That's just the business model of streaming—unlike labels, there is no cross-subsidization (e.g., a more popular artist "paying for" an obscure critically acclaimed artist who doesn't sell well). You're incentivized to get plays, which ultimately gets everyone to converge.

It's going to be really tough for the "middle class" of independents—whether you're in content creation or apps. But if you use streaming platforms purely as a way to get discovered, and build direct relationships with your audience, you can price and sell your own stuff. No more $0.006 per stream or whatever. (https://qz.com/1507361/mariah-careys-record-breaking-day-sho...)

That requires self-reliance, which is tough, but will be worth the payoff. I write more about it here: https://herbertlui.net/own-your-marketing-own-your-income/

Ryan Leslie is a good example of this—took his music of Spotify and went direct to audience, sold fewer albums but made more money. https://shift.newco.co/2017/03/10/ryan-leslie-shifts-the-con...

Increasing more relevant: Derek Sivers writes the way to be happy while being creative is to keep a good, steady, easy, full-time job and to create just for its own sake: https://sive.rs/balance