A new branch has sprouted for starving music artists in the streaming industry. Following Soundcloud, the pioneer of individualism in musicians who aren’t signed, Spotify has taken a page out of their book to now beta test direct uploads from artists themselves. This feature allows composers to release their music without the middleman of a label, giving birth to more freedoms for their art form.
Direct Uploading is—aforementioned—currently in Beta, meaning it’s in its infantile state of production. About 200,000 have this ability and were all accepted through invitation. To a pleasant surprise, only “a few hundred U.S. based artists” were invited, a very forgiving percentage of diversity. After the launch of Spotify for Artists, a tool implemented to show data collected from artists number of streams and traffic, the number one request was for “direct uploading” and Spotify is making good on that inquiry.
Testing the waters, Spotify has taken the invite route to receive vocalized opinions directly from the artists themselves. Starting off small to get an even bigger payoff, the streaming service wants to make bring this tool to its greatest potential stating, “Our plan is to first focus on learning from the artists, get their feedback, and then make future plans about how it will become available to more artists.” Artists will be paid as streams come through, and will receive “recording royalty payments directly from Spotify” as long as they’re uploaded directly through Spotify for Artists. This is exceptional considering artists have complete control over their craft and are getting paid without the restrictions of a label.
Of course, this isn’t complete free reign, with great pentameter comes great responsibility. Spotify has clear set rules for “Hate Conduct,” but not only that, the hurdle of copyright claims. Much like YouTube copyright infringement is prohibited, and songs may be banned from being uploaded. Although, Spotify will allow musicians to contact support before the song goes live if there are instances of unjust blockings.
Spotify has truly gone in a transformative direction helping breed creativity and give even more talented individuals a platform for their messages and art.