The stars of the Grammys are among the few earning a decent living from their music.
For most artists it is a struggle, but in the United States one musician has found a unique way to cash in by recording thousands of novelty songs and putting them on music streaming service Spotify.
"For me I figured the way is just to make a song for everybody," says Matt Farley.
He's recorded literally thousands of songs, from ones about celebrities to songs about animals. And they're all available on Spotify.
"I have 4,000 'happy birthday' songs, personalised for specific names. So if you type in 'happy birthday Michael', my song comes up," he says.
And it's not just birthday songs, but prom songs as well.
Each time someone clicks on one of his songs, even if it's just out of curiosity, Farley earns a few cents. Last year his earnings totalled US$23,000 (NZ$27,970).
"My hourly wage is very low, but I love doing it, so if I can get any money out of it, it's wonderful."
Farley still works three days a week at a group home for teenagers, and when he's not there he spends hours recording in his basement.
"Five years ago I'd be surprised about where I am now, but it's just happened very gradually. But also I still have a day job and so I wouldn't call myself a huge success anyway."
It may not be the career in music he originally planned, but it is still a career.
3 News
source: newshub archive
