Ditto study reveals 74% of independent artists earned under $1,000 from music last year

A new study from distributor Ditto Music paints a stark picture of life as an independent artist in 2026. Surveying more than 5,000 independent musicians across 112 countries, the research reveals just how difficult it has become to build a sustainable career. The headline numbers are sobering. According to the study, 74% of respondents earned …

Ditto study reveals 74% of independent artists earned under $1,000 from music last year