Every year Spotify does their “wrapped” for artist and listeners. There’s a lot of controversy around the use of Spotify for listeners and the use of it for Artists. I go back and forth.
There was a time I rejected using it. As an independent artists who doesn’t tour, streaming platforms like Spotify are a tool to spread the work. I wish and believe absolutely we should be compensated more than we are for our contributions to the collective culture of the world. I wish they paid us our proper worth each time you stream a song.
Music is a commodity with an abundant access point. It’s really up to the people to help improve the platform. We deserve better for our work. Until people give up some of their conveniences as listeners the model will remain. As an Independent Artist I am not in a position to reject Spotify. It helps get my music and my other work an audience.
Independent Artists typically don’t have the means to market their material to a larger audience so the game for us is in the small things. The constant effort, the word on the street, the heart that continues to create and share. With the hope that people will find it, take it in, and the work will have impacted them, even if it’s just for a moment.
I am proud to be invited into those places and I am grateful to be granted space by you and everyone around the world. 140 Countries is an amazing sight to see for me. Imagine how this music is being played, how my voice is a part of an experience somewhere else. It’s a special thing.
Much love and happiness with all the peace and authenticity,
Ryan
Hazy Acres 
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