Report Blog Entry
In the age of instant access, it's easy to forget that behind every song is a human being — an artist who poured time, emotion, and creativity into their work. While streaming has made music more accessible, many artists still rely on direct support from fans to continue doing what they love. That’s why choosing to buy music legally — and not downloading it illegally — truly matters.
Here’s why it counts:
1. Art Isn’t Free to Make
Creating music costs time and money. From studio sessions and mixing to mastering, visuals, and promotion — every step in the process is an investment. When you download music illegally, you're taking the result of someone else’s effort without giving anything in return.
— "When you support an artist financially, you're not just paying for a song — you're fueling their future."
2. Streams Don’t Pay Enough
Streaming services pay artists very little per play; often just fractions of a cent. Buying music directly (through platforms like Bandcamp, iTunes, or even physical merch) ensures a much fairer return for the artist’s work.
— "One album sale can be worth thousands of streams. Your purchase makes a real difference."
3. Respect the Craft
Illegally downloading music is essentially saying: “Your work isn’t worth paying for.” That’s not the message we want to send to the creatives who shape our playlists and memories.
— "If music has value to you, show it by valuing the person who made it."
4. You’re Supporting Independence
Many artists today are independent — without the backing of big labels. That means you, the listener, are their main source of income and momentum. Buying their music helps them pay rent, fund their next project, and stay in the game.
— "For indie artists, every sale is a survival vote. Every download is a message that they matter."
5. Ethics Matter in the Digital Age We live in a time where everything can be copied, but that doesn’t make it right. Choosing to support art ethically sends a powerful message: creativity deserves respect and compensation. — "Just because you can get it for free doesn’t mean you should."
6. Human Connection Matters More Than Ever
With the rise of AI-generated music flooding platforms and gaining traction, it’s becoming even harder for independent artists to compete and be heard. While algorithms can mimic sound, they can’t replicate emotional nuance, or the soul behind a song. Knowing that real people are listening — and choosing to support — gives artists the motivation to keep creating.
— “In a world of artificial everything, your genuine support reminds artists that real connection still matters.”
7. Live Music Isn’t Getting Cheaper Concerts, tours, and even small local gigs are more expensive than ever for both artists and fans. Rising costs of travel, gear, and promotion make it harder for independent musicians to hit the road, especially without strong support from their audience. Buying music helps bridge that gap and keeps the live experience alive. — "When you support artists offstage, you help them stay onstage."
Final Thought: Be a Part of the Song Buying music might seem small, but it creates a ripple effect. You're helping an artist continue, create, and grow. You become part of their story. And they, in turn, soundtrack yours. — "Support music the way it supports you — honestly, directly, and with heart." If you love an artist’s work, don’t just stream it. Buy the album. Grab the merch. Share their name. Because real support sounds a lot better than silence.
#supporttheunderground #empowertheartist #musicmatters #respecttheart #musicislife #lifeismusic
Comments
Displaying 9 of 9 comments ( View all | Add Comment )
Ahrayeph Official
Completely agree with the points made in this blog.
Those who still believe independent artists earn pennies on album sales don't realise how much the music business landscape has changed. The pennies earned come from streaming, from which the payout it beyond apalling. Album, E.P. or singles sales, on the other hand, even in a digital format, can earn an artist a solid income, depending on which platform they use. I chiefly use Bandcamp (although I'm also on Apple Music, Amazon and other digital music distributors), which only takes a small service fee and waives even that each first Friday of the month - with the exception of the Summer months and December - January - in order to support the artists on their platform.
So it definitely pays - literally as well as figuratively - to support artists' releases rather than illegally downloading them and distributing them, which is nothing short of thievery whichever way you slice it. But that point is being made in the blog as well, so those who commit such an act should have a hard think about what they're doing and how they are running their own favourite bands into financial ruin by doing so.
