Taking Pride in Your Craft: How This Music Streaming Platform is Empowering Emerging Artists

Written By: CJ Hall

For artists new to the scene, taking pride in your craft isn’t just about making great music—it’s about owning your journey, taking actions or next steps on the support you have available, and getting paid fairly on the backend for all your hard work. 

Audius, a music streaming platform, recently announced a major upgrade to its payment system, sparking excitement among artists and fans alike. It allows artists to share their work directly with fans, without relying on a record label to control the process. And it doesn’t hurt that major names like Nas and Pusha T, who’ve invested in the platform, are backing it too.

In a press statement, Nas emphasized the game-changing potential of this technology, saying, “I believe [blockchains] might be the most important technology to ever hit the music industry. Everyone who uploads to Audius can be an owner. You can’t say that about any other platform.” His investment shows a strong belief in Audius’s ability to empower artists and transform the industry.

While we’re not here to push any specific platform, it’s worth taking note how this shift supports artists wanting to take control of their careers. Audius is working to change the harsh reality that so many musicians struggle to earn a fair income from streaming.

1. Keep 90% of Your Earnings

With Audius' new payment system, artists can now keep 90% of their earnings. This is a major shift from traditional streaming platforms that often take huge cuts. As mentioned in Music Business Worldwide, this structure is designed to reward artists directly, allowing them to earn more from their work. 

2. Get Paid Faster with USDC

Audius pays artists in USDC, a stable cryptocurrency that’s tied to the U.S. dollar. Think of it as a way to faster payments—no waiting around for checks to clear or funds to process. This approach addresses a common frustration among musicians, making it easier for you to access your earnings when you need them most. According to research, this immediate solution can significantly enhance your cash flow, allowing you to reinvest in your music and manage your finances more effectively.

3. Simplify Your Distribution

Getting your music on multiple platforms can be a hassle. With Audius, your tracks are automatically distributed to giants like Spotify and Apple Music, simplifying the process. As mentioned earlier, this feature was built to help artists focus on “creating and engaging with their fans” rather than getting bogged down by logistics. 

4. Building Strong Fan Relationships

Engaging with listeners is super important, and Audius encourages direct interaction. With tools for exclusive content and special engagement opportunities, you can create a community that genuinely shows love as a fanbase. The platform's design is meant “for artists by artists,” adding to the importance of building relationships. 

5. Owning Your Future

At the core of Audius' new system is control and ownership. Artists maintain the rights to their music and decide how it’s shared, which is a big advantage for independent musicians. This can push artists to take control of their content, giving freedom to shape the career path the way they see fit.

Final Thoughts

Audius’ new payment system offers a great opportunity for emerging artists ready to take control. With the ability to keep more of your earnings, get paid faster, streamline distribution, and connect with fans on a deeper level, you can embrace your solo journey with more confidence. 

As you navigate the path, staying informed about tools like Audius can help you create a future that truly reflects your hard work and creativity. Explore these options and put yourself in the space you aspire to be in.