus to download my favorite band’s album off of LimeWire. Now I, like everyone who used LimeWire or any other site to download free music, knew I should have been paying for the music, but I was a kid and who cared- it was free! After all, Nelly was rich enough, I shouldn’t have to use my own money to listen to Hot In Herre on my Walkman CD player on my way to the bus stop. I, along with what seemed like everyone else in the world, was contributing to the decline in profits for those in the music industry.

Now that LimeWire and sites alike are practically extinct, you would think that the music industry would be on the rise again, but you would be wrong. Today, you can get “free” music without crashing your computer or risking any trouble from illegally downloading music. Apps and websites, like Spotify, are completely legal and can be completely free for users. Spotify makes streaming easy, convenient, and affordable, whether you pay $10 a month for a membership or listen to an ad every other song.

However, Spotify still makes money off of you whether you pay a membership fee or not due to those advertisements. You would think that money would go straight to the artists and Spotify would keep only a small percentage (after all it’s their music you’re listening to) but that’s just not the case. Even with millions of people streaming music on Spotify each month, the artists are not being compensated nearly as much as they should be for their music. That being said, unless you’re a superstar, you’re making next to nothing compared to what you should be making from Spotify. So basically unless you’re a Drake or Nicki of the world, that check may never come, and if it does you’d be lucky if it was enough to afford you your morning coffee.

So, what about new or local artists? Forget about it! Big musicians, while still being affected by Spotify negatively, are not hurting as bad as new talent. There isn’t even an option to search for new talent or artists in your area on Spotify. If you’re looking to discover some local gems you’re better off googling live music near me and hitting up a local bar or music venue. At least that way you know they’re making money from it whether the venue is paying them or you’re putting money directly in their tip jar. These new and local artists aren’t even getting a fair chance at streaming on apps like Spotify to make the small fraction of a penny per stream they are paying.

These free music apps like Spotify may be convenient and cost effective for us to use, but if we don’t support local and growing artists with our dollars they may not be able to continue creating music. With many excellent musicians today struggling to make it, you may not even get the chance to hear their music, especially if your music collection consists solely of the playlists you made on your Spotify account.

Read Also:

