Seth here from Tribly. For those of you who've been with us since the beginning (or even if you're just joining!), you know why I started this.

Like you, I'm an artist, and I got tired of feeling like I was chasing algorithms instead of building real connections.

This newsletter is our way of continuing that mission: delivering insights and trends that actually help you build a sustainable, creatively fulfilling career on your own terms. We're sitting at the crossroads of music, tech, and innovation, sharing what we're seeing and how it impacts artists like us.

Let's dive into this week's spotlight.

📣 So, What's Up with Spotify Music Pro?

You've probably heard the news: Spotify is getting ready to launch "Music Pro." It's a new, more expensive plan for their biggest listeners. It promises cool new things for them.

Simply put, this new plan is rumored to cost about $6 more each month on top of your normal Spotify Premium. It aims to give listeners:

• Super clear music sound (like you get from a CD).

• AI tools that let you mix songs.

• Early access to concert tickets and special stuff.

• Music videos right in the app.

It's Spotify's smart move to make listening better and fight for users. But for us, the independent artists who pour our hearts into our music, it makes us ask one big question...

Who's Really Getting the Good Stuff from This "Premium" Upgrade?

We've all been there, right? Always putting in your time, ideas, and money on these platforms. You count on their rules, and cheer for their numbers. But even with these new "premium" listener plans, one big problem stays:

• You don't truly know who's listening. That "2,000 streams" looks cool, but who are those actual people connecting with your music?

• You can't directly message your biggest fans. That easy way to talk to your best supporters is hard to find.

• And with AI tools coming in, how much say do you really have when your music might be mixed without you knowing?

It can feel like you're building your whole career on someone else's turf, always hoping to be seen, instead of building sure, direct relationships. We absolutely get that feeling.

🎶 Tribly: Keeping You in Control

Spotify's new tools are powerful, and they aim to dominate the streaming landscape. But for independent artists, it comes down to this: How much control do you truly have?

Your career risks becoming too dependent on these platforms. Building direct fan connections is your best defense against changes Spotify or any other platform might make.

This is where tools focused on artist independence become vital – empowering you to build direct fan relationships, maintain creative control, and secure your long-term future.

Ready to stop guessing and start owning your fan relationships? 

Unlock your true artist power. 

Get Tribly Pro today and build your real fanbase.

💡 This Week's Featured Swaps

This week, we're featuring some awesome artists who are using Tribly swaps to connect directly with their fans and grow their careers:

• @callumandthepookies did a live performance in the studio to promote their swap!

  Link to their swap: https://ps.tribly.fm/2kgw14n 

• @DanB: See how DanB chops up his new single live to promote his swap!
  

  Link to their swap: https://ps.tribly.fm/ogg5by

👀 Artists Inspiring Us This Week

We're always inspired by the innovative ways artists are navigating the industry. Here are two artists who caught our eye with their compelling content recently:

@Citizen_theartist: Check out their hilarious live performance skit.

@frytzfrytzfrytz:  Now this is how you make a music video!