> These two are equivalent earning streams for artists (ignoring the money that record labels siphon away) This is not "earning streams for artists," then, if

> These two are equivalent earning streams for artists (ignoring the money that record labels siphon away) This is not "earning streams for artists," then, if you're willing to handwave away the huge amounts the record labels siphon away. It's "earnings streams for the recording industry." The nature of the spotify licensing deals, and the reason so many artists other than Taylor Swift are rebelling, is that spotify makes a bunch of money, the record labels make a bunch of money, and artists make a pittance but have no part in negotiating that deal. Not to say record labels provide no other benefits (promotion, production, logistics), but more and more, the best choice for artists is becoming to simply not participate in this system. For many, it's better to try to locate some middle ground where you can make a living with moderate success by selling directly to your fans than it is to buy the pop music lottery ticket and get either superstardom or (much much more likely) nothing.