Like many others, I struggle with the ethics of using [Popular Streaming Service That Underpays Musicians]. In the end, I stream music regularly because the convenience and educational advantages are too much to ignore.
That said, there are several steps I take to ensure that the artists I love are supported.
First, I am often streaming music I already purchased at some point, and still possess, in a different medium.
Second, as much as I’m able, I support musicians in their projects – by buying a CD or record, by boosting them on Kickstarter or Patreon, or by attending a live performance, when that’s possible.
Third, I have a playlist that I turn on whenever I’m not actively listening to music. Titled “Friends and Former Students,” it serves to up the stream count of musicians I care deeply about. It’s a drop in the bucket, but it’s a drop.
How do you grapple with streaming services?