Tidal is a music streaming platform that likes to be at the forefront of the industry, and it should be since, in the early days, Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Kanye were all part of it. It was known as an artist-owned platform and had exclusive content from artists.
Some industry co-owners and shareholders are big names, like Damian Marley, Alicia Keys, Calvin Harris, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. However, it is now majority-owned by Block Inc.
What makes Tidal different from other streaming services?
Tidal came on the music-streaming scene with a bang, and that tapered off quickly - with people dubbing it as ‘Jay-Z’s failed streaming project.’ Since then, it has held a top spot with other streaming services.
And while other streaming services are starting to offer better quality audio, Tidal has a few features that make it stand out from the rest.
MQA is one of the most significant benefits for audiophiles when it comes to streaming. Master Quality Authenticated means that the music you hear isn’t compressed and will give a cleaner and richer sound. For those with the audio gear to tell the difference, MQA is even better than lossless.
Another big area that Tidal puts a lot of investment into, and one that the fans really enjoy, is the connection between fans and artists. They offer exclusive content, interviews, live performances, and music videos. Because some shareholders and co-owners are prominent artists, they often have content on the platform you can’t find anywhere else.
They work directly with upcoming artists through their Tidal Rising program; while it was launched in 2015, it is revamping for 2023. They’ve called it the next era of Tidal Rising. Artists get connections, amplification, and education to solidify their careers. Over the next 12 months, they intend to work with a couple of artists. This makes this great for artists because they can access funding and control how and where it is spent.
With that in mind, Tidal’s Collab feature becomes even more interesting.
What is Tidal’s new Collabs feature?
Tidal Collabs is another artist-focused initiative that helps musicians of all genres and sizes grow. Through the Collabs platform, artists can find what they call ‘creatively-compatible’ artists to work with.
The platform allows artists to find other musicians and creatives looking to co-create.
Tidal uses the data they have from artists to recommend matches. It’s not just the chance for artists to match up and make some magic, though. Tidal offers incredible experiences for artists who work together. A current example is the chance for a collab to win an in-studio session with Jermaine Dupri.
Discover your perfect creative match on our platform and apply together for a chance to win in-studio mentorship from GRAMMY award-winning Producer and Hall of Fame Songwriter Jermaine Dupri.
While collaboration is excellent, the platform offers artists a better way to connect with their fans.
What are the artists saying about Tidal Collab?
Right now, the platform is new, so many more artists will speak up about it in the future. But for now, one rising artist who sees a lot of possibilities in Tidal’s Collabs feature is Nino Augustine. Here is what he has to say:
“As an artist whose music defies categorization, I believe collaborations play a huge part in making my music resonate universally. I'm excited to use TIDAL Collabs to help me find other artists to explore exciting new creative possibilities with.”
Jermaine Dupri, with whom many Collab users hope to get some studio time, says that Tidal’s Collabs feature is a game-changer because finding producers and artists to collaborate with can be challenging.
And what’s more, it also means that fans have something entirely new to enjoy when these collaborations are released.
What does Tidal’s Collab give fans?
Returning to Tidal’s mission to be artist and fan-focused, it is important to understand what the fans get from this feature. Ultimately, it is the fans that will help artists grow.
Jermaine pointed out that a stream of innovative music could step outside the artist's typical style with the new Collab feature and offer something new for fans. It will also introduce both sets of fans to a new artist - widening their awareness of other artists that might differ from what they often listen to.
The artists using the Collab platform have more access to their fanbase and can create experiences like AMAs, Q&As, BTS, and more, plus music that further cements those relationships.
What impact will Tidal’s Collab feature have on the music industry?
Collaborations have been around in the music industry for many years. And we’ve had some great ones, like David Bowie and Queen with Under Pressure, Kayne West, Kid Cudi & Rihanna with All of the Lights, and who can forget the Numb/Encore track from Linkin Park and Jay-Z?
They are part and parcel of great music when two great artists come together to create something great. The Tidal Collab feature makes it more efficient for artists to work together.
Something that always happens with streaming services is that they like to have comparable features, so could we see an increase in investment in a similar platform? Most likely.
With most platforms in competition to attract artists, there needs to be more than just royalties to entice them. Offering more exciting collaborations and support is an intelligent way to do it.
Spotify currently have some collboration features, like Collaborative Playlist, or the Spotify Songwriter Sessions (which also supports new talent).
Do you love what Tidal does but don’t want to lose your playlists, albums, and songs from other services like Spotify, Amazon Music, or Apple Music? Transfer to Tidal with FreeYourMusic.
