How I LOST 31 million streams on Spotify in 2 years

I got 35 million streams on Spotify this year which is nuts!! BUT just 2 years ago I had 65 million streams. In this video I'd like to open up with you about the decline and give you some insight to what I've been doing wrong.
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:55 What i've done right
4:14 Best way to release music
4:49 What i've done wrong
12:25 What was out of my control
17:25 What i'm doing next

[@LDreTheGiant]

This is a long one but it's worth it!! Treat it like a podcast. Also sign up for my music mailing list pls → ldre.bio/email

[@co8908]

Do you have a music producing course or something because I haven't even made a beat yet and I'm struggling

[@LDreTheGiant]

I actually do have a beginner masterclass type of thing up on prodbyldre.com It’s geared towards lofi but in general teaches some good basics

[@co8908]

@@LDreTheGiant I love lofi and yeah just need to do something plus I can always build from it

[@OFFICIALCALCAN]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHi8aIufjNijp9U&pp=8AUB

[@melvineatsmangos]

imagine being able to say you fell off while still having over 30 million streams, i wish i had those problems 🙏

[@LDreTheGiant]

Im very grateful 🙏🏽

[@The_motive_is_key]

​@@LDreTheGianti need a video on how to make it as a small lofi producer From South Africa

[@TanoshiSan]

😂

[@TanoshiSan]

L.Dre knows his sh*t: it's not about where you are, it's about where your going.

[@LessGravity]

​​@@TanoshiSanayy a wild Tanoshi appeared!

[@A.Oonthebeat]

As a producer who’s in a similar position. This video is amazing. Instead of feeling down you look at this as an opportunity. Also the honesty you have with yourself is inspiring. It shows me that it’s not over. I just have to go hard again. I love your video and the content you make

[@bluesucceed]

I haven't even watched the video yet but wanted to say I like how you are real with it. How you celebrate your highs on this channel but also talk about when you fall off, and how you DON'T blame the algorithm for declines in numbers. super dope dude 💙💙

[@LDreTheGiant]

I appreciate that I try my best to just be true to myself always 🙏🏽

[@latenightluke]

I love that you're so open and transparent in these videos. This is so encouraging!

[@souljunglemusic]

Hey L.Dre, love your music. Same for me here, in 2022, I had several tracks on at least 2 major lofi editorial playlist and 4 smaller editorial playlist on Spotify. I went from 0 to 150 000 monthly listeners in only a few months, I even got a deal with Universal for 1 of my track! With 2 millions streams in total. This year, 2023, I went from 150 000 to 4000 monthly listeners because for some reason, my music is no longer on editorial playlists anymore. I've done a Spotify campaign for 3 months in a row and nothing happened, my streams are getting lower every day

[@MikeDare]

Bro thanks for being transparent and honest. You’ve always shared info and created great music. Hoping to start posting more and build consistency. Big W

[@iEKNOWS_]

I love the transparency L.Dre! I'm praying you continue to prosper next year and develop an even healthier relationship with your work life.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you that means a lot 🙏🏾❤️

[@iamjamakami]

appreciate the insight! it was crazy seeing you blow up on tiktok in 2021 but i'm glad to see you're still growing and evolving

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Kayoumusic]

Great video, totally feeling all the points you've mentioned in the video 😌

[@incognitiveincognito]

Honestly for a minute I wasn't enjoying your content but have been coming back as I can feel more soul. In the recent videos and takes me back. Cool to hear you admit you got a little lost in the sauce very humble and humbling. Hype to see whats next

[@prodbyansh]

Can relate to the decline at a very small scale compared to your numbers because my all time streams on Spotify Since 2020 have been- 74k, 152k, 195k, 22k But really nice to hear your POV so thank you for your honest breakdown! Hoping you have a great 2024! 💿🎧📈

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jayrencemusic]

Preciate your honesty man. Every creator can learn from this. Gettin a lot more accountable to myself and not blamming external sources so much

[@austinallenlee11]

Keep up the grind man, you're an inspiration. Looking forward to what you have cooking for the future

[@tuseemusic6269]

I'm so grateful you've been able to relax bro. That's honestly a blessing

[@fnonose]

wish you the best for the new year bro! feel you in a lot of this, so its cool to hear that you're sharing. living off of music is so wild - but that uncertainty of how it all can end one day is real haha. would never trade it though

[@LDreTheGiant]

Same to you!

[@Sing4DLaughter]

Great stuff, bro! You're an inspiration for a lot of people pursuing this, wish all the success for you!

[@Petticca]

Congratulations on your marriage, and getting out there and experiencing life on your times, guy. Keep on keeping on.

[@cblanchhiphop]

Great video - appreciate the transparency!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!

