How Music Streaming Is DESTROYING The Music Industry

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By the way, if this is your first time watching one of my videos, my name is Curtiss King. I'm an Independent Rapper, Music Producer, and KZbinr. My goal is to make you think, laugh and motivate you daily. If you need a channel that constantly keeps you motivated, in a good mood, and speaks to deep thoughts of creatives, consider subscribing.
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[@myway420_]

As an Artist, once you loose your creative freedom, the therapeutic love for creativity will be lost until you find your way back to creative freedom.

[@goingglobalmusicgroup2555]

Big Facts!

[@jerrodkilla23]

💯

[@joshuaB.Nicholas]

Facts on top facts tho

[@SinkyBeatz]

It's like they've convinced us that music isn't valuable and we should be grateful for receiving pennies, I remember spending my hard earned money every week at the record store and how exciting it was, paying attention to every detail, from the artwork to every single credit, these records are part of my life forever, you get what you pay for.

[@avanulaneway8418]

yesss, but I remember spending my dad's hard earned money buying CDs. It was so exciting to get a new one and slide the little booklet out. Each one was different, artistic, some had lyrics. We need to go back to this.

[@ricklarock380]

💯

[@animoaudio585]

Yes and as an addition to the purchase of the physical product, we now get access to the digital tracks because i doubt anyone in this day an age wants to walk around with cd players. I do remember those days and how i used to treasure the albums i bought. One crack on the case and i was upset 😂

[@elliottruth5517]

Actually, music is the MOST valuable thing.

[@WardaleWilson]

This was spot on. This is not a sustainable system. We exchanged record labels with playlist curators

[@VaughnBornFamous]

I’ve been an independent artists for over four years now sign two major deals one is a producer one as a songwriter. This man is one of the most informative people on KZbin do your homework

[@CurtissKingTV]

🙏🏽🛠️

[@jjj0026]

High Number of Instagram followers DOES NOT mean high level fan base.

[@Treyco]

But it also can mean that depending on if it’s real or not

[@ozzywoods38]

People also don’t really listen to music anymore. It’s more of a background to something else. So it doesn’t matter what is being said as long as the beat is hard and the flow is somewhat decent. Thing is these songs have a low shelf life and won’t span multiple generations so it won’t provide value in the long run.

[@ulybiggs464]

If Travis Scott got a penny per stream he could a got around $6M 🤦🏾

[@7thNoteOfficial]

Not all will go to him aswell 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

if i was a rap artist i would not even care about being in their eco system

[@braddouglas8004]

It’s not like fans don’t have the option to buy the records. I think if you’re really a fan then buy the record like back in the day. If you don’t think it’s worth buying then that’s cool. But if you listen to that album everyday you should cop..BUYING ALBUMS NEVER WENT AWAY.. plus most rappers/artists are independent these days. Fans really dictate how this game is played.

[@caleb7775]

right but wouldn’t ya say that streaming platforms have influenced and impacted the fans decision to buy the records at all? like lets keep it g, its way more convienient to go stream the same record than it is to get in the whip and head to best buy, no? spotify and apple understand that convienience feeds humans instant gratification, which feeds our laziness. as long as dsp’s here, best buy and walmart always gon lose 😢

[@RalphDewuMusic]

Though I agree with what you're saying. Regarding playlist curators, what they do has always been there with radio play, mtv etc. Playlist curator has sort of become what radio djs used to be

[@CurtissKingTV]

💯

[@kvngbraccs7512]

Rule #1: Keep the suits out the music Rule #2: Keep the suits out the booth

[@TiryqThomas]

The playlist gatekeeping sorta reminds me of what radio stations used to be back in the day.

[@drenolynbeats]

They talked about that Chris Brown album on everyday struggle they said he was getting credit for multiple albums to finish his album quota. It’s a way for artists to complete contract terms and move on or renegotiate a new contract.

[@Ohwhat_Ohwowwhe]

curtiss i got introduced to u via ab soul, ddnt know u have a podcast,,, great episode

[@AP.lovetoAll]

💯 AGREED ‼️ I’ve been saying this for years‼️ Short attention span is a myth ‼️ They can’t pay more per stream is a lie ‼️ You have to stream because that’s what people rather or will only do, is a lie‼️ Take back the culture. From NYC, love to all. Bless.

