Over the last few months, I’ve been fascinated by the emergence of local libraries starting their own streaming platforms.

Across the United States (it may be happening internationally as well but I’m most aware of what’s happening domestically), a few libraries are starting their own music streaming platforms/websites to highlight regional artists from those areas.

This newsletter covers:

• 5 thoughts on local libraries starting their own music streaming platforms

Let’s dive in ⬇️ 

I first discovered this phenomenon after reading a VICE article published in late 2022 highlighting the initial emergence of these localized streaming websites. As 2023 progressed, I observed more of the conversation develop and thought it was fascinating from the perspective of highlighting local talent, building community, and being overall interesting.

I thought it’d be fun to share 5 things that stood out to me as I researched and learned more about what’s happening.

1) Each city has a similiar format

Despite libraries in different cities and states having their own website, it’s clear that most of these websites look the same and are being built with the same technology.

The VICE article shares how two people named Preston Austin and Kelly Hiser built an open source software called MUSICat that public libraries can use to create their own streaming players.

Below are screenshots of 3 different library streaming websites from Edmonton, the Bay Area, and New Orleans all with the same format.

They all share similar features:

1. Logo in the top left

2. Search bar in top right

3. Navigation bar at the top with similar pages (ALBUMS, ARTISTS, PLAYLISTS, etc)

4. Horizontal image in the center

After going to MUSICat’s website, it looks like 20 libraries across the United States are using their software to create their streaming platforms.

2) Music is continuing to become regionalized

Less music superstars are emerging these days with the overall music ecosystem becoming more fragmented and creating hyper-localized scenes.

This is a trend already happening but the development of these localized library streaming platforms could help enhance this movement with additional emphasis on regional talent as opposed to national.

3) In a way these libraries can become curators

The music being championed on these platforms consists of a few things:

1. The artists that agree to the licensing deals the libraries are offering

2. Out of the music that is available on platform, what the individual curators from each library are highlighting

For example, unless each album or song is appearing on the website in alphabetical order (that doesn’t appear to be the case), there’s curation at some level.

The Crescent City Sounds website even has a page dedicated to its curators who are dictating what music gets featured on the website.

If these platforms built communities (we’ll get to that in a second), they could conveicably become influential for highlighting music in their respective areas and the influence of these curators could grow.

4) Increased visibility for artists

These hyper-localized websites are a great way for artists to receive increased local visibility and maybe even make potential money down the line.

It appears each library has its own licensing agreements with the artists on their platform - even if it’s a few hundred bucks, that’s additional revenue artists can make in addition to their music being available on other streaming platforms (since these licenses are non exclusive).

In addition, who knows how far the visibility on these websites can go? For example, if the city of New Orleans was looking for local talent to play a festival, its conceivable that whoever is in charge of booking could look at the Crescent City Sounds website for ideas - simply being featured on the platform could help lead to indirect earnings down the road.

5) The power and importance of community

In many ways, these local libraries are building and nurturing their own communities with these platforms. They’re not only contributing to the local community within their towns or cities but have the potential to build their own communities around the library and their taste in music.

It’ll be interesting to see what opportunities open as a result of these - could these libraries sponsor a local festival or tour dates for one of these artists?

If they build a big enough following as a result of their music taste, could they actually impact the growth and trajectory of the artists they feature?

Only time will tell.

Thanks for reading, until next time.