[@Kei2Lee]

Thank you L.Dre for being transparent and sharing your insights! I learned alot from this. Been watching your videos since the beginning of my music producer journey and I really appreciate your guides and tips! Looking forward to more of your music and guides! 🙂

[@LDreTheGiant]

I appreciate that 🙏🏾

[@RaveRadio]

Very insightful and humble bro. Keep out it. Love your stuff

[@rinzmusic]

keeping it real! And very relatable i think for many producers in the community. thanks for this!

[@TanoshiSan]

You're a legend bro, I think you hit the nail on the head with the point about taking accountability. I hit just over 10m streams on my spotify wrapped this year, and my goal next year is to pass you up. I don't want an easy win though, I want to fight you at your strongest like some goku vs vegeta sh*t, so keep up the good work bro ❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

LETS GET IT 🔥💯

[@a6gitti]

yeah i think youre a dope beatmaker. i also think its great that youre being honest about these things and share it with us. youre an inspiration for a lot of us (beatmakers etc) so stay consistent bro as best as you can in your abbility - peaz

[@mrr5835]

Def your best one of these types of vids! Thorough and honest ❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

I appreciate that!

[@YngHstlr]

i feel u bro, i got 2 mill streams this year but peaked like almost 6 mill 2 years ago. sucks but im not letting it discourage me and have been seeing some consistent growth now with discovery mode for artists. keep grinding

[@WillhouseBeats]

Great video L Dre. Been watching for a few years now and you've had a big impact on my music career. As a big fan I remember not loving the whole NFT aspect last year. (No shade get the bag of course!) But definitely felt like it went from being a relatable producer that loved making beats into something else that I and I'm sure some other producers couldn't relate to anymore.

[@SkeeterMelody]

Thank you, I'm a newer subscriber here on your KZbin channel and I am really enjoying all of your content. I'm an older man closer to 70 then I am to 60 lol I really enjoy Lofi I'm definitely not tired of it and definitely not tired of your content my friend keep on doing what you do best👍💯🎶😇

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you for sharing that means a lot! And welcome 🙏🏽

[@dmtboke]

you're still the man, bro.. your beats are crazy good! Thanks for all the vibes & inspiration g

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@justjasmin4251]

thank you for your transparency. your points are very valid! great video 😊

[@aquamillo]

man being a musician is way more than i thought it would be. it’s draining and exhausting especially if you’re hyperfixating on it but i still love it like nothing else. hope you’re having a great day bro :) you’ve helped me so much with everything

[@LDreTheGiant]

100% but wouldn’t trade it for anything ❤️

[@SwurveOnEm]

You were enjoying the fruits of your labor. It's all good, we still rocking with you. You have a life.....live it. Sometimes we need a little break from music to let new ideas flow

[@The_SH4D]

Keep going, man! I think your music will blow up again soon. 😉🖤

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you !

[@ReyohBeats]

hearing you say that you helped your mom quit her job gave me chills. For sure one day imma do that for my mom. thank you for this video bro

[@LDreTheGiant]

You got this!!

[@maleeks8329]

A sincere message to you L.Dre, I would love to see more big music drops from you in a sense of songs that are songs with artists.. I feel lofi holds a certain audience but it would be awesome to see you evolve and maybe make a song featuring Beabadoobee or Lauffy and really bring Lofi Hiphop into the the mainstream music game

[@mrniice]

Being real is awesome bro not many people see this side and it’s refreshing to know from some producers like myself not have any views or anything to keep grinding and it’ll come with time

[@JACKSONPRYORBENNETT]

Broo, when you said “oh my goddd, I’m gonna die” about the streams going down, I felt that. That’s exactly how I have felt when my student numbers drop down a bit during certain parts of the year. Hopefully I can have the same problem with streams at some point and work on solving it

[@marker710.]

oh shit congrats on getting married bro❤💫 some wonderful lessons here, my favourite was about being grateful and how you acknowledged having lived this year. Amazing bro, wishing you all the best and yeah hopefully the numbers will improve. Just a tiny request. Please showcase how you prepare content and how you structure out your day in terms of productivity... 😅really desperate for at least a skeleton of a plan if not a blueprint... much love... loving Sno-Fi Vol 2 btw❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you!! And check out my day in the life vid if you haven’t already. My productivity is pretty sloppy tbh but this video gives an idea kzbin.info/www/bejne/imOxfZp9eNx2oKssi=8JlUdzDH--kbZTcq

[@marker710.]

