I am an enthusiast of crypto, Hedera Hashgraph, and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and I’ve been observing how we use platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube for music distribution and royalties. While these platforms are great for reach, getting paid as an artist is another story. When I tried uploading music to Spotify, I realized it requires going through distributors or aggregators like DistroKid, CD Baby, or TuneCore for verification, metadata, and licensing management before your music even goes live. These extra layers take time, money, and often a cut of your royalties, which can be discouraging for independent artists in Vanuatu.

A few years ago, I came across Hedera Hashgraph and the decentralized apps (dApps) built on its infrastructure, and one project that caught my attention was Tune.FM. It seemed like a direct solution: upload your music, and get instant, transparent payments for every stream, without waiting months or losing a percentage to middlemen.

Vanuatu artists could really benefit from this model, but the uncertainty around how to convert crypto earnings into vatu, and the lack of local exchanges or clear policies on cashing out digital assets, makes many hesitant to adopt it fully. I even tried uploading the Vatubwe album to Tune.FM, but noticed that most listeners still default to Spotify and YouTube because that’s what they know and use daily.

So, what is Tune.FM really, and how can it fit into our music scene here in Vanuatu? Here, I try to explain it a bit, so artists, DJs, and remix producers can see the potential this technology offers—if we can bridge the gaps around usage, policy, and community adoption.

Let’s Start!

In Vanuatu, many artists—especially DJs, remix producers, and upcoming musicians—have turned to MediaFire, Zippyshare, SoundCloud, Facebook, and WhatsApp to share their music with fans. While these platforms help get your sound out there, they come with big limitations:

• ❌ No direct payments for downloads or streams.
• ❌ No clear tracking of who is listening, when, and how often.
• ❌ No royalties, only exposure, and often your music is shared without your control.
• ❌ Risk of takedowns due to copyright or platform policy issues.

For Vanuatu artists trying to build a career while supporting their families, these platforms do not provide a reliable income.

That’s why Tune.FM stands out. It has even attracted global artists like Snoop Dogg, and features catalogs from legends like Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, and Santana, signaling a shift worth exploring, even for grassroots artists in Vanuatu looking for fairer ways to earn from their music.

1️⃣ Wallets and Tokens on Tune.FM

When you upload your music to Tune.FM, the platform automatically creates a crypto wallet for you, even if you’ve never used crypto before. This wallet stores JAM tokens, the native cryptocurrency of Tune.FM, which you receive instantly for every stream.

What is a JAM Token?

• A digital token on the Hedera Hashgraph network.
• You earn JAM tokens per second streamed.
• These tokens can be held, exchanged for other cryptocurrencies, or converted into cash through supported exchanges.

Using this system, you get paid directly without waiting months for platforms to send royalties. This is crucial for Vanuatu artists looking to monetize their music while retaining control.

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2️⃣ Why Hedera Hashgraph (DLT) Matters

Tune.FM uses Hedera Hashgraph, a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) that:

• Records every play on an immutable public ledger.
• Guarantees transparency on how often your music is played and payments earned.
• Processes transactions quickly and cheaply, ensuring instant micro-payments without high fees.

This DLT-based approach ensures you can earn consistently, whether your fans are in Port Vila, Santo, or across the world.

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3️⃣ Vanuatu’s New Digital Assets Law

In 2024, Vanuatu passed the Virtual Assets Act (Digital Assets Law), providing a legal framework for crypto, tokens, and digital assets in the country.

What does this mean for artists?

✅ Legal Recognition: JAM tokens and other digital assets are now recognized under Vanuatu law.
✅ Regulatory Framework: Licensed providers in Vanuatu can assist with managing, exchanging, and cashing out your tokens legally.
✅ Open Path for Innovation: Artists and entrepreneurs can confidently use platforms like Tune.FM without fear of operating in a legal grey zone.

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4️⃣ Putting It All Together for Vanuatu Artists

✅ Upload your remixes, originals, and DJ sets on Tune.FM.
✅ Collect JAM tokens in your auto-created wallet.
✅ Track your streams transparently on Hedera DLT.
✅ Leverage Vanuatu’s Digital Assets Law to manage and cash out your earnings legally.
✅ Use Facebook, WhatsApp, and your existing channels to drive traffic to your Tune.FM profile, earning as your music is played.

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From MediaFire to Tune.FM: A Smart Move

While platforms like MediaFire, Limewire, Zippyshare, and SoundCloud helped you share music, Tune.FM helps you monetize music legally and transparently under Vanuatu’s new digital environment.

It’s time to move your hustle to the next level and let your music pay you instantly while you sleep.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are mine and do not represent the views of any organization or platform mentioned.