Let’s get real: as a music artist and beatmaker navigating the digital landscape, I’m convinced that Web2 is fundamentally broken-especially for creators like me.
When social media and streaming platforms first took off, they promised to democratize music. Anyone, anywhere, could upload a track and potentially reach millions. That sounded revolutionary! But fast-forward to today, and the reality is far less inspiring. The platforms that once empowered us now act as gatekeepers, and the economics are stacked against independent creators.
On Web2 platforms, algorithms rule everything. They decide which songs get heard, which videos go viral, and who gets left behind. As a beatmaker, I spend hours crafting unique sounds, only to see my work buried unless I play the algorithm’s game. The result? Creativity gets stifled. Instead of pushing boundaries, artists feel pressure to chase trends and optimize for clicks, not art.
Let’s talk money. Streaming services pay fractions of a cent per play. Unless you’re racking up millions of streams, it’s nearly impossible to make a living. The platforms take the lion’s share, while the people actually making the music-the artists, producers, and beatmakers-get scraps. It’s a broken system that rewards scale, not talent or originality.
On Web2, we don’t own our audience or our data. If a platform changes its rules, our reach can disappear overnight. If an account gets flagged or hacked, years of work can vanish. We’re building castles on rented land, and the landlord can evict us at any time.
So, what’s the alternative? Many artists are looking toward Web3 and decentralized platforms for a fairer system-one where creators actually own their work, control their revenue, and connect directly with fans. It’s not perfect yet, but it’s a step in the right direction.
Web2 gave us tools, but it also built walls. As a music artist and beatmaker, I believe it’s time to break free from the limitations of the current system and demand something better. Our music deserves more than algorithms and pennies. It deserves a future where creativity, ownership, and community come first.
Are you a fellow artist feeling the same frustrations? Let’s connect and keep this conversation going!
Genx
