More music is being created right now than at any other time in history, and most of it is coming from independent music makers. According to the most recent data from Luminate, about 99,000 tracks a day were delivered to the digital streaming platforms (DSPs) in 2024, with 91.8% of those tracks coming outside of the major labels or distribution systems.

Yet, even as uploading music to streaming platforms has reduced old barriers to entry, many obstacles still exist for someone trying to earn a living as a full-time music creator. The production cost of a full album averages almost $33,000, according to a July 2025 survey of A2IM label members. And with an industry that’s experienced immense changes in recent years – from the COVID-19 pandemic shutting down studios and live venues to dimi

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