ORGANICO: a livestream event

Stream the show live on YouTube from December 19, 2024 and beyond by clicking HERE. The stream will start at 9PM CET (8PM UST | GMT).

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My name is Marco Napolitano. I’m an avid music fan from Italy and I’ve been producing small charity events since 2020, as well as coordinating creative projects as part of the international collective iambountyfan.

ORGANICO is one of my passion projects, a mixtape highlighting independent talent from different corners of the world, which I’ve now decided to expand even further by inviting some of these artists to perform as part of a livestream show.

Why the need for a crowdfunded online show in 2024? Because surviving off of making music alone just doesn’t seem to be a viable option for many people out there.

The livelihood of independent artists has been at stake for more than ten years now since entering the so-called streaming era. As of 2023, streaming accounted for 85% of music consumption in the UK alone: as such, the current model notoriously benefits big record labels as well as DSPs (Digital Service Providers) over the people who actually write, perform and often become their own managers in a world that does not recognize artists as workers, unless their profit margins are in the millions.

But how much does streaming pay, exactly? You've probably seen this chart a hundred times already, but here’s data gathered from a variety of sources reporting on payouts per stream depending on each different DSP (as compiled by VIRPP):

It is clear that streaming alone won't pay the bills for musicians, who make most of their income through media sync deals, brand endorsements (when applicable) and merch sales: even touring, a once guaranteed mean of survival for many, has become synonym with hefty losses due to inflation and raised costs of travelling, renting spaces, hiring personnel and whatnot (even commercially successful bands have had to put off touring in recent years for the same reasons).

It goes without saying that very little is left for those musicians and acts who work outside of the boundaries of the music industry and operate without major label backing. So where does ORGANICO come in?

While not a long-term solution, this event hopes to sensitize audiences to disparities within current models and challenge the notion that music is free or easy to make. While Spotify and other DSPs offer cheap or free access, musicians take years to hone their craft: their work and dedication requires better compensation.

The base crowdfunding goal of 1600€* covers contributions to eight different artists; additionally, this event supports two charities providing aid to affected realities in the Middle East (with a minimum donation equal to 10% of the raised total). ORGANICO: a livestream event will be taking place on December 19th, 2024 on my YouTube channel.

*originally of €2600; downscaled due to time constraints.

Thank you for choosing to support independent music. Your contribution matters!

- Marco