In a world of streaming it's now obvious that DIY musicians can't make a living (or any money at all basically) from streaming.
Though, streaming is a perfect way of distributing music from the artist to the listener.
I often get the question from people "how can I support you/and- or the independent artist?"
I thought long and hard about removing my music from Spotify and the other streaming platforms, but I realize it just will make things hard for everyone. I can't force people do download my music. Some prefer it, and the music is available here so you can buy ut.
But for the people who actually prefer streaming?
Well, if you wanna support me, but wanna continue to stream my music from the streaming platforms available I hereby give you the possibility to buy a "Token of Apprecation". It's very simple. You spend some money here, and you can continue to stream my music knowing that you actually paid me something. I won't be seeing any money from Spotify but I will receive this payment, from you, directly to me as the creator. No middleman, no bullshit. Just a clear transaction between us because you want to support me as an artist.
For some people this won't make any sense. You already paid Spotify? So why does it makes sense to pay me here?
Spotify will not give me money just because you stream my music. It will pay out your money to Taylor Swift, Drake or whoever streams the most that month. That is their model. That is the problem.
A small independent artist like me are most likely not even receiving any payments due to the new policies from Spotify.
I'm not interested in participating in the "streaming game" or the "playlisting game". I make albums filled with music that is interesting to me and hopefully to you. I actually see myself as an artist who creates art, not content. Therefore I'm doomed on a platform like Spotify where you can only make a profit if you end up on playlists. And those playlists only look for "similar content" so listeners won't leave the platform.
Furthermore, if you're like me, a person who likes to create different types of music, the "algorithm" won't work for you. It doesn't like change.
So.
I've decided to create this possible transaction where YOU can choose, 100% based on what YOU think is fair to pay me so I can continue to create music.
- Niels