Why Buying a Local Artist’s CD Matters More Than a Thousand Streams

The Streaming Reality

In 2025, streaming has made music more accessible than ever — but it’s also made it harder than ever for artists to earn a living from their work. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube have reshaped how we listen, but the returns for the artists creating that music are often shockingly small.

According to the data (see the chart below), artists earn as little as $0.001 per stream on YouTube and around $0.0046 on Spotify. That means a song would need to be streamed hundreds of thousands of times to generate just a few hundred dollars — and that’s before labels, distributors, or managers take their share.

By contrast, buying a physical CD or piece of merchandise directly from an artist — usually priced between $15 and $20 — can provide more financial support in a single purchase than tens of thousands of streams combined. That’s money that goes straight to the artist, helping them pay for studio time, equipment, travel, and the creative work that keeps our local music scene alive.

The Numbers Behind the Streams

Disclaimer: These figures represent average estimates of payouts and can vary due to a wide range of factors — including listener location, subscription type (free vs. premium), label agreements, distribution fees, and currency exchange rates. Actual payouts for individual artists may differ.

It’s easy to see how heavily the industry now favours the consumer’s convenience rather than the artist’s sustainability. Streaming services have revolutionised access, but not fairness.

Why Artists Still Create Anyway

Most artists don’t make music for money — they do it because it’s their passion, their language, their way of connecting.

But passion alone doesn’t pay for instruments, recording sessions, or touring costs. Every CD you buy, every shirt you wear, every show you attend helps turn that passion into a sustainable career.

When you buy directly from an artist — especially a local independent — you’re not just supporting a song. You’re supporting a dream, a community, and a culture.

How You Can Help

• Buy physical albums or digital downloads directly from artists.

• Purchase merchandise — shirts, posters, or vinyls help fund future projects.

• Attend local shows and invite your friends.

• Follow and engage with artists online — your shares and comments matter.

Every small act of support creates a ripple effect that keeps local music scenes alive.

Let’s make sure the next generation of artists can keep creating — not just surviving.