My Tough Decision on Streaming
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I knew this day would probably come.
After much thought and prayer, I’ve decided to take my music off streaming platforms like Spotify. While streaming is convenient, the model doesn’t fairly reflect the value of the time, energy, and heart that go into creating music. It takes around 8,000 streams to earn the same as selling just one CD album, making it nearly impossible for smaller, independent artists to sustain their work. Sadly, I’ve seen fellow Christian indie artists forced to stop making music because streaming has taken away their revenue.
I’m moving away from streaming to create a more personal and intentional experience for my listeners. By offering my music directly to people, I can better connect with and support those who value my work, while ensuring resources are used more effectively.
I’m not the only one affected. If you support other Christian artists, consider buying their music outright to help them sustain their work. Streaming provides little financial support for smaller creators.
I know this change might inconvenience some of you, and I appreciate your understanding. Thankfully, 80% of my music remains available on YouTube, where I can still engage with listeners. I’ve also made my digital albums affordable on my website, where you can purchase and download them to own and support my ministry.
The best solution for listeners is to purchase the album and uploaded it to whatever listening platform you prefer. You support the artist and get to OWN the music. As opposed to renting access and as soon as you stop paying you don't have the music anymore.
Thank you so much for your continued support as I make this transition!
Ben
P.S. A great new way to support our music is here: https://ko-fi.com/beneverson
P.P.S. Another issue is the pressure streaming platforms place on artists to alter their music for algorithms. To gain visibility, songs are often shortened or structured differently, compromising creativity. This approach discourages depth and authenticity, and for Christian music, it shifts the focus away from the message and ministry. The trend to cater to algorithms dilutes the spiritual and creative integrity of faith-driven music, which should prioritize meaning over mass appeal. Listen at least to 3 minutes of this, starting at 14:00: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_cNrEuiLSU
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4 comments
Ben and Amanda,
May the Lord continue to guide you in the very best way to minister through your teaching and concerts. We just had lunch with your Dad and Mom so up to date on the family’s needs. Praying with you.
During an emotional week of caregiving for my husband’s parents, I went to turn on our
“❤️Trust” playlist on Apple Music. I was so sad to see over half of our songs were missing. Our oldest son explained Mr Everson had went off streaming.
Mr. Everson’s music has been such an encouragement to my husband & I! Songs such as There is Rest, Don’t You Fear, In the Shadow of My Wings, Pray Again, Your Will Be Done and many others have encouraged us through some very difficult trials in the past few years. It was such a blessing to be able to click on our playlist and sing along with tears and joy. Even our adult daughter with special needs loves to hear “Ben sing”.
I see CDs are available, and I’m sure we will try to purchase some when we can. In the meanwhile, we will sure miss hearing Mr. Everson on our playlist! Thank you for your music! 💓
I used to pay for Spotify but when I realized the small amount of money you actually received, I stopped my subscription and bought CD’s. However, while on Spotify, I did find a couple of new Christian artists and Colleges that I would never have heard.
Will your music still be available on Pandora? We listen to it all the time on there!