[@Prod.ijay2135]

Those Flash Drives are Dope 🔥

[@culturepreneur]

Music streaming has made music a cheap product instead of an invaluable art piece. Why should an album from one of the greatest artists of our generation Drake or Beyonce should cost $9.99/month for all albums what if fans wanted to pay $50 per album they would sell out all the time easily. This is why direct to consumer options will be the wave especially the digital collections going forward

[@CurtissKingTV]

🎯🎯🎯🎯

[@AKSourGod]

Something's gotta give. Either we the artists smarten up, or they the labels will try and find a more profitable format for them. And the cycle continues.

[@villagegirl3627]

This was spot on and most valuable to those willing to listen and get over their fear of being true to themselves. Free yourselves and your soul will follow. Streaming is one nail in the coffin. Traditional label models have been about the spots and dots on a report since I started in this biz a while back. Still thinking they could control those that were breaking the chains. Including those that went rogue and went indie to create a better way for the artist and the fans of music and the arts. Remember ringtones? Singlets? One hit wonders? Napster? Videos? Labels are run by idiots and pimps dangling carrots and dangling false hope and empty promises. Only they profit but they are poor in spirit. Working with one now that can only be blamed for the artists not making it. Artists aren’t being heard, getting paid and they are so far behind on my invoices that I’ve had to pull my files and stop working the campaigns, which only hurts the artist. Vicious cycle. Long live the indie artist! Long live free thinkers and those willing to put themselves out there for the sake of following their fun and not compromising their passion. I’m here for it and support the raw and unleashed essence of your talent. Thanks for letting me share. I needed to vent.

[@animoaudio585]

I love the idea at the end of the video. Don’t let the industry dictate the value of your music!! Thank you for these videos!

[@dengmandang]

Having to go to the store to buy an album or having to download it illegally and making sure you have enough space made listening and digesting music more enjoyable. Nowadays albums just come and go.

[@PatrickIrvineBlacknesslives]

I think artist need to make a decision and accept it. Originality doesnt mean pay. Sometimes it lines up, but in most cases, you are going to sacrifice pay for freedom. Artist need to understand that from go.

[@izdirty9117]

Enough to feed the belly not the soul 💎💯

[@shinphatman]

"Doom and gloom for whom?"BARS!

[@angelicdiscipline8291]

wow... definitely something to consider .*. disposable products usually don't gain value or even get recycled as time passes

[@semisix]

Thanks for keeping it real! It’s a love hate with streaming. Because most people don’t even pay for albums they listen to it free on KZbin. But also, thanks to streaming I now have listeners around the world in places I would never expect. Also, the “Spotify playlist” game is trash and I’m tired of the fake gate keepers. Hopefully things change for the best. But I always point at the early days of the internet for the blame with Limewire and other free download sites. That forces the industry to make the mp3 more controlled.

[@anthonybriscoe8061]

Nah see the problem is the industry is always been dependent on a third-party to set the price. We always have to be where everybody else are, even with being independent everybody feels they have to be on Spotify and it sucks that all the numbers have to be verified through only certain types of sources

[@anthonybriscoe8061]

But if I have anything to do with it all that’s about to change stay tuned

[@fika.violent]

@@anthonybriscoe8061 go for it!

[@darrelljohnson1736]

Great insights, excellent video. Keep doin' what you're doin', and thanks.

[@frankeljaguar]

Curtis this is so eye opening 💯👌

[@DynamicUnreal]

As an artist and record label, I would rather release a song once every 3 or 4 weeks than ever create an album. You can keep the momentum going on forever without tiring the fans, and you can also quickly learn from failures or rough spots on individual songs. It’s probably also easier to put keep a leash on excessive spending that can eat into the profits generated.

[@camwhite4015]

pleasing the fans is NOT what creating art is about!!!!

[@am_ess]

Quantity leads to quality... only IF your goal is quality..... BARZ

[@princeamu]

Rap industry is destroying itself. Spotify is just helping lol

[@StopMusicFromSucking]

This is probably one of thee most important videos in this niche

[@nogkallitmusic6359]

True...Music listening should be Free ...Fans are already looking for Independent Artists to listen to...

[@imo1933]

@nogkallitmusic6359: *Come cut my grass for free, everyone should have a good looking lawn.*

[@imo1933]

@nogkallitmusic6359: *According to your logic, all food should be free since people have to eat to survive, farmers and restaurants should just spend their money and time to feed your Dumb Ass for free because this world is free.*

[@imo1933]

@nogkallitmusic6359: *Go get a job and work for free since someone has to do the job anyway, I'm sure that sounds good to you, Dummy.*

[@imo1933]

@nogkallitmusic6359: *Next time you go to your barber, tell him you're not paying because people need their hair cut, all hair cuts should be free, I'm pretty sure he'll thank you for coming to his business.*

[@imo1933]

@nogkallitmusic6359: *You're lucky the only thing FREE in life is the AIR you're breathing, because if that came with a price, I'm sure your Dumb Ass would be dead by now.*

[@dynamic9016]

Very insightful.

