Among many Spotify success stories and the debate on their royalties system going forward, German electronic musician Hainbach adds to the situation. Amidst the echoes of Taylor Swift’s staggering royalties, Hainbach steps forward, revealing the harsh truth of his one million Spotify streams in 2023. This revelation comes in a somber tone, as the composer discloses that his milestone translates to a mere £2,160 in royalties – $2,742.65 in today’s money. This is a sum that, while helpful, barely covers his utility bills. The chasm between Spotify’s glamorous facade and the financial struggles of experimental artists becomes starkly evident.
For Hainbach, the journey to the six-figure year comes primarily from just a few of his tracks. ‘The Guide‘, a 2020 release, hit over half of the sum with 560,000 plays, while ‘The Wooden‘, from his latest album Voice Magnetic, notched up 116,000 plays in only six months. Despite these accomplishments, the financial yield remains meager, echoing the struggle many artists face in the digital music landscape.
The Looming Silence
As Hainbach grapples with the modest returns from Spotify, a looming threat adds to the discord. Reports suggest that tracks accumulating less than 1,000 plays annually will face demonetization starting next year. This prospect raises concerns for lesser-known artists, hinting at a future where their creative output on Spotify may yield nothing in return. In this silence, the producer advocates for alternative avenues to sustain their craft.
“Bandcamp or coming to a live show is still the best way to support me and other artists.”
-Hainbach
Final Thoughts
While the debate continues as to which is the best way to directly support artists for them to make a living out of what they love and are most passionate about, unless you’re already on top of the world and amassing an exorbitant cult of followers, audio streaming giant Spotify is certainly out of the question for the best lifeline for those who we value for their contribution to music.
[H/T] – Music Radar