Interesting article over at Business Insider. Seems streaming music has all but eliminated music piracy in Norway.
 
"In five years, the number of people admitting to illegally downloading files online has gone from 80% of survey respondents to just 4%. The survey also revealed that less than 1% of young people in Norway said illegal downloads were their main source of music."
 
More at http://www.businessinsider.com/norway-music-piracy-statistics-2015-1
 

That's one way of putting it... And I guess that once artists completely give up on the idea of making any money w/ their music, the problem will entirely be solved.
 
Here's another interesting one which helps put things in perspective and see just how much streaming really means in terms of revenue...
 
http://www.theguardian.co...potify-youtube-payouts
 
In short: "92% of her income last year came from sales – $75,341 – with a further $6,380 coming from streaming services."
 

Further reading in regards to streaming, in this case YouTube...
http://www.billboard.com/...-on-her-youtube-battle

I will never warm to a service that expects me to listen to music on my frickin' telephone.
 
But then, I don't steal music either, so I guess I'm not part of the target demographic. Come to think of it, I'm not part of any target demographic - aside from AARP's constant come-ons to join in return for a free bag.

Rain
That's one way of putting it... And I guess that once artists completely give up on the idea of making any money w/ their music, the problem will entirely be solved.

 
+1
Sucks..

That's why I only "steam" my music. That way it's always hot AND wrinkle free!

I still purchase CDs and DVDs ...from stores

musicman100
I still purchase CDs and DVDs ...from stores

Which do you prefer?

Somewhat of a catch 22 for artists.  The payout from streaming services is fairly modest at best and shockingly low at worst.  At the same time, it kind of hammers the reality home that artists make jack on record sales.  Always has been that way. At the same time streaming services (and i am including Youtube) are giving artists more options for getting their music heard outside of the Clear Channel Monopoly on radio stations and the few remaining record labels. The number of unsigned artists who are better off remaining unsigned is growing and are makin more money off of successful viral marketing than all but the top acts could ever hope to make from  CDsl.

Most bands would make less money if there was no streaming. I think it's a great thing. There is more great music now than ever before. more variety , more talented players, better recording, etc etc. Embrace it or stick you head in the sand.