content: This always my argument. The value of the cd to the artist degrades over time if you count it in terms of money per play. Streaming services are the only type of music distribution that continuously pays the artist. If I decide to loop that fucking Shia Labeouf song like I have been recently, Rob Cantor will get paid every time rather than $0.99 for one mp3.  But let's be real. There was never any money in selling music. Where people made money was in tours and appearances. How you get booked for these is exposure and people knowing about you. Streaming services help this happen by allowing everyone an account access to your music rather than the small town of people around you.