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Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future- Rock Sun Records, in partnership with Virgin Music Group, is proud to welcome hard-hitting rock outfit GEARS to its growing roster of boundary-pushing artists.This new chapter for GEARS comes on the heels of a year marked by both tragedy and transformation. The band suffered the devastating loss of founding member and drummer Jimmy Wooten earlier this year—a blow that deeply impacted the band, their fans, and the greater rock community. Known for his ferocious playing style, creative spirit, and unwavering passion, Jimmy was the heartbeat of GEARS and a cornerstone of their sound and identity.Now, with heavy hearts but a renewed sense of purpose, GEARS is moving forward—introducing new members and preparing for the release of a powerful collection of songs that mark Jimmy Wooten’s final recorded contributions to the band. This upcoming release will serve not only as a tribute to his legacy, but also as a launchpad for the next phase of GEARS.“This is an emotional and pivotal moment for us,” said the band in a joint statement. “Jimmy helped shape every note of what GEARS became. These new songs are the last we created with him, and releasing them through Rock Sun Records/Virgin Music Group gives us the strength and support we need to continue the journey he helped begin.”The forthcoming release promises to deliver the aggressive energy, melodic depth, and raw honesty GEARS is known for—now elevated by the emotional weight of honoring a fallen brother and embracing a new era.More information about the new release and the band’s next steps will be announced in the coming weeks.For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact: rocksunrecords@gmail.com

GEARS Joins the Rock Sun Records / Virgin Music Group Family

Rock Sun Records is making waves in the music industry by becoming one of the first record labels to offer its artists the option of whether or not to distribute their music on Spotify. This decision comes in response to growing concerns over Spotify’s lack of transparency in determining what constitutes “artificial” streams and why these flagged streams predominantly come from free accounts.Over the past year, independent and smaller artists have found themselves disproportionately affected by Spotify’s policies. Some artists with as few as 1,000 streams or less have had their numbers reduced, while major artists—many of whom allegedly utilize stream farms and botted playlists—remain unaffected. Rock Sun Records is taking a stand to demand accountability and ensure its artists retain control over their music’s distribution.“We have simply asked for accountability from Spotify on this issue, and until we have that clarity, we at Rock Sun feel the artist should control whether to include their music on Spotify,” says Tom Hooks, Founder of Rock Sun Records. “It’s about giving artists a say in where and how their music is shared, rather than allowing a platform with opaque policies to dictate their success.”Hooks further highlighted that this issue does not appear to exist on other streaming platforms that do not rely on free-tier accounts. “The fact that we do not see this issue at other platforms like Apple Music, Deezer, Tidal, or Napster speaks volumes to this being a systemic issue at Spotify,” he continued. “All we have asked for is a clear definition of what criteria they are using to make these determinations.”This move by Rock Sun Records underscores a broader industry-wide call for fairness and transparency in digital streaming. As one of the first labels to give artists direct control over whether their music appears on Spotify, Rock Sun is setting a precedent for how independent labels can advocate for their talent in the face of corporate ambiguity.The debate over Spotify’s artificial stream detection practices has intensified as more artists find their streams inexplicably removed without explanation. Many argue that Spotify’s policies lack consistency, unfairly punishing independent artists while larger industry players evade scrutiny.With this latest initiative, Rock Sun Records is reinforcing its commitment to artist empowerment and ethical business practices. By prioritizing fairness and transparency, the label is ensuring that its artists have a say in how their music is distributed and monetized.

