Independence as a web3 musician

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As an independent in the music industry, it's becoming increasingly clear that the road to success is not an easy one. Artists face a multitude of barriers and obstacles, such as access to resources, finding an audience, and obtaining a sustainable income. These can sometimes seem like impossible tasks.

A year ago, the rise of web3 and the potential it offered for decentralization and democratization seemed like the paradigm-shifting event we needed. In many ways, it has proven to be so, providing a direct connection between artists and fans, a realistic path to sustainable income, and the ability for artists to take control of their releases. However, as more and more web3 music platforms have emerged, it's become apparent that many of these platforms operate in similar ways to traditional web2 groups.

We are beginning to see a trend towards independence, with the advent of more custom contracts, individualized drops via platforms like bonfire and manifold, and artist collectives. The rise of web3 music collectives has been documented, and many of the most successful artists in the space operate within these groups. Artists are realizing that building their own platforms and creating their own worlds is the key to success in the music industry. The future may be uncertain, but through innovative approaches, web3 native musicians can pave the way for a new generation of independents.