Despite having over 1 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Sevdaliza, an Iranian-Dutch artist, struggles to make a sustainable income. She has gained recognition in the electronic-pop genre for her innovative music, yet the financial reward does not reflect her success.

In a tweet, Sevdaliza shared her experience as an independent artist for 12 years, highlighting the financial challenges she faces despite having a dedicated fan base. The artist revealed that one million streams typically result in a mere $2,500 payment after deductions for taxes, management fees, and production costs, raising concerns about the viability of making music as a career.

Her comments were in response to a post by fellow artist James Blake, who criticized the insufficient compensation provided by streaming services, record labels demanding higher shares, and the rising costs of touring. The music industry's shift towards streaming has significantly impacted artists' ability to earn a living, with payouts from platforms like Spotify and Apple Music being significantly lower than traditional album sales.

Independent artists like Sevdaliza and Nadine Shah have expressed frustration over the current state of music streaming and its detrimental impact on their livelihoods. They emphasize the need for fair compensation to support their basic needs such as groceries and housing. Lauren Jauregui, a former member of Fifth Harmony, also highlighted the challenges artists face in receiving proper payment for their work and suggested the formation of a music artist union to advocate for musicians' rights.