In addition to their efficient payment system, Australian casinos that use PayID also focus on providing an immersive gaming experience to their users. One of the key elements that contribute to this experience is music. The integration of carefully selected music can evoke emotions, set the mood, and make players feel more connected to the games they play. In this article, we will explore the significant role of music in creating an exciting and immersive gaming experience in PayID casinos.

Importance of an Immersive Gaming Experience

The online gambling industry is highly competitive, and PayID casinos understand the importance of creating a captivating gaming environment for their players. A truly immersive experience can keep players engaged for longer periods and enhance their overall satisfaction with the platform. In the pursuit of this goal, PayID casinos are continually seeking innovative ways to engage and entertain their users.

Music plays a crucial role in creating such an experience. When carefully chosen and well-integrated, it can enhance the excitement and emotional connection that players have with the games they play. Whether it’s the background music in a slot machine or the live music during a table game, the right soundtrack can elevate the overall gaming experience and leave a lasting impression on the players.

Sound Effects and Immersive Gaming

Music as a Key Element

Music has been used for centuries to evoke emotions, tell stories, and create atmospheres. In the context of online gambling, it serves as an essential element in creating the desired ambiance.

According to https://casino-payid.com PayID casinos in Australia offer best no deposit bonuses for pokies online. They understand the power of music and utilize it to craft a unique and memorable experience for Aussie players.

The right music can invoke feelings of anticipation, joy, excitement, or even relaxation, depending on the game’s theme and the intended player experience. For example, a thrilling action-themed slot may have energetic and fast-paced music to boost adrenaline levels, while a serene nature-themed game might feature calming and soothing melodies to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Matching Music to Casino Themes

An integral part of enhancing the gaming experience with music is choosing the right soundtrack that aligns with the casino’s themes and games. Each casino game has its unique theme, and the music must complement it to create a coherent and immersive environment.

For slot machines, the theme could range from adventurous quests to movie-inspired storylines or even historical events. In such cases, the music should match the theme to reinforce the players’ connection to the game world.

In table games like blackjack, poker, or roulette, the music should complement the elegant and sophisticated atmosphere of the casino floor. In contrast, live dealer games can benefit from live music performances during live streaming to create an immersive and engaging atmosphere.

Creating Unique Soundtracks

To truly differentiate their platforms, some PayID casinos go the extra mile and invest in creating unique soundtracks for their games. This includes commissioning original compositions or collaborating with talented composers to develop exclusive music tailored to their casino’s brand identity.

Unique soundtracks allow PayID casinos to offer a distinctive gaming experience that cannot be replicated elsewhere. This approach can also reinforce the casino’s brand image and provide players with a sense of exclusivity, encouraging them to keep returning to the platform for their gaming needs.

Sound Design and Audio Effects

While music plays a significant role, sound design and audio effects are equally essential in enhancing the overall gaming experience. Integrating realistic sound effects can add a layer of authenticity to the games, making players feel more immersed in the virtual world.

In slot machines, the sounds of spinning reels, triumphant jingles for winning combinations, and interactive audio cues during bonus rounds contribute to the excitement and engagement. Table games benefit from the authentic sounds of shuffling cards, spinning roulette wheels, and chip stacks being placed on the table.

Additionally, PayID casinos often implement high-quality audio technology to ensure that players experience crisp and clear sounds while playing on various devices, whether it’s a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The Psychology of Music in Gambling

The use of music in online gambling is not just about creating a pleasant ambiance; it also taps into the psychology of players to influence their emotions and behavior. Numerous studies have explored the effects of music on human psychology, and these findings are applicable to the world of online gambling as well.

In casinos, music is strategically selected to induce positive emotions and encourage players to stay longer at the tables or slot machines. Upbeat and energetic music can make players feel more excited and motivated to take risks, while soothing and relaxing melodies can help create a calming atmosphere, particularly in high-stress gaming environments.

Casinos also consider the tempo and volume of the music. Faster tempos can increase the pace of gameplay, while softer volumes can promote relaxation and reduce stress. These psychological factors can have a subtle but significant impact on the player experience and their decision-making process.

Improving Gameplay and Payouts

The influence of music on players goes beyond creating a pleasant atmosphere; it can also impact gameplay and potentially affect payout outcomes. When players feel more immersed and engaged, they are likely to be more focused and confident during gameplay.

A positive emotional state induced by well-selected music can lead to increased concentration, which in turn may result in better gaming performance. In the context of games that require strategy and skill, such as poker and blackjack, improved focus can lead to more successful gameplay and potentially higher payouts.

