The way we consume music has transformed dramatically over the past two decades. Where listeners once bought physical albums, the majority now stream songs instantly from vast online libraries. This shift has democratised access to music, allowing independent artists to reach global audiences without the backing of a major record label.

Yet the streaming model is not without its critics. Many musicians argue that the payment they receive per stream is so small that it is almost impossible to earn a living from recorded music alone. As a result, artists increasingly depend on live performances and merchandise for their income, which can disadvantage those who lack the resources to tour.

Defenders of streaming point out that exposure has never been greater, and that data allows artists to understand their audiences in unprecedented detail. Whether this trade-off between accessibility and fair payment can be resolved remains one of the central debates in the modern music industry.