Could the future of independent music exist without Spotify or Meta?

This week, we’re joined by Aaron of Essex, host of Into the Valueverse and the man behind the New Music Nudge Unit, for a crash course in the alternative music economy. We talk Fountain, RSS, Nostr, Bitcoin, sats and how musicians can receive money directly from listeners instead of waiting for fractions of pennies from streaming platforms.

Aaron explains the difference between a platform and a protocol, the easiest ways for artists to enter the Valueverse and why he believes independent musicians should stop sending everybody to Spotify. We also discuss collapsing music budgets, rebuilding online communities and whether technology might finally give artists more control over their work and income.

Elsewhere, Aaron reveals his former life as an award-winning Elvis impersonator, Buddy the Italian greyhound makes an appearance and the Weekly Whinge gets considerably bigger than usual.

Then, in Sound Advice: have we ever chosen music over a lover? The short answer is yes. Every day.

Find Aaron and the New Music Nudge Unit:

https://bitcoinessex.co.uk/newmusicnudgeunit

If you enjoy the episode, like, subscribe, share it with another struggling musician or send us a zap on Fountain.