This essay explores how recent change in the music industry, specifically the shift toward digital streaming services like Spotify and Apple music, has affected opportunities available to independent artists. It analyzes business models and social drivers responsible for the success of such streaming services in contrast to those of large-scale record companies, and identifies certain consequences implicit for independent artists through these differences. The paper also examines strategies used by independent artists to gain success, and suggests certain models of operation for such a musician to efficiently navigate the new digital music industry.
