Jason Cross Productions

Next Friday, "Build My Life" will release wherever you get your music.

From time to time I'll just sit down and record a song that I've led recently that has had special meaning to me. I call it the "Sunday Worship Series". Sometimes they're new songs, sometimes, they're old songs. Either way, I believe them and hope that maybe they're a blessing to someone else as well.

The last year, I've been busy working on music for other people (which I absolutely love!), and this year, I hope to get some more of my own stuff out there too. There are a few originals in the pipeline that are coming soon, so if you'd be so kind, be on the lookout for those as well. Thank you for listening!

You can pre-save at the link below.

Build My Life by Jason Cross Stream and Pre-save Build My Life - Distributed by DistroKid

Quick (ok, I lied) layman’s explanation on all the Spotify wrapped shares you’re seeing from the artists you follow. First, for an artist to even share this takes a certain amount of courage (especially when they’re just starting out and the numbers don’t seem very impressive). Second, those aren’t the only numbers they’re likely producing but it’s likely the majority for most. Third, go ahead and pull out your calculator and multiply that streaming number by .003 (that’s the average payout per stream from Spotify). Plus, if the artist has a label or publishing deal, the artist is only getting a fraction of that.

Now, of course, streaming revenue is only one potential income source, but it should be a significant one since that is how most people consume music. Also, for many artists, Spotify is about to take away even that measly fraction of revenue from new artists or releases that don’t meet a certain listening threshold (right now the rumor is 1k, but I don’t think that’s been official yet).

And, of course, not every “artist” is entitled to anything at all just because they claim the title or decide to make “art”, BUT there are SO many talented artists that get significant streams, tour and work VERY hard to put words and feelings into music that add to your life, make your memories a little more memorable, or even give you something to hold on to when everything seems like it’s falling apart. I’ve probably had about a half dozen songs or so in the last few years that have, almost in a literal sense, saved my life. I’m thankful that someone, somewhere put into music what I needed to hear in those moments. That has to be worth at least something more than $0.003 per stream.

So, with that said, if there’s a song or an artist that has touched you this year, consider forgoing a latte today and be a blessing to someone who has blessed you. (For a song to earn $5 on Spotify, it has to be streamed 1,666 times). For most artists, it’s never been about money, but knowing that their work creates value in those who listen. Money is just a small measure and encouragement to them to keep writing, keep pushing, keep honing and creating better and better experiences for their listeners.

So, here’s some suggestions that could encourage almost any artist:

1) Give them a donation (you have no idea how much even $5 would encourage them) - most artists have a giving link on Spotify or a Patreon. Take 2 minutes and Google search. I believe in you.

2. PURCHASE their music from iTunes.

3. Buy merch if they have it available.

4. Go see their show if they’re in your area.

5. Stream music from a more ethical company (cancel Spotify and at least move to Apple Music or Tidal—these pay at least double or more per stream than Spotify).

Imagine a world where music is non existent or only made by AI. If you don’t like what that looks like, pick an artist (or 2 or 3!) and give them some love today. ❤️😊🙏🏼

If there’s an artist that has touched you this year, leave a link in the comments! 💿

Interesting take from C**t Capperrune on the future of AI and music. I think the analogy of photography—> painting applies in many ways (TLDR: the invention of photography didn’t put painters out of business though many feared so at the time).

Do you tend to see A.I. as a tool or more as a replacement?

AI is RUINING the Music Industry?! IN DEPTH MIX TUTORIALS, Music Business advice, Live Q&A, Awesome MerchJoin my Patreon here! http://patreon.com/coltcapperruneInstagram http://instagram.com/...

What would you add to this playlist?

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1iBIlCwCPYAdq2jpcs83sc?si=Tr0sLGgPQ725D42YRUZDOg

Motivation Monday Jason Cross · Playlist · 22 songs