Last.fm starts paying royalties to unsigned bands

Social music networking-streaming-event finding site Last.fm announced it would pay musicians royalties for tracks played through the site, even if the band isn't signed to a record label. It's a positive step toward removing labels from the music formula, but Digg users wondered how life-changing this would be for the average independent band.

VozdelaVilla says

I guess this is a good thing. But I think most of the bands on Last.fm would be making more begging on the streets than making $.00005 per play. Anyone done the math on this to find out how many plays it would take to pay one month's rent? Buy a new amp? New guitar? How about a guitar pick?

megadan76 says

We'll see what the practical results are (every 6 months: "Woo, another check for 72 cents!") but it looks promising.

oxygen911 is living the rockstar life

I can't wait for my band's songs to start raking it in for us. I already talked with my bass player, he want's a new Audi. Jesse, our singer said as soon as the first check comes he is out and moving in with his GF in Texas, fucking asshole. Me? I just wanted to rip a couple lines off a strippers ass and revel in the victory of the whole situation. Last.FM rules!

JGent gives a listener's testimony for Last.fm

I love my audioscrobbler, it was indespensible when i moved into my girlfriends, as I was able to stream my music tastes while my cd's where miles away :)

feliks2 makes a whip sound with his mouth

She wouldn't let you bring your CDs? Ouch.

leazarus is proof the record industry is changing, indeed

CDs? What are CDs?