Tags

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Bass Clef

The Role Of Bass Clef In Shaping Jazz And Modern Popular Music

In jazz and popular music, the bass clef plays a crucial role, serving as the foundation for rhythm and harmony. It guides bass players, pianists, and other lower-pitched instrument musicians to create the rich, deep tones that give these genres their distinctive groove and emotional depth. Whether it's the walking bass lines in jazz or the driving bass riffs in popular songs, the bass clef is essential for notating and performing the music that sets the mood and keeps the beat, making it an indispensable part of these vibrant and ever-evolving musical styles. Historical Context of Bass Clef in Jazz and Popular Music The bass clef has been a fundamental aspect of jazz and popular music since its inception. In jazz, originating in the early 20th century, the bass clef notes formed the backbone of the genre's distinctive swing and improvisation.  Bassists read these notes to create walking bass lines that move smoothly through scales and chords, providing a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the ensemble. In pop music, the bass clef has played a similarly vital role. It allows for the transcription of catchy bass riffs and grooves that define many memorable hits. Over the years, as both jazz and pop evolved, the bass clef continued to be a key tool for musicians, enabling them to anchor their music in rich, resonant tones that resonate with listeners. Role of Bass Clef in Jazz Improvisation The bass clef provides a framework for bassists to create inventive and rhythmically complex lines that complement and interact with other instruments. Here are two examples: Walking Bass Lines: In a classic jazz setting, a bassist might use the bass clef to read a chord chart and then improvise walking bass lines. These lines typically consist of quarter notes that smoothly connect the chords of a progression. For example, in a 12-bar blues in B♭, the bassist might improvise a line that starts with the root note B♭ (notated in the bass clef), moves to the fifth (F), approaches the next chord (E♭) chromatically from below (D), and so on, weaving a continuous and melodic line that outlines the chord changes. Bebop and Modal Jazz: In more complex jazz styles like bebop or modal jazz, bassists use the bass clef to navigate intricate chord progressions or modal frameworks. In a bebop piece, the bass might play a mix of root notes, chord tones, and chromatic approaches, creating a more harmonically dense line. For instance, over a Dm7-G7-CMaj7 chord progression, the bassist might start on the D note (notated in the bass clef), add chromatic passing tones, and use arpeggios to outline each chord, resulting in a sophisticated and interactive bass part. Bass Clef Techniques in Popular Music Production In popular music production, the bass clef plays a key role in creating the foundation of a song's harmonic structure and rhythm. One notable technique, essential for music producers, involves learning bass clef notes to proficiently craft synthesized bass lines, a common practice in genres such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music (EDM). Synthesized Bass Lines in EDM In EDM, producers often use synthesizers to create powerful and catchy bass lines notated in the bass clef. These bass lines are typically simple in rhythm but rich in texture, providing both a rhythmic and harmonic foundation for the track.  For instance, a producer might use a synthesizer to play a repetitive, pulsing note pattern in the bass clef, such as playing on the root notes of the chord progression.  This technique, often combined with side-chain compression linked to the kick drum, creates a dynamic, driving feel that is fundamental to the genre. The bass clef notation guides the producer in creating these lines, ensuring they align with the song’s key and chord progression, and contributing to the overall energy and mood of the track. Influence of Bass Clef in Modern Jazz and Fusion Modern jazz and fusion, known for their inventive and eclectic styles, make extensive and innovative use of the bass clef. Here are two examples that illustrate this: Modal Jazz Exploration: In modern jazz, particularly in modal jazz styles popularized by artists like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, the bass clef becomes a canvas for exploration beyond traditional chord progressions. For example, in a piece like "So What" from Davis' album "Kind of Blue," the bassist uses the bass clef to navigate a series of modal scales.  The bass line, primarily centered around the D Dorian mode for the first section and E♭ Dorian for the second, provides a repetitive yet hypnotic foundation. This approach in the bass clef allows the bassist to create a groove that is both anchoring and liberating, giving soloists a vast harmonic space to improvise over. Fusion Genre Blending: Infusion genres, which blend elements of jazz with rock, funk, and world music, the bass clef is essential for creating complex and groovy bass lines. Take, for instance, the work of Jaco Pastorius with Weather Report. In their song "Birdland," the bass clef is used to notate a bass line that is rhythmically intricate and harmonically rich, incorporating elements of funk and jazz.  Pastorius' use of the bass clef here is not just about playing notes; it's about creating a rhythmic pulse and melodic counterpoint that drives the song and adds to its distinctive fusion sound. Wrapping Up In jazz and popular music, the bass clef has been more than just a notational symbol; it's been a gateway to creativity and rhythm. In jazz, it's the backbone of the groove, guiding bassists through swinging walking bass lines and intricate improvisations. In pop music, the bass clef shapes the foundational riffs and hooks that get listeners moving.  This clef isn't just about low notes; it's about setting the tone, mood, and pulse of a piece. Whether it's underpinning a smooth jazz melody or driving a catchy pop chorus, the bass clef is essential in bringing music to life.  Isn't it remarkable how a few lines and spaces can resonate so deeply with our musical experience? Read Also: These Music Streaming Services Can Get Your Groove On Country Music Wins Big At The 2023 Billboard Music Awards How To Promote Live Music Events For Your Bar

READ MOREDetails
Recording

5 Awesome Tips to Help You Sound Better When Recording

If you have ever tried to record your voice, in a studio or at home, you might have realized that the final recording sounds nothing like you thought it would. You do know that you sound great, have heard that you do, and other people have told you the same thing. So, what happened? The difference is caused by the way we hear sounds; first through the air and then as vibrations that travel through the skill. This combination can muddy how the voice sounds, Here are a few things you can do to make you sound much better when recording: 1. Practice Beforehand Recording in a studio can be very intimidating and to cut the tension, a lot of new singers rush things. This rushing can make you sound a lot worse than you did at home. The best way to overcome these feelings is to practice a lot. When practicing, record everything and listen back to it. Doing so allows you to correct anything you do not like. It also helps you establish the right key for the type of song you are recording and to work on any vocal range issues that come up. Once you have the song and the vocal technique down, recording in a studio will be easier, and you will not have to do too many takes. You will also know the melody and lyrics so well that singing in front of people will not feel intimidating as you will know exactly what you need to do. Many recording studios offer rehearsal spaces to hire too. This is something that the Los Angeles recording studio PIRATE offers for anybody who wants to get some extra hours in before jumping straight into a recording session. 2. Check Your Posture Posture is so important when recording. Slight movements and posture can distort the recording as the microphone in the studio will be very sensitive. The correct posture requires that you start by relaxing your whole body. Any tension, especially in the abdomen, can interfere with your ability to sing. Next, stand with your legs slightly apart with one foot slightly forward. This stance gives you stability while ensuring you are leaning slightly forward. Straighten your back and ensure your chin is parallel to the floor. 3. Select the Right Microphone The microphone makes a massive difference depending on the type of singer you are. Before you start recording, run through some verses using different microphones. You should record three versions of the song without changing the EQ setting and listen back. You will then be able to choose the microphone that makes you sound best. Always choose a recording studio with a condenser microphone. The diaphragms in these microphones are extremely light meaning they follow soundwaves better than dynamic microphones. The other reason why a recording studio might use a condenser microphone is that it has a much higher sensitivity which is great for lower sounds, and a lot less noise than traditional dynamic microphones. A reputable studio will also use a curtained booth to stop interference when recording vocals and ensure crispier recordings. 4. Practice Your Microphone Technique You should also know how to use the microphone you choose correctly. One of the things you should know is the microphone volume control. This involves moving close to the microphone when your voice becomes software and further if it gets loud. Doing so ensures you record at a decent volume for both loud and soft parts which reduces the need for a lot of compressions when mixing. Second, you should learn how to avoid sibilance and popping. Sibilance is the hissing you hear when you make an F or S sound. Popping happens as you pronounce B’s and P’s because these sounds create bursts of air as they are pronounced.  You can avoid both of these issues by adjusting the distance and angle from the microphone. Lastly, you should avoid getting breathing sounds in your recording. This is done by using a pop filter and moving your head to the side and out of the way when taking a breath. If you do not do this, the breath sound will need to be edited out later. Related Resource: Want to Learn How to Learn How to Play an Instrument? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know 5. Put Emotion in Your Songs Music is meant to move your listeners while also helping them connect with the song. The best way to achieve both of these is to add emotion to your song. To do this, ensure you are communicating the lyrics and not just singing them. Use emotion to make your audience understand what you mean in each line. Remember that the emotions you add to the song will depend on the lyrics and the type of song you are doing. If you have a hard time adding the correct emotion to a song, talk to a producer and they will get you on the right track. Mistakes happen all the time when recording, and you might end up sounding nothing like you expected. Following the tips above and practicing would help you see a noticeable difference in the quality of your recordings. Read Also: Find the Required Music Lyrics at Allmusicals.com 8 Problems Only Music Lovers Will Know Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music

