Issues bassist Skyler Acord proves streaming pay is too low amid gig bans

Earlier today, reports of a healthcare expert explaining that live concerts likely won’t be happening until late into 2021 came out and in response to that, members of Issues and Palisades are discussing how streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music aren’t doing enough to financially help the artists who make it possible for them to even earn money.

Issues bassist Skyler Acord tweeted out saying the streaming sites we’re still raking in money while musicians are unable to make an income due to concerts being banned.

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In response to the articles making the rounds about concert cancellations, the Issues bassist brings up the measly pay per stream Spotify and other streaming services hand out.

Palisades member Louis “Lou” Miceli Jr tweeted out agreeing with the sentiment. He also showcased freelance graphic designer and illustrator William Barber, known for Dead Eyes Art, as he was further showing the struggles artists in other fields are encountering too.

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Other artists have similarly shown their worries over the issue. You can see some of those posts below.

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You may have noticed recently while using Spotify that the streaming service has been asking for donations going towards artists. This is a part of a new service under Spotify For Artists. They’re taking donations for the COVID-19 Music Relief project and donating to MusiCaresPRS Foundation and Help Musicians, with others to be announced. They also say they will be matching donations up to a total company contribution of $10 million.

Many musicians have been highlighting this isn’t going far enough though. Prior to that initiative, a petition was started urging the company to permanently triple their pay per stream.

Musician Evan Greer is calling for the change while highlighting the need for artists to make a living wage and “not be left vulnerable or living gig to gig.” You can read their statement below.

“The COVID 19 pandemic has been devastating for musicians. Entire tours and festivals have been canceled. Artists have lost income they are depending on to feed their families, and the future is completely uncertain. Many in the music industry are trying to help. Events are moving online, and Bandcamp just announced a major fundraiser on March 20th where they’ll donate their revenue share on every download and purchase.

But Spotify has done nothing. They’re continuing to exploit musicians by paying next to nothing for streams, even while there are more and more people at home listening to music. This is a moment when Big Tech companies need to do their part to help.”

Do you think streaming services should be doing more for musicians? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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