Spotify features new merchandise service through Topspin

Streaming seems to be the future for listening to music, which raises concerns for some musicians such as Thom Yorke, who allege that services such as Spotify make it difficult for new musicians to break into the business. There's also the ongoing concern that a "stream" doesn't earn the performer responsible for thus music very much in kickbacks. Spotify is testing a new method to help performers raise funds through the service however.

The music streaming service has teamed up with Topspin to give musicians the ability to hawk their wares on Spotify. Using the ArtistLinks tool from Topspin, performers can link directly to a merchandiser through the site. They simply upload images and descriptions of T-shirts, posters and albums, and Spotify will confirm the legitimacy of the merchandise before posting. The idea is that if performers are concerned with how much (or little) they're making from streams, now they can supplement it with merchandise sales.

Led Zeppelin and Oasis, two bands that have recently made their full catalogues available on Spotify, are among the first groups to try the new promotional system as well. If a user searches "Led Zeppelin" on the service, they'll see the band's image, followed by its ten most popular tracks, and below that will be merchandise options. Spotify has been growing plenty for its own good as well.

The service recently allowed those who downloaded the Spotify app to access its entire catalogue for free. Previously, owner desktop users could get the service for free (with advertisements, of course).