Additionally, a captivating soundtrack can also help players stay motivated during periods of lesser luck. The music’s ability to uplift players emotionally can keep them engaged, even during moments when they may not be experiencing immediate wins.

Live Dealer Music Experience

Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular in the online gambling industry, bridging the gap between land-based casinos and virtual gaming platforms. These games feature real human dealers interacting with players through live video streaming.

To enhance the authenticity of live dealer games, PayID casinos may include live music performances during the live streaming sessions. This creates a unique and enjoyable gaming experience for players, replicating the feeling of being in a brick-and-mortar casino.

Live music performances during live dealer games not only add a touch of elegance to the gaming environment but also contribute to the overall ambiance, making the experience even more memorable for players.

Music and Responsible Gambling

While the use of music can greatly enhance the gaming experience, PayID casinos also recognize the importance of promoting responsible gambling practices. Music can play a role in creating a balanced gaming environment, preventing overstimulation, and encouraging players to take regular breaks.

Responsible gambling features in PayID casinos may include options to adjust music volume or mute the sound altogether, giving players control over their gaming experience. Additionally, casinos may provide access to responsible gambling resources, such as time and spending limits, to encourage players to play responsibly and avoid developing harmful gambling habits.

Player Reviews and Reactions

The impact of music on players in PayID casinos can be gauged from player reviews and reactions. Many players express their appreciation for the well-selected music that enhances their gaming sessions. Positive feedback often includes comments about how the music contributes to the excitement and enjoyment of the games.

Players may share specific instances where the music intensified the gaming experience, such as during bonus rounds in slot machines or during critical moments in table games. These reactions further reinforce the importance of music in shaping the overall perception of PayID casinos.

Future Trends in Music and Gambling

The integration of music into PayID casinos is an ever-evolving process, driven by advancements in technology and changing player preferences. As technology continues to progress, the possibilities for immersive gaming experiences are bound to expand.

One potential trend is the use of adaptive music systems that can tailor the soundtrack in real-time based on the player’s actions and emotions during gameplay. Such systems could enhance the responsiveness and personalized nature of the gaming experience, creating a unique soundtrack for each player.

Another trend could involve incorporating virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies to take the immersive gaming experience to new heights. In a VR casino environment, players could interact with the casino world through virtual avatars while experiencing a fully immersive audio experience, including 3D positional audio and dynamic soundscapes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music plays a significant role in shaping the gaming experience for players in PayID casinos. From setting the mood to influencing player emotions and behaviors, the right music can elevate the excitement and immersion in online gambling. PayID casinos understand the importance of music as a key element in creating a captivating and unforgettable experience for their players.

As technology continues to advance, PayID casinos will likely explore new and innovative ways to leverage music and audio effects to enhance their gaming platforms further. With a focus on responsible gambling and the continual pursuit of an immersive gaming experience, PayID casinos will continue to impress players with their dedication to delivering top-notch entertainment.

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At the same time, the music streaming market is becoming exponentially more and more complex. As of 2018, there were over 200 DSPs with streaming capabilities, from regional players and niche services to international giants of Apple, Spotify and alike. We’ve laid out a complete classification of all streaming services over in our article on the Mechanics of Streaming, so check it out if you want to know more.

So, how do you navigate this complex landscape of the streaming market and maximize your streaming revenue? The music industry is full of opportunities, but what are the platforms you should focus on? How much do different DSPs pay the artists? Those questions are on the minds of artists of all scope — after all, it’s their primary revenue source on the recording side. It seems like the first metric to evaluate the platform’s return — and the most obvious one — is the per-stream payout rate. However, if you look into it, it turns out that it’s not really reliable. So, here’s our take on it: in this article, you will find out what are the streaming rates, and why they might not be as important as you think. 

3 Types of Streaming Payouts

Before we get into it, a quick side note. For every stream (or almost every stream), DSPs make three different payments to right-holders:

1. Mechanical Royalties

Mechanical royalties are paid to songwriters and their publishers (the owners of composition) for the right to reproduce the composition. Back in the day, that mechanical royalties were due whenever someone wanted to mechanically produce the physical medium carrying the composition — hence the name — but in the word of streaming, they are generated whenever the user chooses to play a song. You might remember the recent story on Spotify’s clash with publishers in the light of CRB’s decision. Well, that was all about mechanical royalties. 

2. Public Performance Royalties

 Performance royalties paid to songwriters and their publishers for the right to publicly perform their music. Since none of the music is technically owned by the user, every stream is considered a public performance — even if it is enjoyed in the privacy of one’s headphones.

