Seattle independent artist Mark Diamond was surprised when he was able to pay his rent through song streams on Spotify. He later got picked up by a subsidiary label of Universal Music, only to realize he was making less money with the support of a label.
Seattle independent artist Mark Diamond was surprised when he was able to pay his rent through song streams on Spotify. By persistence in reaching out to individual playlisters on the platform, he eventually gained a million streams per month. He later got picked up by a subsidiary label of Universal Music, only to realize he was making less money with the support of a label. He tells this story in his latest (independently released) single, “The Ride.”
Diamond discusses his life before streaming success, coming up in the scene while self-promoting and holding a day job, his emphasis on connecting directly with fans, and his illuminating journey through the music industry during his time in LA.
Finding good new music can be a full time job, so let KEXP help! In Our Headphones brings you five song recommendations every Monday, straight from KEXP’s DJs and Music Directors. Join hosts Janice Headley and Isabel Khalili on this never-ending journey of music discovery.
Host Emily Fox and KEXP’s editorial team talk with artists about the stories behind their songs and the experiences that inform their work. Through each conversation, we uncover the humanity behind the music, allowing us to hear it in a whole new way.
