
Bypass: You could pay rent with music soon?! + Spotify fights AI
Bypass: Music Industry News for Independent Artists
Wednesday edition - 3 min read
Spotify Fights AI Slop
What's Up
Seems like all the criticism finally got to Spotify. They just announced they’ve removed 75 million AI spam tracks in the past year. All that slop was and is diluting YOUR royalty pool. Now they’re rolling out a new spam filter this fall that’ll tag bad uploads and stop recommending them to listeners.
So What
The spam filter matters, but Spotify’s also taking “content mismatch” seriously (finally). This is a long-standing issue with Spotify, where randos can upload slop straight to your Spotify profile. If you’ve been a victim, you know how frustrating this gets. It seriously tanks your stats because listeners are confused about the quality of your music.
Now What
Been impersonated? Then these new policies from Spotify might help you. They claim they’re “reducing wait times” for content mismatch forms - but we’ll have to see about that.
Being an Indie Artist Could Actually Pay
What’s Up
Throw away those aprons, Rep. Rashida Tlaib just reintroduced the Living Wage for Musicians Act, which would set a penny per stream minimum. Right now, streaming is 84% of recorded music revenue but artists only make fractions of pennies after everyone takes their cut.
So What
Streaming platforms would have to add 50% of subscription fees (capped at $4-$10) plus 10% of ad revenue into a fund that pays you directly. Currently, you need 800K monthly streams just to make $15/hr. With this bill, you’ll get to live every musician's dream: finally paying rent.
Now What
Look, congress loves big tech more than struggling artists. So put some pressure on them by writing your congressional representative and asking them to co-sponsor the bill. Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, Thompson, and Ramirez already signed on. Even if it dies in committee (because let’s be real here), momentum matters for the next attempt.
Facebook Launches Free Fan-Building Tools
What's Up
Facebook. That’s a name you wouldn’t think would pop up in music discovery. Meta recently launched free fan-building tools, one of which is Fan Challenges—a potential game changer (what's your game, Zuck?).
So What
Facebook isn’t just for grandmas posting wholesome memes. Meta’s betting on creator tools now - and Fan Challenges is honestly a great idea. It lets you encourage covers or remixes. That right there is organic growth. And with TikTok’s ownership still in limbo, betting your entire fanbase on one platform looks riskier every day.
Now What
Launch a Fan Challenge this week with the right hashtags. They are live on your Facebook page right now - just sign in.
While You Were Making Music...
👕 Counterfeit merch lawsuits are exploding [DUCK!!! There are suits flying here, there and everywhere]
Today's edition by Jordan F.
For indies who ship music, not excuses.
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