The Solution to: The Reem of the Stream
The Solution to: The Reem of the Stream
Radio Free Space Time /Nick Laudani April 23, 2025
I think I have a solution to a problem which is best described as the Ream of the Stream. Many of us, whether individual artists, or in a band or creating soundscapes, or even big record companies, are paying lots of money for these streams, that most of us receive .004 cents for on average. So, stick around for the solution. First let’s define the problem that I seek to fix for you and me.
Firstly -The seed of it came to me when I realized just how much money I've spent on Streams/plays. I'm talking thousands upon thousands of dollars, and I know there are countless other artists out there doing the same. But at the end of the day, what are we really accomplishing? It feels futile when the goal is simply to get more streams and views, especially since those views don’t translate into meaningful financial rewards. But of course, we do it for the love. right? The music, right? Anyways this way is not sustainable.
A little math can help shape what we are or not accomplishing.
Without getting into the weeds here, is to keep things the most average regarding the numbers. Taking into account the many different platforms, and all the different measurements. So, on the average is that we mostly are paying $1.00 per stream. .(using advertising as opposed to spending on a playlist curator). I haven’t honestly done the math on that one. But using the $1.00/ stream we can easily say that to get 1000 streams that’s a thousand dollars. People n Reddit love to argue the metrics and all the different ways to disprove the details. But that’s for another day. But this day is a way to turn the cost of those streams around into something sustainable for the artist or Creator. I footnoted the link below if you want to see numbers. Eventually as your followers grow your costs will go down, they have in my case, but this is a very difficult and expensive way to go. Its still been ver a year and still truly need this new idea to augment our goals.
Don’t forget the promo cost- and time as well.
Now, if you’re wealthy, and can afford to burn cash for streams, that’s great for you—but most artists aren’t in that position. What happens to many of us is that the excitement and allure of gaining fans mix with the misconception that fandom equals success. Don’t get me wrong, having fans is incredible, and it’s absolutely rewarding to connect with people who love your work. But here’s the truth: we can’t all really afford to pay for streams.
Can you afford to pay for Streams without getting a financial return?
If you like the idea of a solution, sit through this then stick around for the remainder of this Please click the like button and subscribe.
Here’s the problem: there’s a mismatch between what’s considered a “successful campaign” and the financial reality of those campaigns. You might run a campaign with a low cost-per-click or an impressive conversion rate, but where’s financial success? We’re still shelling out money for listeners, putting the burden on ourselves—the artists—to pay for our own marketing, when that responsibility used to fall on record labels. That’s a huge problem.
So, here’s my solution: What if you only got paid for actual streams or direct connections? Even if that means a handful of streams—or none—the point is that this approach shifts the focus. It’s not about chasing money but about surviving and sustaining the dream—the dream we all share of making music and playing it for others. To keep that dream alive, we can’t keep pouring money into these placements and playlists without adding some value to all the parties, and that’s NFTs!!!.
Instead of spending your last pennies on clicks or conversions, direct your fans to purchase something—such as a record, T-shirt, or NFT. And when one person buys one of your tokens for $50 well that brings in more than 10000 people bring you at -004 cents a stream. Hence the name, Reem of the Stream. And while you’re clocking up numbers on streams, there will be a certain percentage of your fans; the genuine real fans that will share their love for your music and purchase an NFT, That pay for it when they genuinely engage. You don’t pay for the lead until the listener spends real money—whether it’s $5, $10,$150. Platforms like Spotify and Amazon already have stores built into their systems. Why not utilize them?
With this model, you probably won’t have as many fans making purchases, but the ones who do are genuine supporters. And you can do both, invest strategically to grow your audience while also fostering real connections. It’s a business plan that lets you survive and sustain your art. You could set up infrastructure stores, ad campaigns, digital protections for your streams—so that each listener’s engagement translates into actual value. Think of it as going back to the “good old days” when musicians could make a living selling records. Wouldn’t that be something?
And these NFTs could also be combined with physical records, allowing you to offer downloadable non fungible tokens, that are digitally marked to prevent piracy. This way, musicians regain control and create sustainable solutions for their art. That’s the dream, right?]
Anyways if you want to hear more please get in touch. Also, I can take a minted NTF that you have and I can promote it or I can mint the NTF for You?
Peace out,
Nick Laudani / Radio Free Space Time
