In a world dominated by digital platforms, streaming, and post-COVID uncertainties affecting live performances, finding the right revenue stream is crucial. — The recent UMG/Deezer announcement on user-centric payouts provides a glimmer of hope, but the problem of artist monetization seems to keep getting worse quicker than it’s getting better. Islands in the stream Streaming revenue, while a prevalent means of music consumption, often provides dishearteningly low returns.