the disparity in value between different streams

The renowned Amy Thomson shared her thoughts on a matter not long ago that has stayed in my mind ever since.

She spoke of Warner Music’s CEO highlighting the disparity in value between different types of streams.

The crux of the argument put forward is that an Ed Sheeran track holds more commercial value than ambient sounds like rain or waves.

This raises important questions about fairness and sustainability in the music industry's digital age.

In the current landscape dominated by subscription-based platforms like Spotify, the analogy of music as goods in a store becomes pertinent.

As a wise man once said: “If Wholefoods came out with a 10$ a month subscription to food, it would be a popular product”

But it begs the question: shouldn't the cost vary based on production complexity and artistic investment?

Ed Sheeran– or any artist's songs– involve substantial costs compared to ambient recordings, suggesting a need for differentiated pricing models that reflect these realities.

Imagine if streaming services offered tiered subscriptions: a standard tier for music and a lower-priced tier for ambient sounds.

This approach could potentially cater to diverse consumer preferences while ensuring fair compensation for artists across different genres and production scales.

However, the issue isn't solely about pricing models; it also delves into transparency and fairness regarding artist compensation.

As Thomson points out, many artists remain unaware of the actual rates they receive per stream due to non-disclosure agreements.

This lack of transparency hampers their ability to advocate for fair pay and make informed decisions about their careers in an increasingly competitive market.

There is no denying the urgency to restructure how we value music, and it feels we may see fairly radical changes in the near future.

It requires a concerted effort from industry leaders, policymakers, and artists alike to establish fair practices that support creativity and diversity.

Robert Kyncl's call for change and Amy Thomson’s expert insight resonated deeply with me, and shows how there could be change enacted towards a more equitable music ecosystem.