Do Musicians Really Benefit from Digital Music Streaming Services?

Minimum wage woes have been a complaint of the ages. Even when they increase, it seems that there is always something to complain about. In the 1960’s, minimum wage hovered right around the $1 mark, never getting above $1.60. Today, that amount has fortunately increased significantly but for most, it is still not enough. This battle of wages is similar to what is plaguing the music streaming industry right now.

If you think what you’re making is low, take this into consideration, and maybe it will change your perspective: on several popular streaming sites, even if an artist’s song gets played 1,000 times, their “wage” equals out to between $1.20 and $5. No wonder artists are speaking up about these low rates. Certainly, this payout isn’t all that they are expected to live off of, however it wouldn’t hurt for streaming sites to increase their current compensation just a bit. Fortunately, not all are so low. Some sites, like Arena, offer a higher payout to the musicians they stream, which only makes sense. So, where do you listen to your music and do they pay more than your minimum wage?

Natalie Mantovani is an aspiring journalist in New Jersey and is passionate about the music industry.