[@beatbuildersstudio]

It's interesting about making music to check boxes. Let's say all major label only artists released music every 2 years. Do we assume the music will be better? The fans dictate the demand. That's why Spotify exists. People who watch your videos and comment care about the art of music. However, I think most music listeners don't care as much. Therefore, cookie cutter and boring artist will keep dropping music because we move on so quickly. There will be a steady stream of artists who will live up to the words of Guru "Maybe your soul you'll sell to have mass appeal"

[@BigBelairePapi]

Those playlist curators don’t even care who they’re promoting. They only care about the pay.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

streaming is a very bad business model

[@WhotfisMellysantana]

Salute Mr King 💯💎

[@CurtissKingTV]

🫡🛠️ salute fam thank you for watching

[@kingdaveiv05]

What is simply forgotten is that there is nothing organically new. All the people at the top record label ceo, streaming ceo, and venue owners only care about the bottom line. When it comes to getting a global audience the artist need them.

[@CurtissKingTV]

Respectfully I disagree. In this era of music an artist’s sole vehicle for growing and connecting with their fanbase is no longer just music. Through content creation and proper use of these platforms an artist has arguably more global access than ever before independently. Streaming, labels, and venues no longer hold the monopoly they once had.

[@kingdaveiv05]

@@CurtissKingTV I see you point. And I understand what you are saying. What I was getting around to is that unless the artist can create their own platforms (possible in small markets) they will always be dependent on the creators of the platform they use. Trust me, these platforms are making good money for the founders, ceos and shareholders.

[@CurtissKingTV]

@@kingdaveiv05 agreed. Those independent platforms will come with time. That’s where proper leveraging comes in. These platforms also make profits when we see profitability on them

[@kingdaveiv05]

The question I have is this. Will there ever be a conglomerate of international nonprofit platforms where artist can be free to perform and create at a pure level?

[@CurtissKingTV]

@@kingdaveiv05 I think there will be something like this at some point. It’s definitely going to require leadership or a board of creatives that understand firsthand the complex and varying needs of the modern independent. I just think it’s going to take some time since this space is still figuring itself out.

[@JevonMusicGroup]

People continually misrepresent Spotify payouts. It's not 0.003 to 0.005 of a cent... it's 0.003 to 0.005 of a DOLLAR... which makes it like half of a cent.

[@PVCKMVN]

I feel just because someone is investing in you it shouldn’t be I tell you what to do. It should be “I believe in your work and trust your movement” you really need fans and not someone looking to get money and capitalize on you

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

💯💯💯

[@AaronSmith-rk4mn]

Think about it from this perspective too. To have the courage to stand up on stage in front of however many thousands of people show up to your show, can you imagine the confidence hit your courage takes when you see the streaming numbers, and yet you can fill the seats? Who loses out on the show money? The labels? Or the artists? Who’s making shit money in the streaming? And now thier confidence takes a hit too? Miss me with that bullshit .

[@ThatDorkyReviewShow]

This exactly why I stopped listening to the radio , I don't trust the industry for crap

[@sonniebabble941]

Now this one… CURTISS WAS ON TO SOMETHING 10000/10 video dawg !!

[@DaveFore_AudioEngineering]

Great perspective. I've personally watched it unfold for 40 years. The quantity model has been the biggest turnoff for me. Give me some "desert island" shit that gives me goosebumps and makes me want to play it over and over and covet it!

[@phersonjones]

Hey Curtis you should do a deep dive on Tom Mcdonald and how he is approaching sales and outreach he seems to top billboard independently pretty frequently beating out bigger artist that are backed by the machine ...to monetize he sell cds still and doesn't upload all the music to streaming site so if u want the whole album gotta buy the cd ...it's seem like it's working be interesting to hear your thoughts on him

[@tracksphantom540]

I wish it was not like this but it really is.

[@wormsali]

That reasonable monthly fee goin up

[@applejaxx]

15:00 I agree that the teams supporting these artists play a significant role in their journey. Many record labels could benefit from studying Alex Hormozi's books to enhance their strategies. Taylor Swift is a prime example of an artist employing independent tactics, prioritizing fan engagement and receiving strong support. While they (LaRussel, Russ, NF) are building businesses, it's evident that many hip-hop artists focus on vanity metrics. A closer look at their Shopify numbers would likely reveal the illusion behind these metrics.