Thank you Ahráyeph for taking the time to read the blog and your response—much appreciated! 🖤
Hope you continue to release even more excellent music, and I’ll definitely be keeping an ear out for it!
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
SaschaT
I am in the lucky position where I do not depend on financial income to create my art. But I feel for all my colleagues who do depend on an income and who have dedicated their lives to the arts. So I, whenever I really like music, I do buy it either on CD or on Bandcamp.
I do the same when you release something (long-time fan of Ghosting 🖤)
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
xxRebellious_Emmaxx
To be fair, it really depends on if it's a smaller, independent artist/band or if the artist or band has a deal with a record label. With the latter, they only earn a few pennies per album purchase, yet make most of their money from selling their other merchandise. If you really support an artist, go buy their fucking merchandise. It hardly makes any difference for the band/artist if you buy the official CD or pirate the songs from it and burn your own onto a blank CD-R (unless we're talking about independent artists here).
And yeah, I agree that streaming services are stupid and are even worse than record labels in terms of screwing their artists over.
Hello xxRebellious_Emmaxx, appreciate you sharing your thoughts
As I mentioned in points 3 and 5 of my blog, illegally downloading music basically says, “Your work isn’t worth paying for,” which isn’t the message we want to send to the creatives who shape our playlists and memories. Also, in today’s digital age, just because something can be copied easily doesn’t mean it’s right.
Buying the official CD isn’t only about the money. It’s also about respecting the artist’s rights to their own work. When music gets pirated, artists lose control over how their songs are shared and used, which can make it harder for them to keep making music. So even if it doesn’t feel like a big deal right away, choosing to support artists legally really helps protect their creativity and future projects.
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
Nicol3
I usually buy the cd whenever i find a new band i like (if it isnt too expensive since i am broke)
I do understand the broke struggle; everything keeps getting more expensive. Kudos for buying the CD when you can!
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
mia shh
This is why I love kpop albums. But, I don't really Stan small artists but if I did, I would look out for anything physical. But I believe streaming with popular artists is fine (imo! My two cents). I love your takes ! Very important post.
Thank you! Your two cents are very much appreciated
Of course, it’s a lot easier for mainstream or major-label artists to survive on streaming, since they’re already backed by big resources and visibility.
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
QueenJinx
If there’s a band I end up liking I always keep my eye out for a vinyl.
Props! 🙌
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
Ausgang
This is great.
As an independent band with no record label backing, we 100% rely on fans buying our tunes/records/merch on Bandcamp and at shows and to turn up to those shows. We also rely on the fees we ask promoters for playing the shows. We know the effort and cost that goes into rehearsing, recording and manufacturing merchandising. On top of that, we know that our artistic skills are worth something. We don't play for free and we certainly don't pay to play. This may be hard in the early stages (and Ausgang certainly experienced their fair share of hardships back in the 80s), but the quicker bands set precedents and at the very least get all their expenses paid for to play a show, the better.
So thank you to everyone who has forked out their hard-earned cash to support Ausgang! We do the same for other bands/artists. None of us would be here without eachother's support.
You can count me in as one of those supporters! 🖤
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
Paul
Agreed!
Honestly used to pirate a lot when i was young and broke but feels good to support the artists nowadays.
Great to hear you’re supporting artists now! Keep it up
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
The Light Dreams
100% agree on all of this! The final point on the ripple effect is so true. Ultimately, it is the direct support from fans who buy our albums or merchandise on Bandcamp, etc that drives us indie artists to keep making music. We see and feel that support.
As independent artists, we have so many tools and possibilities at our disposal now, especially compared to say, ten years ago. But in an increasingly saturated marketplace, being discovered and heard is getting harder and harder. We don't put hours of our lives, emotions and even money into our music for it to be stolen, or for somebody to expect it to be free. Anybody ripping music online to mp3 need to ask themselves how they would feel in the shoes of the artist.
You have my continuing support!
🖤
by Hayley Clx
;
;
Report
totally agree
by tekpowa; ; Report