Real Music Manifest

In an era of infinite streams and algorithmic music, I choose to break away.

This manifesto is a pact of commitment between artists and listeners : here, there is no AI, no middlemen, and no disposable content.

I commit to creating with humanity; you commit to listening with intent.

Together, let’s restore value to the work and meaning to the direct connection

  • Direct communication: I subscribe to the direct newsletter.

  • Discovery: I listen to the album to get a feel for it. If I like it - then I buy it at whatever price I'm ready to pay to support the artist.

  • Listening outside of platforms: I have a CD/vinyl player, or MP3s that I can listen to on my smartphone/computer/Pod.

  • Less but better: If it means reducing the number of artists I listen to, so be it.

  • Local music life: I go to local artists' gigs and support them

a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
a man riding a skateboard down the side of a ramp
Artist's pledge
  • Local rather than global: I'm no longer chasing global virality.

  • Direct sales without platforms: I sell physical CDs and/or audio files directly at pay-what-you-want prices.

  • Stop the slop: My visuals are either original photos or graphic works created by a human.

  • A work is a collective effort: I highlight the credits for all contributions (musical, graphic, video, etc.).

  • Music played by humans: No tracks were created by generative AI.

  • Longer time commitment: I don't make short videos to chop up my music into snippets.

  • Communication channels: I provide my audience with a direct communication channel via email or SMS; I don't consider a Facebook/Instagram/TikTok post sufficient because it forces fans to use these services.

black blue and yellow textile
black blue and yellow textile
Listener's pledge