I agree that the royalties are too low, but there is a world of difference between zero-cost and non-zero-cost. If the environment allows competition between d

I agree that the royalties are too low, but there is a world of difference between zero-cost and non-zero-cost. If the environment allows competition between distribution channels and artists are able to negotiate, artist compensation has the possibility to inch higher over time. Case in point: Taylor Swift and Spotify. Regardless of whether her business model ultimately yields the highest return, at least she is not being compelled to distribute her material via Spotify.