Canadian trio Wild Rivers: We feel like weird imposters trying to play Americana
Wild River released their second album Sidelines on Nettwork earlier this year.
The question of whether streaming is the salvation or ruination of the music industry is pop’s latest unsolvable conundrum. And it is a subject which has played on the minds of Wild Rivers, the Canadian folk trio whose success has been fuelled to a large degree by their popularity on platforms such as Spotify. On one hand, streaming will never make them rich (Spotify royalty rates being notoriously pitiful). On the other, without Spotify would they have amassed a global following – including the Irish fanbase that will come out to see them when they tour here in May?
“It's complicated,” says front woman Devan Glover. “The structure of the subscription-based streaming services are hurting artists and hurting songwriters. And it’s terrible. At the same time, we are a band born out of the streaming age. We wouldn't have nearly as many fans, or be playing any shows in the US or Europe, if it wasn't for Spotify and Spotify-like algorithmic playlists. It is interesting because the potential for exposure is so great. At the same time, no musician can survive off the streaming royalties. It’s a double-edged sword.”
