What you can do to support independent musicians 

Hi! It’s Charluxx. 

I’m not happy to write this week’s blog. 

Everything I’m about to tell you falls so squarely into the common sense column that it seems redundant to touch on it. 

Unfortunately common sense seems very much on the decline. So much so that people have to be reminded of how, and why, doing the right thing matters. 

It doesn’t help that righteous politicians are lying so much and that their lies are getting so reality altering outrageous that we constantly need to re-define and reaffirm what IS real. 

Fact checking becomes a burden for the masses who like their information pre-digested. 

We swipe up, we swipe left. Clicking little hearts as we go along. Not getting further invested... unless cats are involved, then take action! 

So, here goes... 

Did you ever stop and think that behind each song or music blog, there is a musician reaching out with something to say, with something to share. You are here, so I know you have.

The sad reality is we live in an age of instant (and often free) access to pretty much anything we want. 

Why pay for something, no matter how small the price tag, when we can get it for free? 

Well let me educate you fine people on the reasons why. And what we can do about it. 

It is a sad reality nowadays that the cumulation of wealth is a de facto norm, instead of the obvious path of sharing, helping and supporting. 

One for one instead of one for all 

Society puts the wealthy on a pedestal: they have succeeded, they are worthy of respect and admiration—never mind that the rich are 99% born into wealth. That has set a terrifying precedent. We are so busy trying to make money, to survive, that we conveniently forget to help each other along the way. 

Here’s the good news: the first step to remedy the situation is actually free. 

It is called sharing. Sharing helps and supports us. 

When we share, everybody benefits. Starting at the family level, then the community, the region, the province, the country, the planet. Simple mathematics. Simple common sense. 

Encourage local businesses, not giant corporations. You might pay a little more, but your money helps feed families in your community, instead of going on a yacht payment for a CEO who exploits workers. The same rule applies to independent artists. 

Planting a flower or a tree 

Sharing on social medias is our bloodline as musicians. 

When you like or love (thank you!) our posts, you plant a flower. It is beautiful and we enjoy it. But, there is it, it lives a short life for your very own enjoyment, then fades away. 

When you share, you are planting a tree. It branches out, reaches for the sky and touches many. Once again, simple mathematics, makes sense. That is what helps us. A lot. 

So please share, plant the seed of a tree... it doesn’t cost a penny. Even if you are not that crazy about our music, someone you know might be. It’s all about finding, and reaching, our audience. 

Buy our music

Independent musicians make 100% profit (or close to it) from sales. Every dollar counts. If you like a song, encourage us. 

If you can, buy the album(s.) Most albums are between 10$ and 20$. Think about it. That is very little to support someone. It’s way less then the price of a movie. You get hours of entertainment and the music is yours to keep and enjoy for years to come. Albums are less expensive than most books! 

Come to think of it, an album is pretty much the best value for your money in all of entertainment. 

On a personal note, I do not have a lot of money. But in the last few months I have purchased four albums, three from friends, one from a distant cousin. Total cost: 55$ I feel good about that. I discovered new music and I helped someone. 

On the surface, it might be hard to see that, for a musician, an album usually represents years of work. But it is so much more. An album bears an incredible emotional weight. It is an outpour of hard work, sweat and (sometimes) tears. It is a baring of our soul, it is essentially a labour of Love. If you do not feel that Love, then by all means, do not part with your money. 

Now for the part that saddens me, and prompted me to write this week’s column.

I wanted my website to showcase my songs and therefore allowed unlimited free listening, in the hope that likes would morph into purchases... Alas all are listening but none are buying :-( 

This was a very hard decision to take—and one not driven by greed—but unfortunately, starting today, I am switching all songs to 30 second previews. If you like a song, you will have to buy it. I am so sorry to have to do this, but I have spent so much time, effort, energy and money into making this music, I need to recoup a little bit. I need to survive. I truly hope that you understand. 

If you do not have a lot of money and still want to listen to my songs, you can do so on your music streaming platform of choice, Spotify, Apple Music, etc. At least—unlike on this website—I get paid... Okay, so we’re talking fractions of pennies per play sure, but at least it’s something. 

Thank you for reading this! 

Stay groovy my friends. 

Peace and Love, 

Charluxx.