We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Artist's Lament (Streaming Sweatshops)

from Back With the Jack by Rick McCargar

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $1 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

about

This is a folk song in the tradition of those who came before us to fight for the rights of the average person. In this case, it is the average musician.

Pandora, Spotify and the rest, tell us that they are providing exposure, what they are really doing, is paying less than a penny-per-stream, while they make a very nice living off of our art.

When artists 'cover' a song (think Elvis, it's about all he did), we have to pay a penny per stream royalty just for the right to cover it, plus money to record it, distribute it, but Pandora and Spotify pay less than that same penny to us for our work, and the money is also split between the songwriter and publisher of the song (who we paid with our money for the right to cover).

Artists lose money for every cover they do!

The "new" music biz boss, same as the old boss.

lyrics

Artist's Lament (Streaming Sweatshops)

I won’t let Pandora Pimp Me Out no more
I won’t let Spotify, Make Me their whore
Built streaming sweatshops, tell me I’m in on ground floor
The way they work, I won’t get paid any more

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

No one wants to pay for songs any more
They listen for free, use bitTorrent and Tor
They tell me to play live and live in motels
Most live clubs are closed and busking is hell.

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

I write my own and want to play cover songs
One million streams cost me Ten Grand that’s wrong
They don’t pay artists, pretend that they do
Play along they say, and you’ll get your due

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

Club owners tell us we must pay to play
You know when I leave I won’t be back this way
The new music business, same as the old
The artists sleep on couches, left out in the cold.

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

I won’t let Pandora Pimp Me Out no more
I won’t let Spotify, Make Me their whore
Built streaming sweatshops, tell me I’m in on ground floor
The way they work, I won’t get paid any more

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

You know I used to love it
But the music’s over now

I won't let Pandora pimp me out no more...
copyright 2014 Richard H. McCargar

credits

from Back With the Jack, released July 25, 2014

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Rick McCargar image

Rick McCargar Portsmouth, Virginia

Been playing guitar and singing since I built my own guitar out of a peach-crate and rubber bands when I was ten.

Survived a couple of strokes, so I give free guitar lessons online, to pay forward for all the people who took the time to help me.

Peace!
Rick ... more

contact / help

Contact Rick McCargar

Streaming and
Download help

Report this track or account

Rick McCargar recommends:

If you like Rick McCargar, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Attic frontman Meister Cagliostro talks heavy metal theatrics and the band's new album.
listen now