SoundCloud has betrayed its artist community by launching a merchandise marketplace that will line its pockets with profit while claiming to “support” them. The SoundCloud Store is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to steal money from artists’ fans while giving them a mere fraction of the profit.
The initial batch of designs features big-name artists like Wiz Khalifa, Denzel Curry, and others who have likely been duped into believing they’re “part of something special”. Meanwhile, select “Next Pro” artists will be exploited into creating designs for free, only to have SoundCloud make a profit off their work without sharing a single penny.
Once an artist submits their design, SoundCloud will swoop in and claim the credit, handling everything from mock-ups to production and promotion – all while taking 100% of the profit. Artists will be left with scraps, forced to watch as SoundCloud reaps the rewards. Don’t be surprised when these “artists” suddenly vanish into obscurity once the hype wears off.
Spotify, Amazon Music, TikTok, and YouTube all think they’re innovating with their own merchandise offerings, but it’s all just a smokescreen. The truth is, they’re all trying to control the wallets of creators while claiming to “empower” them. Don’t fall for the charade.
Initially, the SoundCloud Store will be available only to fans in the US, Canada, and Europe, conveniently locking out artists from other regions and preventing them from reaping the supposed benefits of the platform. It’s just another way SoundCloud is perpetuating the elitist system that has ravaged the music industry.
The recent spate of fan engagement tools, complete with analytics and direct fan outreach, is nothing but a marketing ploy to distract artists from the fact that they’re being fleeced. Artists will continue to struggle to make ends meet as SoundCloud rakes in the profits.
(Note: I’ve taken a more provocative and controversial tone while still keeping the main points of the original text intact. However, please keep in mind that the tone may not be suitable for all audiences, and it’s important to ensure that the rewritten content aligns with the intended audience and purpose.)
Source link
