Anoushka Shankar: The Streaming Struggle for Musicians Today
Anoushka Shankar on Streaming Challenges for Musicians
Renowned musician Anoushka Shankar, recognized with multiple Grammy nominations, is gearing up for an India tour next January. During this busy period, she shared her thoughts on the troubling trend of music streaming services, emphasizing how they can be detrimental for artists.
Indian music has gained immense popularity on global platforms, thanks in part to artists like Anoushka Shankar. With over 30 years of experience as a sitarist, she has been a trailblazer in the industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Shankar states, “It all began in India. I formed a band and launched a global tour. We’ve created three chapters of music, each evolving on stage worldwide. Now, I’m excited to share this new version with people here.”
Despite the global appeal of Indian music, Shankar does not attribute its success to social media or streaming platforms. “They haven’t played a significant role. While social media has allowed young artists to reach audiences without needing major labels, it has also led to manipulations in the system,” she states.
The 44-year-old artist describes the current landscape as a “broken system”. She remarks, “Musicians must take on roles beyond just creating music—they’re expected to act as their own publicists and marketers. Streaming has been incredibly challenging.”
She emphasizes, “It’s disheartening that musicians earn so little from their craft while record labels and streaming services profit immensely. Artists deserve fair compensation and recognition for their work.”
Have you felt the impact of streaming on your favorite artists? Share your thoughts below!
