Jerry Cantrell criticizes the music streaming model: “It’s a bad business model for artists.”
Low income from streaming for musicians
In a recent interview with Primordial RadioAlice In Chains frontman Jerry Cantrell has expressed concerns about the music streaming model and its impact on artists’ earnings. According to him, certain songs only earn musicians“a thousandth of a cent” each time they are broadcast on a streaming platform. “It’s a bad business model,” he says, lamenting a continued decline in revenue while costs for artists continue to rise.
Cantrell says the music industry has always been tough, but streaming makes that worse by reducing artists’ share of profits even further. “The costs of touring – bus rental, fuel, salaries, travel – are constantly rising, while revenues are falling for artists of all sizes,” he adds.
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A comparison with the radio era
To illustrate his point, Cantrell recalls the days when radio broadcasting generated more income for musicians. “Back in the day, when you were on the radio, it made about a penny for each broadcast, which ended up adding up,” he remembers. “Today, artists barely get a fraction of that with streaming.” Cantrell declares himself an ardent defender of artists’ rights and advocates for a more equitable model.
A constantly evolving industry
Despite his criticism, Cantrell remains realistic about the evolution of the music industry. He recognizes that the landscape is constantly changing and that artists must adapt to continue to thrive. “The landscape is always moving, and time is constantly moving forward. You have to be aware of these changes, adapt to them and find how to function,” he explains.
Despite the challenges, Cantrell remains passionate about his art. His latest solo album, I Want Bloodreleased on October 18, was widely praised for its distinctive sound and musical depth. He will begin his North American tour in support of this album on January 31, traveling across the United States before concluding in his native state of Washington.