[@Becauseimme]

Today’s acts should make podcast interviews as a track on their albums.that will boost sales.

[@bandofpranksters]

"Merry Prankster" indie rap album of the year 🔥🔥🔥

[@pyroglyphicsTV]

It's long overdue that the monopoly the major labels is finally coming apart. None of their business practices values the art these musicians put out and it devalues the art in the eyes and ears of the consumer. The indie scene is making a comeback!

[@boybandz80]

They look at the playlist curators as the new djs and playlist as the new mixtapes

[@wesleymills560]

It’s the fans. They spend ten bucks a month and expect classics

[@steelokey]

This is super intriguing cause I watched this video & felt like he missed a lot of key points that you actually pointed out. I can take a lot from this as an “independent” artist cause having creative control is everything & I guess I needa be more mindful of that.

[@beforeilay]

We need to go back to the iTunes era

[@iamjupitermay]

I went to this panel/showcase that had King Carter and everyone on that panel agreed you should make a song that’s the same BPM as what’s popular now so DJ’s can switch to your track easy in the club or wherever. Bummer

[@CurtissKingTV]

🤦🏽‍♂️ keep the suits out the booth

[@iamjupitermay]

@@CurtissKingTV 💯

[@reedbeavers6223]

That money doesn’t come from Travis pocket, that’s why he only gets that small percent cause the record company is pocketing more to get their money back too. That’s still a lot of money considering he didn’t really put any money in! And there has always been curators, they were just called dj/producers in the past

[@thekingsmatter5845]

Very interesting fam. You dropped elbows with this one.

[@hellmobmusic]

Well … artist now has to put in work and be more efficient and by the way from the get go The underlining product is and always been the brand The old thought was a artist all i have to do is rap … but reality its now more and a whole 360 different view of what youre pushing out

[@KrissLiss]

Labels gon label. DIYers gon DIY. 😤

[@Qharisma]

I think the narrator's message was right in a sense ... Case in point ... Griselda .... Boom Bap Hip hop was long considered dead and gone ..... but they stuck to it. Got a break hear and there ... and now ... look how many people are calling Benny the buthcer and/or Conway the machine they favorite rapper. I'd argure the labels still think hip hop is a young man's sport ... but in actuallity the playing field is leveling out with streaming a the "old head" artists can go direct to consumer in a sense ... and that's a game changer ... SN: I've never clicked on rap caviar in my life and I've had spotify for years.

[@fauxsuede.]

What's going on man I discover a KZbin channel and a week later you're reacting to one of their videos this has happened multiple times 😂💯

[@CurtissKingTV]

We’re tapped in 🤣🤷🏽‍♂️ send me something so I can catch up with you! Lol

[@fauxsuede.]

@@CurtissKingTV fantastic hip hop's most recent video from an hour ago or so would be a great reaction I feel like 😤

[@danielsappore3423]

Bro but that 150million streams on Spotify on 1 day, they’ll listen to that album for years most likely

[@mileybaby7576]

Right on the head bro the quality of those records is trash and who they think is hot is not. Because I’m the streets we not playing that shit. It’s TRASH

[@thereal_a_ali]

Thank you for shedding light on those gems king. I appreciate you 🙏🏾💯

[@K_Diggy]

Curated playlist creates passive listeners -> This gives the suits and yes men over inflated numbers bc marketing spent $3M on playlist placements -> Then the artist looks foolish canceling shows and doing smaller venues. I thought after DJ Khaled's meltdown over IGOR being number 1 would stop these mainstream artist from caring so much about numbers.

[@user-mn7ij2jn2n]

Absolutely right They need us for existing but they want we pay for earning the minimum wage

[@villagegirl3627]

Spotify is label controlled and owned. Facts.

[@keynotez]

📝 always giving game !

[@TheTonyTitan]

It's a supply/demand thing. There's infinitely more music out nowadays. (Edit) artists are also making shorter songs. Compare Isaac Hayes to modern music. His average song was 10-12 minutes

[@ig2633]

Correct Sir 👍

[@Marcustrh]

Totally agree with your playlist curator comment 🙏🏿 ironic your watching a video made a by a wyt creator Dave the video editor while criticizing playlisters not being “part of the culture “

[@CurtissKingTV]

Appreciate you watching 🙏🏽 I kind of see your point, but definitely think there’s a difference between someone hired for a job to edit and someone taking on the role as a voice of authority on how music should sound and be structured. And seeing how over 50% of streams on Spotify come from playlist it’s more than just Hip Hop being affected. Source: medium.com/@itsnorequests/over-50-of-all-streams-on-spotify-were-from-user-curated-playlists-ebab256a93f1#:~:text=(Image%20taken%20from%20Spotify's%20recent,“Stream%20On”%20event.)

