Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor slams streaming services; 'we still don't get paid'

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has opened up about the sad realities of being a musician, outlining how little artists get paid, and what must be done in order to survive.

Ask any musician out there, and they would likely tell you about their dreams of being a huge, world-famous musician when they grew up.

Maybe their decision was influenced by all those stories of ’70s-era excess, including Led Zeppelin and their private jets, or maybe it was helped along by stories of artists being so rich they don’t know what to do with themselves.

Sadly, the reality is far from this vision, with artists frequently opening up about how little get they paid for their work.

While artists like Disturbed’s David Draiman and Car Seat Headrest have defended services like Spotify, others such as Portishead have previously noted how they received a paltry $3,280 from 34 million streams.

Despite claims from Spotify CEO Daniel Ek claimed that it’s easier than ever for artists to make a living from streaming, Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein noted in February how he is forced to partake in meet and greets just to help him gain the cash he says he doesn’t make from streaming.

Now, Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has joined the discussion, having responded to a Tweet from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band guitarist Nils Lofgren, who noted that musicians “simply don’t get paid for our work” while “Spotify is worth billions”.

How is this even an argument ? I’m curious. We simply don’t get paid for our work. @Spotify is worth billions. I’m going to start posting up every check. @thedavidcrosby https://t.co/XU9rv5qhac
— Nils Lofgren (@nilslofgren) August 3, 2019

No one points this out. And while Congress has passed legislation to right this wrong, almost all the streaming services are APPEALING, which means we STILL don’t get paid for our work. But please people, by all means- stream away… 🙄 https://t.co/QsaVVdrvUI
— Panickin’ Skywalker (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 3, 2019

We HAVE to tour. It’s the only way we can make a living. Merch helps, but the merch companies make the lion’s share. Streaming is pricing artists- old AND new- out of careers. https://t.co/XMk3llFJGX
— Panickin’ Skywalker (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 3, 2019

It’s not the streaming itself, kid. I don’y care HOW people get the music. I care how the COMPANIES who provide it compensate the fuckin’ people who made it in the first place. https://t.co/W5PdDRyi7G
— Panickin’ Skywalker (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 3, 2019

But we’re constantly on the road, fella. I have kids. I have a life. When am I supposed to get time for THEM? https://t.co/xMOmSs8HAS
— Panickin’ Skywalker (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 3, 2019

“No one points this out,” responded Taylor. “And while Congress has passed legislation to right this wrong, almost all the streaming services are APPEALING, which means we STILL don’t get paid for our work. But please people, by all means- stream away…”

Following his response, Taylor was quick to point out that touring is the only way for artists to make money, noting that his beef isn’t with streaming per se, but rather with how companies compensate artists.

“We HAVE to tour. It’s the only way we can make a living,” he explained. “Merch helps, but the merch companies make the lion’s share. Streaming is pricing artists- old AND new- out of careers.

“I have kids. I have a life. When am I supposed to get time for THEM?”

“It’s not the streaming itself,” Taylor added. “I don’t care HOW people get the music. I care how the COMPANIES who provide it compensate the fuckin’ people who made it in the first place.”

Elsewhere, Corey Taylor addressed fans who noted they should pay closer attention to their record contracts and ensuring that they’re paid a fair amount.

“All due respect, this isn’t about contracts right now because they don’t reflect the service righteously,” he continued.

“And even if the streaming service pays the label, WE still don’t get paid. This is about PUBLISHING. They’re offering OUR work and not paying for it.

“Because as long as the RECORD LABELS get THEIR money, they don’t CARE if the ARTIST gets paid at ALL. Or who plays their music- unless it’s a critic on YouTube THEN THEY’RE UP IN ARMS.”

In related news, Corey Taylor and Slipknot are set to return to Australia this October when they serve as the support act for Metallica’s first tour of the country in six years.

Remember, supporting your favourite artist by seeing them live is the best way to ensure they see the money they deserve, so check out all the tour and ticketing details below.