Rock Sun Records Empowers Artists with Choice Over Spotify Distribution

Rock Sun Records signs Gravewitch and drops album release date, artwork and track list &nbsp; Gravewitch self titled album cover art Rock Sun Records, the dynamic multi-genre label distributed by Virgin Music Group, is thrilled to announce the signing of blackened thrash metal trio Gravewitch. Hailing from Bend, Oregon, Gravewitch has carved out a reputation for their sinister, raw, and punishing sound that pushes the limits of extreme metal. As part of their debut under Rock Sun Records, the band will be releasing their self-titled album, “Gravewitch,” on June 18th, 2025.A New Era for GravewitchGravewitch was forged from the shared passion of best friends Chris Fleming (guitarist/vocalist), Andrew Ingraham (drums), and Doug Green (bass), who have been dedicated to crafting an uncompromising, high-intensity brand of extreme metal. Their music fuses blackened thrash elements with haunting atmospheres and unrelenting aggression, making them a formidable presence in the metal underground.“Our goal has always been to create something ferocious and unapologetic,working with Rock Sun will take Gravewitch to the next level.”Rock Sun Records Continues to Expand BoundariesRock Sun Records has consistently pushed musical boundaries by embracing a diverse roster of artists across multiple genres. From metal and alternative to indie and beyond, Rock Sun fosters a creative environment where artists can thrive without the constraints of traditional genre-specific labels. The addition of Gravewitch to their lineup further solidifies their commitment to supporting artists who challenge the status quo.“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Gravewitch to the Rock Sun family,” says Rock Sun founder Tom Hooks “Their energy, intensity, and sheer musicianship are a perfect fit for our vision of breaking genre boundaries and fostering cutting-edge music.”Self-Titled Album: “Gravewitch”Set for release on June 18, 2025, the new album “Gravewitch” is a 10-track onslaught of unrelenting riffs, blistering drums, and eerie, atmospheric elements. Recorded and mixed by Johnny Davis at 1988 Recording Studio in Bend, Oregon, and mastered by Jay Maas, the album encapsulates the band’s ferocious energy and dark thematic depth.Tracklist:Damnable Evil Phantasm Mistress of Hate Ritual Reanimation Atmospheric Alterations White City Devil Woodland Trance Systematic Fallout Operation Overlord The Once Sacred Gift of LifeJoin the RitualWith an album that promises to push the boundaries of extreme metal, Gravewitch is poised to make a lasting impact. Fans can expect an intense live experience to accompany the album’s release, with tour dates and exclusive content to be announced soon.

Rock Sun Records Signs Blackened Thrashers Gravewitch, Announces Album Release Date

Why Followers Matter More Than Monthly Listeners on SpotifyWhen it comes to tracking an artist’s success on Spotify, the debate between the importance of monthly listeners and followers often arises. While monthly listeners are widely viewed as a measure of an artist’s current reach, followers may actually hold more long-term value. While it's tempting to chase the numbers of monthly listeners, it's the followers who represent a dedicated and sustainable fanbase that can support an artist's career over time. Let’s dive into why followers might be more important than monthly listeners on Spotify.Monthly Listeners: The Snapshot of Current Popularity Monthly listeners are a metric on Spotify that represent the number of unique users who actively listen to an artist’s music within a given month. This provides a snapshot of an artist’s current popularity and the reach of their latest music. For emerging artists or those with new releases, this number can look impressive and may be seen as an indicator of their current buzz and success.However, there’s a catch. Monthly listeners can fluctuate significantly based on temporary trends, like playlist placements or viral moments. A song going viral or landing on a popular playlist can cause a spike in monthly listeners, but this can quickly fade as the hype dies down. While this might offer a boost in exposure in the short term, it doesn’t necessarily reflect consistent or loyal fan engagement.Followers: The Foundation for Long-Term Engagement In contrast, followers on Spotify are the users who have chosen to actively follow an artist’s profile, indicating a deeper level of interest. These are not casual listeners—they are people who want to be notified about new music, concert dates, or updates from the artist.The importance of followers lies in the fact that they represent a sustainable fanbase, which is key to an artist’s long-term career. Unlike monthly listeners, which can spike and drop based on temporary trends, followers are more likely to stick around for future releases. When an artist drops new music, their followers are notified, and these followers are more likely to engage with that new material. This creates a cycle of continuous engagement, helping artists grow and maintain a loyal base of fans who will support their music over time.Why Followers Are Crucial for Long-Term Success While monthly listeners provide insight into short-term popularity, it’s followers who offer long-term stability. Here are a few reasons why followers matter more:Sustained Engagement: Followers are more likely to keep coming back to listen to new tracks and engage with future releases. As they’re notified about updates, they’re given a direct way to engage with the artist’s work, which promotes consistent listening behavior. Stronger Fan Connection: Followers have taken the extra step to connect with an artist, and their relationship with the artist goes beyond a one-time listen. They’ve chosen to follow an artist, signifying that they’re invested in the artist’s journey and future. Real Support for Releases: An artist with a large following can expect a steady stream of streams when they release new music. This consistent support is often more valuable than the temporary surge of listeners that can come from a viral song or playlist placement. More Opportunities for Engagement: Followers are often more likely to engage with the artist in other ways, such as attending concerts, purchasing merchandise, or sharing music. This creates a more active fanbase, which is crucial for an artist’s overall success beyond streaming numbers. Conclusion: Building a Loyal Fanbase is Key In the end, while monthly listeners are certainly an exciting metric to watch, they should not be the sole focus when measuring an artist’s success. Monthly listeners can be influenced by fleeting trends, like playlist placements or viral moments, but followers represent a foundation for deeper, more enduring fan engagement.By cultivating and nurturing a loyal following, artists can build a sustainable career that goes beyond just chasing viral moments. Followers are the ones who will stick around, share their music with friends, and show up to concerts—creating a long-lasting, valuable fanbase that supports the artist’s growth for years to come. So, while monthly listeners may give a glimpse of an artist’s momentary reach, it’s the followers who hold the key to long-term success.

