An Open Letter to Music & A Letter from The Artist
“History Doesn't Repeat Itself, but It Often Rhymes”
I opened up this small space on the internet to elevate the culture I love. I love music — from the business and economics to the creativity and artistry. I am both an analytic and a creative and have pretty well-rounded views and insights on different parts of the industry.
Regardless of music taste, the economics and strategy function the same across all genres. Someone is creating and someone/some people are profiting.
As I’ve gotten older, especially living through and experiencing the last 20 years, I want to know where my money is going. Who’s getting my coins? Show me a graph. Show me numbers. Can I get a receipt? Can I use this as a write-off?
Why do we still have “struggling artists” and why do I almost feel extorted when I give in and accept the increase of my streaming subscriptions?
Auto-pay has no mercy.
Why am I paying more and artists are getting less? Where is my money going? Why did I read that Spotify and other streaming platforms haven’t made a profit since inception because of the royalties paid out?
Taylor Swift is a billionaire. The US Federal Reserve credited her with changing the economic fortunes of major cities across the country.
Beyonce’s Renaissance Tour costs an arm and a leg. She was recently blamed for the "stubbornly high inflation" in Sweden after performing there. (No shade because Girl Power).
Music is so many things for so many of us. It’s an innate part of the human experience. It exists in every society, with and without words.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” — Plato
Sometimes I like to compare myself to the bottom of a Snapple cap — full of random information, but I’ve learned it’s not useless. What I research, learn, and write about can actually help those around me.
We live in a capitalist society, but every society has its non-conformists, the ones who refuse to bend or mold, the ones who pride themselves in truth and authenticity. I’m no rebel, but I like to consider myself a scholar, a storyteller, a soul with a host of knowledge supported with facts and data.
As I learn, I want to share the knowledge with others who love music as much as I do. When we know better, we do better, and maybe one day we will be the ones to make the change.