Spotify launches direct uploads for independent artists

Spotify has launched a new beta feature which will allow independent artists to upload their music directly to the service as part of its Spotify For Artists platform.

It bypasses labels and third parties, no doubt stirring up more waters with record companies already annoyed at coverage - denied by its executives - that the streaming service wants to do direct deals with artists and managers and sideline the traditional gatekeepers.

The Spotify For Artists platform had 200,000 verified acts in its monthly user base at the end of June.

The new free upload service is at this stage only for a select group of invite-only US acts, but will widen down the track.

Spotify blogged:

“We worked with a handful of independent artists - like Noname, Michael Brun, VIAA, and Hot Shade - to make sure we kept your needs in mind.

“Their feedback was instrumental in shaping the feature, and now we’re ready to see how a wider range of artists will put it to use.”

Artists who control their copyrights and do not have label or distribution agreements in place, can log into their Spotify For Artists account, upload their music, fill in relevant metadata information, preview how the upload will look on their page and set the song to go live at a release time of their choosing.

The blog continued:

“Just like releasing through any other partner, you'll get paid when fans stream your music on Spotify.

“Your recording royalties will hit your bank account automatically each month, and you’ll see a clear report of how much your streams are earning right next to the other insights you already get from Spotify for Artists.

“Uploading is free to all artists, and Spotify doesn’t charge you any fees or commissions no matter how frequently you release music.”

The latest move is part of Spotify chief Daniel Ek’s two-fold aim to get as much music onto the platform, and for it to play a dominant role in helping indie acts thrust their careers forward.