O músico português independente na era do streaming

: um estudo sobre segurança profissional

Abstract

The present dissertation begins with the question: how can independent Portuguese musicians build stable professional paths in an industry dominated by streaming? Through a qualitative approach, combining semi-structured interviews and bibliographic analysis, strategies are identified such as creation of independent structures (labels, companies, associations, trade unions, or artistic collectives), adaptation to the digital market, and the diversification of skills. It concludes that streaming, while essential as a means of distribution, is irrelevant as a source of income, in part due to its current remuneration model, which is widely contested and described as opaque. It suggests that future research should explore alternative remuneration models, the role of artificial intelligence in streaming, and the influence of other sectors within the music ecosystem on artists’ professional security. Fundamentally, the study contributes to a better understanding of the sustainability strategies adopted by independent musicians, considering economic, social, and cultural dimensions.

Date of Award	19 Sept 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Ana Lourenço (Supervisor) & José Vasco Carvalho (Co-Supervisor)