[@fadercreek]

i have to subscribe simply cause your background poster

[@bboymac84]

People care about what they can see.

[@twinciticitivision]

So real thx

[@JI1losttribeofbuddha]

to me,... Rap has been dead but after this summer seeing what real hip hop is .... nothing in the past 15 years meets the original bar of rap music... so it's a sad day for American rappers ... they (the listeners) would rather a well-behaved African doing afro beats and English rappers that are staying relevant with simpler topics,. which means rap in America is fallen off!!!.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

Yo Bro are right alot of unsign artist dont understand how good they got it and the sad thing is they still trying to get a deal , yo perception is a motherfuckers ppl need to really open up their 3rd eye and see the opportunity where they are at

[@terrytimberlake8926]

Hold up.. numbers don't lie. The people who design these streams lie.. the sad part is artist bite into that lie.

[@rodscott7360]

🤔They're over saturating the market with trash music... a recipe for destroying the genre 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@durhamskywriter]

… and don’t you lose all of the songs on your playlist once you stop paying? If I’m paying, I want to “own” the track, or at least continue to have access to it.

[@7thNoteOfficial]

😢

[@swagonmax]

Only fact!

[@sbodahandsum8055]

Kurtis king 👑

[@Aggie4life77]

Is a Drake feature even worth it for an artist? There is no guarantee that the song is going to be a hit just because he in it. I damn near would just take that million and invest in real estate!

[@emperorczr]

It’s interesting with the Quantity or Quality debate. It’s definitely great when expressing yourself but I’m genuinely curious as to when quality is more beneficial for artists on the business side of things because realistically, quantity does seem to be the most logical way to go when starting out, & when trying to make a profit later on.

[@T1C3]

Yachty made Bhad baby one of my favorite female rappers, sad to say she never had that creative freedom to even want to build towards that. It was the machine getting what it wanted. Its actual sick 😆 now that i think about it 😕

[@JimJones4Life]

Does Bhad Baby write or is she just a performer? I thought she was just a performer.

[@Abundanc3beats]

@@JimJones4Lifeshe does not write any of her lyrics, a Black woman does lol. You’re correct. She’s not a “rapper” she’s a corporate performer.

[@W4ll_fl0w3r]

Let it kill 'the industry' maybe then the industry wont have access to keep destroying/killing our artists

[@UncleSipheEC]

How about you cover amapiano

[@lvernon9471]

There absolutely needs to be a union for musical artists. You don’t think so Curtiss?

[@CurtissKingTV]

I think unionizing is a great idea. However, I as an independent musician wouldn’t want to unionize with a musician signed to a major label. The fundamental needs of both are very different. I would hate to see the needs of independents be compromised in the name of serving an already lopsided eco system like the traditional industry.

[@okaydmuzikkk6771]

Drake charges a mill for a feature!!!!! Wtf Yo!!!!😮😮😮😮😮

[@portrise]

Amazing Discussion man. When you put so much into your music it hurts when you see how your art is exploited. But if you've got music you can be proud of when you're old. You've already won 😊

[@PVCKMVN]

It’s like drugs it can get us money quick. Some of the work is good and some is trash. If you only care about the money you are Gona sell either trash product or product that can kill or harm clients. If you care you probly just smoking weed and selling to your buddies. And the weed is great lol

[@aevi09]

show apple, tidal, and youtube numbers

[@bugagee3560]

This why the club is dead

[@johnbowen6038]

You 25 years later buddy. Napster been killed the game

[@AlexMartinsBrazil]

the "dream" of music is a lie invented by executives to make the artist sell his soul in exchange for seconds of fame, music is just an instrument of profit, and the artist is the last to make money, give up this lie and try to make money real money

[@jermaine0323]

I feel like every since creators have been on the rise there has been a attack on Hip Hop mainly the rappers to prove a point like they aren’t talented and broke which is insane to me to see. I get the critique but this is starting to look like a trend/agenda not specifically from you but from this new industry as a whole

[@CurtissKingTV]

I have definitely noticed that. It happens in sports media as well. When creators start speaking in coded stereotypes