3. Payout to Recording Owners

The third, and the most substantial part of the overall payout is owed to the owners of the copyright on the recording side through labels and distributors. If someone asks “how much does Spotify pay artists?”, 99% of the time it will be the payout to recording owners that they’re looking for.

While the mechanical and public performance royalties are a subject of a local legislation and can differ from country to country, almost all of the streaming services use pretty much the same set of rules for calculating this last part of the payout. Check out our Mechanics of Streaming if you want to know more about the overall costs of streaming — the point is that in this article we will focus exclusively on payouts to the sound recording owners, leaving the publishing royalties out of scope. 

What Do Major Streaming Services Pay the Artists?

So, what are the payout rates across the streaming services? There are two sources behind the most quotes you will see on the web: Digital Music News’ article on payout rates and The Trichordist’s 2018 Streaming Price Bible, which calculates the payout rate based on the sales data of a mid-scale indie label, that add up to over a billion streams.  We’ve decided to follow in The Trichordist’s steps and got data from our friendly label, covering two artists: the prominent international electronic act and mid-scale hip-hop band. In total, those artists have generated over 500 million streams throughout 2018.

Streaming Payouts on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play and Deezer

We’ve calculated the weighted average payout rate, taking into account the proprietary sample as well as the quotes provided by Digital Music News and The Trichordist. The complete table can be found below, but here’s a TL;DR summary for what we’ve got:

• Spotify paid the artists $0,0032 per stream
• Apple Music got the average rate of $0,0056
• Google Play Music landed a $0,0055 payout rate
• Deezer fell slightly lower at $0.00436

Amazon, Napster, and Tidal: the Top-3

In full detail: Amazon Music Unlimited, Napster and Tidal got the top-3 rates at $0,0119, $0.0106 and $0.0099 respectively. However, don’t get too excited about Amazon’s numbers. The lion’s share of the tech giants subscribers are in fact over at Amazon Prime bundled streaming service — and for Amazon Prime, the average rate came to just 28% of the Unlimited’s payout, or $0,0034.

YouTube’s Multi-Channel Payout System

Youtube is a multi-sided platform in terms of payout. There are at least three separate payouts under the brands’ umbrella: per YouTube Premium/YouTube Music stream ($0.008), per video-stream on the official artist’s channels ($0.00164) and videos monetized through Content ID ($0.00087).

Local Services of JioSaavn, Yandex and Tencent Take the Lower End

As expected, the lower end of the payout breakdown is occupied by the local digital services on the developing streaming markets: Indian JioSaavn ($0.0013), Russian UMA and Yandex ($0,00102 and $0.0005, respectively) and Tencent’s QQ — with the lowest observed rate at $0.0004 per stream.

How You Should Actually Think About Streaming Payouts

So, let’s take a step back and look at how the digital services actually calculate the artist’s total payout. Most of the streaming services, from Spotify and Apple to Google Play and Napster use what is referred to as “pro-rata” or “platform-centric” payout distribution model. Here’s how it works:

On the DSP side, services negotiate global payout rates with the content owners (mainly the major labels and Merlin, which represents a vast share of independent catalog). As we’ve argued in the Mechanics of Streaming, this rate is likely to fall in the range from 60% to 70% for every streaming service out there, but let’s use the 70% for the sake of simplicity. The negotiated rate is applied to all service’s revenues, and the result is the total sum that the DSP will pay out to right holders. It’s a revenue pool that will be split between all artists on the platform. To divvy up that pie between the artists, DSP will calculate a “share of content” — the number of the artist streams divided by all streams on the platform. 

How are Streaming Payouts Actually Calculated?

Let’s use an example. Imagine a streaming service X has made $1000 in revenues in one month, with a 70% payout rate. Out of that 70%, 57% is the cut of the recording owners, and publishers claim the remaining 13% in performance and mechanical royalties.

Now, if there were a total of 1 million streams on the platforms over the period, and your music generated 100,000 streams out of that million, your total payout would make $57 = (1000 * 57% * 100,000/1,000,000). Your songwriter would get another $13. 

This model is not without its flaws, and some professionals in the music business are calling for a shift to user-centric payouts — which is a topic we might explore in the future. For now, however, the payout that you get from any streaming service (except for YouTube video-streaming, and, as of late, Deezer’s user-centric payout) is a function of:

1. Total DSP’s revenue pool
2. Negotiated global payout as a percentage of that revenue
3. Total number of streams on the platform 
4. The number of your streams on the platform

Not All Streams are Created Equal

However — and here is where things get interesting — there is no such thing as a global, all-in revenue/content pool. Instead, there are dozens of separate buckets: for every subscription tier, every local market and so on. All the different types of streams create distinct content pools, and that means one simple thing. Not all streams are equally valuable. You wouldn’t try to cross a river because it is 4 feet deep on average. Accordingly, you shouldn’t judge the artist’s earnings on the platform based on the average per-stream payout. 