@@LDreTheGiant for sure! Will do! Right after dinner, it’s 8:22 here in South Africa 😅. But yeah thanks man, can’t wait to see what’s next from you 🫡

[@SedyyBeats]

Loved this video man, appreciate you for making this and keeping it real

[@dotkiiy]

L.Dre, as a fan I’d love to see you go on another L. Dre in the garage run. Take it back to the broke living in the garage grind! Maybe even make an album/EP cover with something garage themed 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@JOMINU]

Dude, you are a huge reason why I started making Lo-Fi. You always help make it make sense. I low key hate the social media rat race sometimes but it's a necessary evil. Thank you L. Dre for the inspiration, wisdom, and dope jams.

[@wilmoremusic]

Lofi can get repetitive but L Dre lofi never dies. Your music stands head and shoulders above most other lofi producers imo - you got that special sauce. Keep the music & content coming my guy, it keeps me and i'm sure many others going & inspired

[@OJBABY]

Thanks for sharing so much with us L.Dre! I don't watch often but when I do you never disappoint. This video covered a lot of the mystery I had about everything with social media.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏾

[@OJBABY]

@@LDreTheGiant Everything about this video was charming. Love what you did with the background for the holidays it's really eye pleasing on camera

[@milocero]

appreciate the honesty brother, quite insightful

[@fvnboy]

“And here’s why I’m depressed about it ” could be the title to my life’s story lol

[@LDreTheGiant]

😂😂😂

[@LucasCooperVGM]

great video man! As a fellow musician who's seeing some success, it's really easy to naturally become complacent or relaxed. We gotta grind!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Well said!

[@alistairfontaine]

I still love you either way. I remember being depressed and I rapped on that Steven Universe lofi beat you made back in 2021. This was when I still went with the name DARLEXCARTEL but yeah bro, keep going 🔥

[@Lofi-Henchy]

I am not even trough the whole video yet but I wanted to say that I really appreciate the transparency form your side. This is why we love your music it is just authentic! 💜

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@nocasuals9049]

when I found out that my man Ldre was the one who made shibuya i was so hyped for you man. the numbers gonna do what they do but ur sound is forever, bless

[@Yhuntermusic]

Great insight bro fr fr

[@justinjpaulmiller]

I appreciate your honesty bro!

[@franciscomoralesmusic]

I'm deeply moved by your uplifting message; it resonates with the essence of perseverance, authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to one's passion. I even ended with tears in my eyes! Love you bro! ❤

[@LDreTheGiant]

Much love !

[@TanoshiSan]

I'm seeing a lot of folks in the comments be like, "bruh, how could you be upset about getting 30m+ streams this year? I wish I had that problem. " First off, he's not even mad about it; watch the video all the way through. Secondly, L.Dre is just straight up sharing a core principle that all the greats throughout history have in common: It's not about where you are, it's about where you're going.

[@alexbochelmusic]

This is awesome. Thanks for posting 👑

[@TonySway]

Keep inspiring bro!! Bless!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you, I will 🙏🏾

[@Datsunn]

Always appreciate your transparency bro!

[@LDreTheGiant]

Always bro! Much love 🙏🏾❤️

[@GuizMemo]

Prooops ! For this video mate !! 🙏 For the tips as well as getting to know you and your humble side 👌 Being able to review your year like that is a blessing for you, I think you found your sweet spot for you making a living out of your music ! Having time for ourselves and our loved ones is also amongs the richest riches of all ! Happy Next Year 🎉 may your music journey properous and inspired ;) BTY : "he's able to do this, because he read the manual.." Boooy yooou killed me hahahaha 😂🤣 Even though that's true ;p

[@SA-ho1mu]

Do you put the hoodie on for the video or do you usually chill in your house with a hoodie and beanie combo?

[@Kooma]

I've been subscribed since 2020 and still haven't found another producer from KZbin with the same amount of knowledge, personality and quality, especially from the lofi space! Keep going man, your numbers on Spotify even this year were INSANE 🔥

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you bro!! Still remember that 🔥 beat you made in that contest

[@katana2seppuku]

i luv how real u r dawg

[@junowy.mp3]

This video was so inspirational❤ thank you dre so much

[@JACKSONPRYORBENNETT]

I agree about start now as well. I have releases coming out weekly through April of 2024 all set already, pretty soon tunes dropping all the way through July before January 1st so I can focus on content! Being forever a student is definitely key, I got a lot to learn. Congrats on getting married dude!

[@mcflyart]

Unfortunately, if you are a music producer and not a singer or artist who does not only make music, this is what usually happens... Connecting with people when there is no message other than listening to an instrumental is something difficult, that is why there are so many demands on the Time to promote yourself as a producer because people really don't give it that much importance. Very few people say wow Noah Shebib "40" has done it again with Drake. Nobody knows who he is. And that's a Facts. Even with all this, I still believe that you need days of rest like any work that comes before you to go with more strength, etc. Cheer up with everything bro.🌺

[@LDreTheGiant]

Very well said 🙏🏾

[@federicocdelorenzo1242]

Man, I've been in rock my whole life, but LowFi is so cool. I'm listening to your albums all the time, really relax me.Thanks

[@foodjmadrigal]

what counts is that your music is timeless, so keep it up !

