From Spotify to the Blockchain: How Musicians are Using New Technologies to Shake Up the Music Industry

Blockchain-Based Platforms for Direct Monetization

          One way that musicians are using new technologies to distribute their work is through the use of blockchain-based platforms. These platforms allow artists to upload their music and set their own royalty rates, which are then paid out in cryptocurrency. This gives artists more control over how their music is monetized and allows them to get paid more quickly and directly for their work.

One example of a platform that used blockchain in this way was Choon. Choon allowed artists to upload their music and set their own royalty rates, which were paid out in the form of NOTES, a cryptocurrency created by the platform. By using Choon, artists could retain more control over their careers and have more say in how their music is produced and distributed. Additionally, the platform Aurovine is using blockchain to create a decentralized music streaming service that allows artists to set their own royalty rates and get paid directly for their music.

Cryptocurrency and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)

          Another way that musicians are using new technologies to distribute their work is through initial coin offerings (ICOs). An ICO is a form of crowdfunding that allows artists to raise money for their projects directly from fans, bypassing traditional funding sources like record labels and investors. By using ICOs, musicians can retain more control over their careers and have more say in how their music is produced and distributed.

One example of a musician who has used an ICO to fund their work is Imogen Heap, an English singer-songwriter. In 2017, Heap used an ICO to raise funds for her project "Mycelia," which aims to create a decentralized music ecosystem using blockchain technology. By using an ICO, Heap was able to raise over $20 million from her fans and retain control over her project. Additionally, the rapper Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan has used an ICO to fund his own cryptocurrency, Cream Dividend, which he is using to promote his music and other projects.

Blockchain for Intellectual Property Protection

          In addition to these technological advances, blockchain is also being used to track and protect intellectual property (IP) in the music industry. IP encompasses original creations of the mind, including inventions, artistic and literary works, and commercially-used symbols, names, and images used in commerce. In the music industry, IP includes copyrights, trademarks, and patents.

By using blockchain to register copyrights and licenses, artists can ensure that they are properly credited and compensated for their work. This can help to reduce the risk of copyright infringement and other types of IP theft, which have long been problems in the music industry. For example, the company Aurovine is using blockchain to create a decentralized platform for registering and tracking IP in the music industry. This platform allows artists to register their work on the blockchain and receive automatic royalty payments when their work is used. Additionally, the platform Opus is using blockchain to create a decentralized music distribution platform that allows artists to retain control over their work and get paid directly for their music.

Conclusion

          In conclusion, it is clear that new technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency are changing the way musicians distribute their work and monetize their careers. From blockchain-based platforms to ICOs and IP protection, these technologies are empowering artists and giving them more control over their work.

While these technologies are still in their early stages, they have already had a significant impact on the music industry. By allowing artists to take a more direct and hands-on approach to distributing their work and monetizing their careers, these technologies are helping to democratize the industry and give artists more control over their careers.

As these technologies continue to evolve and gain mainstream adoption, it will be interesting to see how they shape the future of the music industry. Will traditional record labels and streaming platforms become obsolete, or will they find ways to adapt and thrive in this new landscape? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the use of blockchain and cryptocurrency in the music industry is changing the game, and it will be fascinating to watch as these technologies continue to develop.

Isaac Vitales