For any artist out there, the per-stream rate will be in constant flux — simply because there are hundreds of factors affecting the overall revenue. The payout rate depends on who, where and how much streams your music — which is precisely the reason for inconsistency between the quotes you can find around the web. With that in mind, let’s look at the data once again, and put some real-world context behind it. 

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To be able to count female singers, musicians, producers or songwriters, it is required to have gender specific data describing them. However, here’s the first roadblock — there is little public gender-differentiated metadata describing artists. Most data providers don’t have this kind of information, and the most comprehensive dataset I found so far is the Musicbrainz database.

Gender is only known for about half of individual artists of the Musicbrainz database. Among those with known gender, women represent only 11.6% of “non-group” artists (still that’s 141,318 people). Among songwriters, PRS members in the UK are 16% women, SACEM members in France are 17% women (2018 figures). The gender divide across all regions is roughly 30% female to 70% male with an optimistic outlook.

2/ How many female artists make it in popular music?

The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative examined the prevalence of women among the top 800 popular songs from 2012 until 2019. Those results are consistent with other studies I could find, and with my own research from Soundcharts: female artists account for about 20% of the top charts

3/ Are streaming platforms male-dominated? The French Hip Hop case

Digger deeper for France (my beloved country) where urban music tops the charts, ratios tend to be worse. Early March this year, only 9% of the top streaming charts were female on Deezer, Spotify and Youtube. The first female I could find in the rankings was Tones & I at the 28th rank on Spotify. The week I looked was indeed a pretty bad week for female music, and hopefully it’s not necessarily the case all year round.

Does it mean that streaming charts are male streaming charts? Why would streaming charts skew towards “gender-imbalaced” artists?

There are many possible explanations there, and the truth probably lies in a combination of the following:

• Subscribers of streaming services are more numerously male than female. Spotify has 43% female listeners for instance.
• French rappers have their music played on repeat more than any other genre.
• Streaming charts can be influenced by plays that are not properly qualified. (e.g. fake plays by bots, or social accounts connected that are male by default)

Interestingly enough, radio airplay doesn’t show as much imbalance. That same week, the Top 100 French Airplay Charts were featuring 35% female artists. In the US too, rap radio is more supportive of female rappers. Being 100% curated, traditional radio has an opportunity to be ahead of the curve and super-serve a female audience that streaming has not yet grasped.

4/ Do men and women consume music differently?

In a nutshell, yes, streaming statistics from Deezer and Spotify show that listening habits differ between males and females. More particularly, women tend to listen to more female-artists on average. On Spotify, female listeners stream 30.5% from female or mixed-gender artists, while male listeners stream 17.2% from female or mixed-gender artists.

Back to French hip hop as an example, Deezer published the gender balance for the 200 biggest hip hop artists of 2018.

5/ Are men more “passionate” about music?

Now let’s look at how much men and women listen to music. To avoid as much bias as possible, I first looked for Youtube numbers, since the platform has the biggest music audience in the world and allows active streams for free.

6/ Why so few women pursuing music careers?

Stacy Smith, one of the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative leaders, hints at social conditioning:

“Women are shut out of two crucial creative roles in the music industry (…) What the experiences of women reveal is that the biggest barrier they face is the way the music industry thinks about women. The perception of women is highly stereotypical, sexualized, and without skill. Until those core beliefs are altered, women will continue to face a roadblock as they navigate their careers.”

Stacy Smith

During the Music & Gender panel, Claire Morel from Shesaid.so France pointed out as well how women often have to fit stereotypes: the fragile woman singer, the charismatic rock star, the inspiring muse, the woman-child, the hypersexual rapper, and so on. In the 90s, each member of the Spice Girls would illustrate one of these feminine stereotypes. There is little space for a woman who is an artist to just be an artist. Younger female artists who don’t fit these stereotypes are more likely to give up on their music career because they feel less legitimate. 

“The male artist, in our image of him, does everything we are told not to do: He is violent and selfish. He neglects or betrays his friends and family. He smokes, drinks, scandalizes, indulges his lusts and in every way bites the hand that feeds him, all to be unmasked at the end as a peerless genius. Equally, he does the things we are least able or least willing to do: to work without expectation of a reward, to dispense with material comfort and to maintain an absolute indifference to what other people think of him. For he is the intimate associate of beauty and the world’s truth, dispenser of that rare substance — art — by which we are capable of feeling our lives to be elevated. Is there a female equivalent to this image?”

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