[Sterix]

Yup. Half a million. Spotify plays that is. 

I have a total of 15 songs that I've written the lyrics for that appear on Spotify (technically 16 but one is a song with two different versions) and, between them, I've hit 500,000 plays! It's absolutely incredible.

Apparently I've made around $150 for my cut of the royalties (at least, if I was claiming any yet) - although in reality that will be a lot less.

I could never have imagined that before joining this forum. It's insane!

Given the current level of plays per month, that figure should hit over a MILLION by the end of the year. WTF?!!! 

I couldn't have done this without the support of the members of this forum. Before I joined, I was someone who wrote just for myself. Then I got old and started to worry that I'd wasted my talents and that no one would ever get to know about them.

I just wish I'd have done this ten, twenty years ago. I just didn't know and I just didn't have the  courage to dip my toes into this world. At least I am now. And I'm trying to find the courage to push myself out there even more.

So, thank you fellow forum members for having my back. You're all beautiful human beings.

[CorkingCrackBand]

As someone who's provided you with next to no support @Sterix I would like to accept all of the credit. 

   Nah, congratulations (and celebrations). The best part is you're very clearly still enjoying the process and that's the heart of it.

I wish you all the future success the universe can provide.


CCB

[PaulyX]

Fantastic Sterix!  Well done and greatly deserved.   Roll on a million.

[pompeyjazz]

WOW ! Congratulations @sterix What brilliant news - The drinks are on you 

[kevysc]

@Sterix  Fantastic! Any tips on how you did it ( other than raw talent, of course)?

Kevin

[Sterix]

@kevysc If I knew, I'd be a rich man!

I've studied the statistics of the two bands I work with somewhat and I think it comes down to one thing: fan base. If you can get yourself a fan base then you'll get more plays and the algorithms will boost your presence to other people.

Getting that fan base? Apart from the obvious hard work of social networking, getting connections, engaging with the audience, etc., I'm not sure what else. Even putting yourself out there doesn't help.

For example, of the two bands I write for, the more "established" of the two (Grassland Sinners)  has much, much less success than the "newer" one (Groove Nazar) - at least on Spotify/Youtube. I can't say for other platforms and physical sales. 82% of my plays on Spotify are for just 5 songs from Nazar. And this despite the Sinners being out there much more than the newer one (they've been on TV and radio for heaven's sake but appear to be much less successful).

I'm pretty much convinced you have to sign a contract with the Devil at this stage!

[Nick Ryder]

That's incredible. To think that half a million people have listened to something that you've had a hand in creating must be very special for you.

I can't help thinking that you deserve way more money though.

[Sterix]

It's not half a million people unfortunately. It will be a hell of a lot less than that with people listening multiple times. I don't have a clue how it breaks down. Could  be 500 people listening 1000 times or 5000 people listening 100 times...
All I know is I work hard for my 0.003p per play!

[shadowfax]

Well done mate, I still can't get into your lyrics site.

[Sterix]

Thank you. You should be able to see my lyrics now.