READ MOREDetails
Best Dads

Family Musicals: The Best Dads on The Stage

To pay tribute to all fathers out there this year, we’ve decided to bring together the best dad performances in West End productions. From lawyers to boy-band leaders, these father figures are the source of inspiration for so many of us. So, without further ado, here are the best dads on the stage in 2022. Top 6 Best Dads on The Stage 1. Lance DuBois & Juliet is filled with unique bonds, and the relationship between Lance and his son Francois is fraught from the start. However, as the show progresses, we see Lance accept his son for who he is and accepts his vision for his future self. By joining a family boy band, Lance and Francois strengthen their bond and create an on-stage alliance that you’re sure to fall in love with this year. 2. George McFly Who hasn’t wondered what their parents were like when they were younger? In Back to the Future, Marty has the opportunity to interact with his dad when he travels back to a time when he meets his mum. It’s scintillating stuff, and there are laughs and jokes along the way as Marty ends up coaching George to impress his mum, so the two can fall in love. Among other things, Marty inspires his future dad to stand up to bullies, and their relationship evolves as Marty races against time to ensure his future is just as it should be. This timeless classic has been reinvented for the stage, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. 3. Sam, Bill, and Harry No matter how you look at it, Donna rocks as a single mum. With some help from her Greek friends, she’s given everything she possibly can to Sophie, and there’s no questioning the depth of the relationship between mother and daughter. In Mamma Mia, Sophie lets curiosity get the better of her, and her subsequent journey proves that biology isn’t everything. In this Abba musical, Sophie interacts with not one but three dads and learns some super important lessons along the way. 4. Walter When Will Ferrel informs his short-tempered, city-dwelling dad of his existence in the film adaptation of Elf, Walter’s reaction is one of the best things about the movie. But without spoiling the plot line, the on-stage adaptation shows us a slightly different side of Walter. In fact, Buddy and Walter develop an incredible relationship that blossoms as the production develops. This feel-good family favorite is one of the West End’s most popular Christmas productions, and the dynamic between Walter and Buddy is a huge part of the show’s success. 5. Jean Valjean Following his branding as a criminal, Jean Valjean is inspired to become a gentleman. He uses his newfound status, charm, and wealth to do good, helping those in need throughout Les Mis. Jean steps up and looks after Cossette, becoming a father figure to the young girl and doing everything he can to keep her alive. Book your tickets today to see Jean in action and enjoy one of the West End’s legendary shows in all its splendor. 6. Atticus Finch In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus plays the role of a single father quite brilliantly. He encourages his children to speak their minds, explore new ideas, and challenge racial stereotypes. His relationship with Calpurnia plays out beautifully on stage, and the character that is based on Harper Lee’s own father is one that Rafe Spall certainly does justice to. Additionals: 5 Exciting Father’s Day Gifts For The Tech-Obsessed Dad4 Signs It is Time to Find Hospice Care Near Me for Your Elderly Relative with COPD

READ MOREDetails