"Billie Marten discusses the tough challenges mid-range artists confront under a capitalist system, specifically pointing towards Taylor Swift as an example"
In an interview with The Independent, British singer-songwriter Billie Marten has voiced her concerns about the financial struggles faced by small and mid-range artists in the music industry. Marten, who is signed to Fiction Records, a subsidiary of Universal, has been open about her own financial struggles, despite her success and being on a major label.
Marten has stated that she is working the hardest and the longest, yet she is not doing great financially. She has not recouped her deals, meaning she has not earned back the money she spent on her first two albums. This is a common issue for many artists at her level, according to Marten.
The music industry in 2025 is a challenging environment for small and mid-range artists. Streaming platforms like Spotify now require a minimum of 1,000 streams before paying royalties, causing many smaller artists to earn little or no income from their music streams. This system creates a stark divide where a few top artists capture most of the revenue, while the vast majority see negligible earnings.
Touring, once a primary income source, is far more expensive and less frequent post-pandemic. Costs include rehearsal spaces, equipment, travel, crew fees, accommodation, and management commissions. Many artists barely break even or fail to recoup recording advances, which go to record labels rather than the artists themselves.
Rising rents, inflation, and unpredictable consumer behavior further squeeze independent musicians and the broader indie music ecosystem. Some long-established cultural institutions and venues are considering closure due to financial unsustainability.
The broader music industry faces slowing streaming growth, high concert ticket prices that may deter fans, and the disruptive rise of AI, all contributing to concerns about the future viability and equity for artists outside the superstar tier.
Marten has expressed concern about the lack of change in the current system and the need for artists to take action. She has not proposed any immediate solutions to the financial struggles of small and mid-range artists, but her statements highlight the financial disparities between major artists and those at the mid-level and low-level.
Marten's fifth album, Dog Eared, was released earlier this month. For more updates on music and gear news, reviews, deals, features, and more, consider subscribing to the MusicRadar Newsletter.
Despite her success and being on a major label, Marten has not recouped her deals and continues to struggle financially. This financial struggle is not unique to Marten, but a common issue for many mid-range artists in the music industry.
The financial struggles faced by mid-range artists are exacerbated by the high costs of touring, rising rents, inflation, and unpredictable consumer behavior, which further squeeze independent musicians and the broader indie music ecosystem.
