Last.fm is a UK based internet and music community website founded in 2002. It claims over 21 million active users based in more than 200 countries and has so far tallied some 450,000 tracks. Last.fm users “scrobble” tracks through their servers on a massive scale, aiming to collectively build the world’s largest social music platform.
The big day has come for independant musicians that are not affiliated with a label or royalty collection agency. Last.fm has launched a unique Artist Royalty program, a transparent payout system. Wether your music is broadcasted to a listener on-demand or through radio shuffle, royalties can be collected through your account. The Artist Royalty Program gives musicians - regardless of their status within the industry- a percentage of revenue earned from the advertisements that appear next to their music..
Mark Stiksel, Last fm co-founder ( shown on the left ) adds :
“We’re leveling the playing field by offering them the same opportunities as established bands to make money from their music. The young musician making music in a bedroom studio has the same chance as the latest major label signing to use Last.fm to build an audience and get rewarded. “
Now that it has made The Artist Royalty Program official it it safe to assume that an even bigger boost is on its way for Last.fm.
More info can be found here.
If you are not familiar with Last fm you have to check out the video below, it gives you a pretty good idea about how the site works.
