Think most musicians make lots of money? Think again.

 

This graphic chart posted at InformationIsBeautiful.net does a terrific job at giving a visual illustration of how much artists really earn through online sales of albums, song downloads, and streaming audio. And remember: the figures shown are just how many sales need to take place to earn minimum wage.

 

I’ve heard all the excuses concerning illegal downloads and file transfers of songs and albums: “Record labels are greedy … artists make plenty of money … It’s not stealing.” Baloney. A lot of time and effort goes into the creative process. The mythos of celebrity causes many to believe that airplay and recognition automatically translates to millions of unearned dollars for artists. But for every glammed up superstar living the high life, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of others barely getting by.

 

Bottom line: If you like what you hear, support the artist by paying for it! If a song is not worth a dollar to you, then it’s not worth stealing.