Jay Z’s premium music streaming site Tidal has faced its share of criticism since it launched a few weeks ago, but today he’s offered a response. After promising a “stream of consciousness,” he reaffirmed some of the ideals that the company has espoused from the beginning. He says that the service is meant to be a place “where artists can give their fans music without middlemen.” That apparently means a 75 percent royalty for all artists who use the service, not just the owners who appeared onstage at the launch. He also notes they’ve garnered over 770,000 subscribers in “less than a month,” but Tidal isn’t willing to stop there.
“The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day,” he wrote. “It took Spotify 9 years to be successful. We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better.”
He went on to say that Tidal seeks to provide “more than just music,” including “video, exclusive concerts, tickets for events early, [and] live sports.” He’s already coming through on that promise tonight by livestreaming the last show on Jack White’s acoustic tour. You can check out the rest of what Hova called “#TidalFacts” down below.
Stream of consciousness coming in 5, 4, 3, 2… #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Tidal is doing just fine. We have over 770,000 subs. We have been in business less than one month. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
The iTunes Store wasn’t built in a day. It took Spotify 9 years to be successful…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We are here for the long haul. Please give us a chance to grow & get better. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
There are many big companies that are spending millions on a smear campaign. We are not anti-anyone, we are pro-artist & fan. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We made Tidal for fans. We have more than just music. We have video, exclusive concerts, tickets for events early, live sports!…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Indie artists who want to work directly w/ us keep 100% of their music. “If you don’t want the CEOs all in the videos” haa #tidalfacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Tidal pays 75% royalty rate to ALL artists, writers and producers – not just the founding members on stage.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Rich getting richer? Equity values… YouTube $390 billion. Apple $760 billion. Spotify $8 billion. Tidal $60 million. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
My cousin just moved to Nigeria to discover new talent. Tidal is a global company.
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We have Tidal X – it supports artists by giving them a platform to connect with their most loyal fans. Tidal is for all. #Tidalfacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
Our actions will speak louder than words. We made Tidal to bring people the best experiences…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
and to help artists give that to their fans over and over again…
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
We are human (even Daft Punk ha). We aren’t perfect – but we are determined. #TidalFacts
— Mr. Carter (@S_C_) April 26, 2015
