How useful is Soundcloud to an emerging artist?
I must admit I only use Sound Cloud for my demo work, its a useful platform for allowing fans to see what i’m working on and get some opinion on material I haven’t decided to release yet.
What’s your history of Soundcloud been like as an artist?
Like everyone, I used the free account for many years and have recently upgraded. I might release the album on Soundcloud but it’s on all the major streaming platforms so Soundcloud seems more focused on musicians rather than fans.
As an artist, what’s your opinion on streaming platforms as a whole?
Streaming platforms are useful for independent artists like myself because they provide global distribution without the costs of a major record label. However being a musician in my forties I remember auditioning for the Majors and large indies (beggars, Sony etc), and working with producers and engineers to develop material to a higher standard. The competition was higher than it is these days. Streaming platforms have changed this dynamic, and fundamentally redistributed the way musicians earn income. So if you are very successful (Taylor swift) you probably make a good income from your streams but independent artists like me have to be doing it for something more than the money. Its a catch-22, without streaming platforms Independent music would be far more exclusive than it is these days, but with them, it means more artists can legitimately release their material. I think what’s lacking is a sense of quality control. So I feel very lucky to work with Steve Brown and Steve Lillywhite on English American (my album) who made me work exceedingly hard to never forget that. https://youtu.be/O7fMkKshl2U
Do you think physical sales in music will ever make a resurgence?
Well they are with Vinyl, which I love. I can’t wait to get English American pressed up on some coloured vinyl and a gatefold sleeve. I hope physical music sales do come back, I miss the sense of owning an album, it was what drew me to music in the first place. I saved up for weeks to buy my first album, and then I listened to it every day until I knew every lyric I then bought the back catalogue, went to the gigs, and got the merch, it was like being in a really special club. These days that feels gone, sorry to have to say that. But the upsides are that music is more diverse, you just have to search for it!
What’s the best way your fans can support you right now?
Instagram (@crabbmusic1975) is the best way to keep in touch and learn about English American, the new album release, next year, gigs and vinyl.
Crabb – Debut Album – English American on all major Streaming platfroms from Wednesday 25th January 2023.