James Blake launches streaming platform because of "unfair" royalty rates

Launching his streaming platform, Vault, James Blake wants to connect artists and fans while spreading awareness about compensation.

Vault was launched yesterday, March 20, following several social media posts from Blake earlier this month. The platform was created as a way to vocalize his criticism of the “unfair” pay rates from major labels, streaming services, and platforms like TikTok.

is a subscription-based platform where users can directly listen to their favourite musicians for a monthly fee. In return, subscribers gain access to unreleased tracks by the artists themselves. Blake, in an attempt to kickstart the platform, has already made three unreleased tracks available for a subscription fee of $5 per month.

Expressing concern over the devaluation of music in the streaming era, Blake is trying to point out the need for artists to receive fair compensation for their work. He stated:

“I wanted to find a way for musicians to make money directly from the music they make, not least to be able to reinvest in the very expensive process of renting studios, hiring musicians, etc.”

In a statement accompanying the launch, Blake described his vision for Vault as a way for artists to regain control over their music and earnings.

Though initially backed by his comments earlier this month by the likes of Tyler, The Creator and Kanye, the Vault project has faced some scepticism online since its launch.

“So it’s like Onlyfans for musicians in a sense? I’ve seen the subscription model work for artists in the adult industry but it doesn’t work for everyone. Mostly benefits people who already have huge followings,” one person commented. Blake replied that there will be ways to “discover artists on the platform in future iterations”.

Dubstep producer TISOKI also added: “I feel like this just makes music more expensive for the consumer as opposed to making an artist more money which in turn is just detrimental to the whole thing no?”

Blake addressed concerns raised about the subscription model, acknowledging the need for accessibility and sustainability. In a video posted to social media, Blake explains how Vault is the “solution.”

Ok, so for the first time I’m going to be releasing from my vault of unreleased music

We are launching @vaultdotfm to show music has inherent value beyond just exposure

Subscribe to unlock 👇 pic.twitter.com/pIic7Ef47G

— James Blake (@jamesblake) March 20, 2024