Explore alternatives for free music streaming, that not only support artists, but don’t leave a hole in your wallet
In the wake of Spotify’s recent blow to artists, music enthusiasts are seeking streaming alternatives that not only offer a diverse range of tracks but also prioritise fair compensation for the creative minds behind the music.
Enter ROKK, Tidal, SoundCloud and newcomer Musi – four streaming platforms stepping up to challenge the status quo and redefine the music streaming landscape.
ROKK
Kamelot/Cyhra drummer, Alex Landenburg, and Mentalist guitarist, Peter Moog, are shaking up the industry with the launch of ROKK, a streaming service dedicated exclusively to rock and metal aficionados.
The duo’s mission is clear: shift the revenue flow back to the artists who fuel the pulse of this genre.
Landenburg and Moog are currently leveraging an Indiegogo campaign to bring fans on board, offering early access and special discounted rates to backers.
“The money of the rock and metal fans does not really go to the bands that they listen to, it goes somewhere else most of the time. We want to change that with ROKK,” Landenburg shared. Moog echoes the sentiment, rallying metalheads to join the ROKK revolution and make streaming fair for bands and artists.
Tidal
TIDAL, another heavyweight in the streaming game, stands out with its artist-centric approach. Boasting over 90 million tracks, TIDAL pays artists more per stream than its competitors, and artists have the option to release exclusive content on the platform.
TIDAL’s dedication to musicians is further evident in its detailed credit pages, offering transparency about contributors to each piece of music.
While TIDAL may not be a one-stop-shop for podcasts, its video offerings are unparalleled, with over 450,000 exclusive videos, including music videos, live performances, and captivating documentaries.
UMG’s Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge has spoken out about the music company’s preference for a switch to an “artist-centric” model to transform the way that artists and rightsholders are paid by streaming services.
“To correct the streaming payout imbalance, we need an updated model. Not one that pits artists of one genre against artists of another or major label artists against indie or DIY artists. We need a model that supports all artists — DIY, indie and major.”
SoundCloud
SoundCloud stands out in the streaming landscape as a nurturing ground for emerging musicians, fostering an environment where new talents can flourish.
The platform’s alternative payout model, extensive song library, and artist-friendly features empower musicians to connect with audiences, build a fan base, and receive valuable feedback.
In a recent move, SoundCloud has revamped its music charts in the UK and US, introducing a ‘New & Hot Chart’ and a ‘Next Pro Chart’ to spotlight rising artists.
The platform aims to refocus attention on independent musicians, reinforcing its commitment to providing a platform for global music uploads and direct access, while recognizing the significance of mainstream charts as indicators of success in the dynamic music landscape.
Musi
Musi, a free music streaming app, has become increasingly popular among teenagers due to its extensive music library and ad-free streaming experience. However, questions regarding its legality have arisen due to its unconventional business model.
Musi sources music videos from YouTube and allows users to stream audio seamlessly, supported by ads within the app. The app’s legality is ambiguous since it lacks agreements with labels and distributors for music streaming, leading some experts to view it as a form of piracy as it substitutes YouTube ads with its own.
Nonetheless, Musi’s success underscores the demand for free music streaming services, particularly among the younger demographic, who are hesitant to pay subscription fees.