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@realjravage2871]

Don’t worry about the numbers bro the people that didn’t stream your music isn’t really your fans bro the legit fans of your music is still here:)

[@alexzehnmusik]

True

[@franckateba2970]

You need a team to remain consistent. Very important.

[@alexzehnmusik]

Always here for you 😤

[@TeaandSweaters]

Hey man, I am really enjoying your content. Qustion about the mailing list. Are you going to focus on a list that targets producers or fans? I think it's always a 50/50 gamble.

[@LDreTheGiant]

I actually have 2 mailing lists since I have a store where I sell myself sample packs and courses n stuff. The one I mentioned in this vid is new and specifically for music fans

[@gdoubleose]

I appreciate your transparency 💪🏼💯

[@LDreTheGiant]

Always!

[@ramboplaysbass6210]

Just know we love ya! 🧡

[@LDreTheGiant]

Much love ❤

[@katana2seppuku]

i listen to ur music whenever im working on sum, like writing or chilling. hella in school

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@lofiwiara]

Sorry to disturb your scroll, we don't know each other but i wish you all the best in life and may all things work out in your favor❤

[@Tommy-tj6tx]

I was waiting for this video I watched last year video and I was like he gonna post at the end of the year been your subscriber for 3 years now

[@banc_arg]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@Lost1nTranslation]

Dude that's still Killin it 🔥🔥🤙 You should definitely be proud of yourself. Random question: is your Stephen universe song considered a cover? Or a remix? Still trying to figure out the difference so when I do release to distrokid, it doesn't get flagged.

[@ProdbyIIInfinite]

I love this video. The transparency is incredibly commendable.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@kubamusicprod]

Best video , thank you King

[@MaximusWhyman]

The older you get, the more you don’t give an f about the social media game. It’s an endless hole.

[@mohamadcanny448]

keep growing bro, i've been following you from 2019. love from iran.

[@mj44229]

I was waiting for this

[@RayanTelleria]

Lots of love man ❤

[@fixtur3]

no matter what happens your lofi will be my biggest inspiration 🙏

[@fvnboy]

I thought things were gonna get deep and them came the anime yitties

[@prodtillr]

A lot of people watch u for personality + role model type situation. That being said I respect u a lot and I understand at the end of the day you’re trying to eat but a lot ur audience (producer section, not like ur listeners) don’t wanna watch content you upload for the sake of the algorithm. I think you could make content just live streaming doing your job (literally doing anything) then cut it up into videos (kinda similar to nick mira except it’s yours). Just an idea from a fan who looks up to you and wants to see you living ur best life.

[@adbproductions.1]

Really enjoyed this vid 📝💯

[@LDreTheGiant]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@DreamingWhileAwakeMusic]

Congrats, I can speak for myself when I say I'm focusing more on organic streams, it hurts to be accused by Distrokid of "Bot streams" lol

[@LMarquee]

We're also competing with other forms of entertainment that's not directly related to music. Podcasts, audio books, TV shows, and movies are all fighting for the attention of the same people we are. That could play a factor in our streaming numbers being affected as well.

[@LDreTheGiant]

Very good point because definitely listen to podcasts and watch tv more than I listen to music

[@wiseknowin777]

I love the accountability bro. You are on the right track

[@f4llenstarr]

It's true that lofi artists really live off the editorial playlists, if they dissapeared a lot would be SOL

[@hoodraver]

thank u for honesty

[@aarongrubbmusic]

That panic mode feeling is very relatable

[@brokenbonesdubstep]

always my fav lofi guy 🫡

[@Trueconfidence]

I went from 126k to 21k but i just didnt have funds this year to push my content however my overall retention went up i gained more folllowers and my engagement went up but im still sad about losing 104k streams 😅 thats a lot

[@TempeztBeats]

Do you clear the cartoon samples? and does your distributor ever flag your beats for copyright?

[@globalh00p3r8]

No matter what the situation is! Still a W 🔥🔥

[@treemebest]

Nice advice 😊

[@subsonance]

thank you for sharing legend :)

[@MontyDatta]

really great reflectful video

[@karacoldmusic]

But I think the biggest number to focus on for you is....how many of those listeners are returning listeners every year? Those are the peopke will A)Keep coming back to listen to whatever you put out and B) Continue to make you more money. And you touched on it in the video, but listening to your fans and tapping in with your core fanbase on a consistent basis. Always love seeing your journey progress. Keep it pushing u got this shit 💪!

[@LDreTheGiant]

True that!!