Spotify Flagged My Streams — Here’s What I Learned About Building a Real Music Business
The world of releasing music is wild right now.
I just got a notice from Spotify claiming I’ve used artificial streams. That hit me like a punch to the gut—especially since I’ve never once paid for bots or anything shady. Everything I’m doing is legit. I’ve been investing in ad spend, massively ramping up my networking, and launching my strongest release campaigns ever.
We’re talking thousands of playlist placements through real relationships. Premier partners. Major YouTube channels. Massive playlists curated by people who actually know me. As one of the first artists on Symphonic Distribution, I’ve built relationships there, and I’m currently waiting to hear back from the owner to understand what happened.
I’ve heard stories of stream takedowns before—but this is the first time it’s happened to me. And now I know exactly how it feels.
All that time. All that money. For what?
The Ups and Downs
Here’s the deal: yes, the streams are being pulled. But at the same time, thousands of DJs, music supervisors, press contacts, and tastemakers have heard—and loved—my new tunes. That kind of real-world validation is priceless.
Still, the optics matter. Everyone looks to Spotify numbers to see how "big" an artist is. And Spotify is the biggest platform. So when streams disappear overnight, it’s frustrating, demoralizing, and frankly unfair—especially when you’re doing everything above board.
The truth? This system is flawed. And there’s very little recourse for independent artists.
Bots, Labels, and Broken Systems
These takedowns are happening more and more. Why? Because there are so many fake channels, fake promo companies, and sketchy bots flooding the ecosystem. AI is a blessing—and a curse. The easier it is to promote music, the easier it is for people to game the system. And when you’re working hard to build something real, it sucks to get caught in the crossfire.
Would this have happened if I was on a major label? Maybe not. Or maybe it would’ve—just with a better PR team to cover it up. Labels still take 80–90% of your income, and in many cases, you still have to grow your own audience. So… what are you really paying for?
At the end of the day, you still have to hustle.
The Music Business is a Business
There’s no sugarcoating it: the music business is hard. But is it harder than other industries? Depends on your role.
If you’re an employee, you do a job and get paid. But if you’re a solo entrepreneur—an artist—you’re running a full-blown business. That means product development, building an audience, marketing, promotion, sales, and infrastructure. Website. CRM. Billing. Delivery. It’s not just about making music anymore.
And if Spotify is your only income source? That’s not a business. That’s a hope and a prayer.
My Financial Pillars
After 30+ years in this industry, I’ve learned that longevity comes from diversification. I’ve built my career around multiple income streams:
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Solo music
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Producing and drumming for hire
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Collaborations
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Touring (solo and with others)
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Teaching and mentoring
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Sample and expansion packs
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YouTube
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Masterclasses
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Merchandise
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Managing and booking
And dozens of other things that keep my brand alive and thriving.
The Wake-Up Call
I know artists with millions of Spotify plays—and no gigs, no monetization, no money coming in. It’s a mirage. Just numbers on a screen.
This was a wake-up call for me, and I hope it’s one for you too. If you're not seeing income from your music yet, it’s time to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Figure out how to build a sustainable music business around your brand.
Because here’s the truth: if you want to build your dream, you need to fund it. That might mean bringing in income from other places while you grow your music empire. That’s not a failure—it’s a smart move.
Final Thoughts
Life will throw you curveballs. Sh*t sandwiches. Whatever you want to call them. But if you keep pushing—like the beast you are—the wins will outweigh the losses.
The music industry doesn’t owe you anything. But your dreams deserve everything.
So don’t give up.
Go beast mode. Stay strong. Dream big.
You’re worth it.
If you’re looking to push through your blocks or grow your music business, I may have a few mentorship spots opening this week. Feel free to book an intro session here—they fill up fast https://KjSawka.as.me/student-consultation