In an era where music is just a tap away, acclaimed sitarist Anoushka Shankar, with over 30 years in the industry and multiple Grammy nominations, has sparked a heated debate. While streaming has democratized access to global tunes, Shankar argues it’s a double-edged sword that’s crippling artists financially.Drawing from her experiences touring continents and evolving her music across three chapters, she reveals how platforms like Spotify and YouTube have shifted the power dynamics, leaving musicians scrambling for scraps while corporations reap billions.
Quick Insights
- Direct Access Revolution: Social media has empowered artists to bypass labels, but it demands they become marketers, diluting focus on music.
- Financial Fallout: Streaming pays artists fractions of a percent per play, enriching platforms while starving creators.
- Global Impact: Shankar’s 30-year career shows how Indian talent thrives internationally, yet systemic issues persist.
- Call for Change: Fair compensation is essential to sustain artistry, as current models threaten the livelihoods of musicians worldwide
Anoushka Shankar on streaming’s double-edged Sword
Shankar credits social media for bypassing traditional gatekeepers, allowing young artists to connect directly with fans without needing record labels. This “removal of filters” has empowered a new generation, but she warns it’s been “quickly manipulated.” Platforms have transformed musicians into jack-of-all-trades-handling publicity, marketing, and design themselves-while the core act of creating music takes a backseat to relentless self-promotion. This shift,she says, has created a “really broken system” where artistry is undervalued.
Anoushka Shankar exposes the earnings nightmare
The real controversy lies in economics. Shankar slams streaming as “absolute hell,” pointing out that artists earn pennies per stream while labels and platforms pocket the profits. Despite her global success, she emphasizes that this model has made it nearly impossible for musicians to sustain themselves from their craft.”Musicians can’t earn any money from their music anymore,” she declares, calling for fair recognition and compensation that reflects the true value of creative work.
Conclusion
As Anoushka Shankar prepares for her upcoming India tour, her critique underscores a growing discontent in the music world. Streaming platforms have undeniably expanded audiences, but at what cost? If artists like Shankar continue to speak out, it could force a reckoning, pushing for reforms in the music world. Streaming platforms have undeniably expanded audiences, but at what cost? If artists like Shankar continue to speak out, it could force a reckoning, pushing for reforms that prioritize creators over conglomerates. The future of music hinges on whether we value innovation or exploitation.