Why Followers Matter More Than Monthly Listeners on Spotify

It’s becoming increasingly evident that Spotify is deprioritizing&nbsp; streams from its free, ad-supported accounts. Though not publicly announced as a policy, artists and industry observers have noticed the effects: streams from free-tier users no longer seem to count toward official tallies as Spotify removes them from Artists. This shift has raised serious questions about its impact on artists, fans, and the music industry at large.At its core, this move appears to align with Spotify’s push toward its premium subscription model. Paid users provide a more consistent and lucrative revenue stream, not only through subscriptions but also in offering a more predictable financial outlook for the platform. The ad-supported tier, while effective at onboarding users, is less stable and highly susceptible to the whims of the advertising market.This shift also works in Spotify’s favor from a business optics perspective. By focusing on streams from premium users, the company can present higher-value engagement metrics to stakeholders, advertisers, and investors. In a fiercely competitive streaming landscape, where platforms like Apple Music, Deezer, Napster and Tidal vie for dominance, such metrics can be a key differentiator.However, for Artists—especially independent and emerging musicians—this change could be devastating. Streaming revenue has long been criticized for its low payouts, with artists earning only fractions of a penny per play. Stripping free streams from the equation effectively reduces the number of streams that contribute to an artist’s earnings, leaving many musicians with even less financial support. For those building their fanbases, this could stifle growth and sustainability.The impact is not evenly distributed. High-profile artists with a loyal, premium-paying audience may not feel the pinch, but smaller, up-and-coming acts—those reliant on casual listeners—are likely to suffer the most. This dynamic risks deepening existing inequalities in the industry, further concentrating streaming revenue among a select few artists.Fans, too, are caught in the crossfire. Free-tier users, often younger listeners or those from lower-income demographics, have historically played a significant role in supporting artists by driving up stream counts and visibility. Now, their contributions are being effectively disregarded, alienating this portion of Spotify’s audience. As a result, some may seek out alternative platforms that still value their engagement.This move has reignited debates about fairness and transparency in music streaming. Critics argue that prioritizing premium streams undermines the open accessibility that once defined the platform. While Spotify appears focused on enhancing its financial standing, the cost of these decisions on artists and listeners cannot be ignored.In response, artists and advocates are calling for greater accountability. Proposals include fairer revenue-sharing models, clearer guidelines on how streams are monetized, and stronger support for independent musicians. Fans are also being encouraged to show direct support for their favorite artists, whether by subscribing to premium plans or purchasing music through platforms like Apple Music or directly from Artists.As Spotify continues to evolve, it’s clear that the streaming era is entering a new phase—one where the balance between profitability, equity, and sustainability is more contentious than ever. Whether this strategy will pay off for Spotify in the long run remains uncertain, but it’s already prompting tough questions about who truly benefits from the modern music industry—and at what cost.

Spotify’s Free Streams Are Being Stripped Away: What Does It Mean for Artists and Fans?

The Spotify Controversy Deepens: Artists Speak Out on Stream and Listener RemovalsThe uproar surrounding Spotify’s recent actions shows no signs of slowing down. After our previous report revealed the chaos caused by the platform’s removal of streams and listeners, more than 20 artists came forward with shocking stories that add fuel to the fire. The pattern is undeniable: Spotify is actively stripping streams and listeners from its platform, and the explanations provided are anything but transparent.Artists Sound the Alarm Artists across diverse genres are experiencing the same unsettling trend: their streams are being slashed by up to 50%. This isn’t an isolated issue, and the impact extends across the board:Artists with no external promotions. Artists using Spotify’s own Marquee and Showcase ads. Artists leveraging tools like Hypeddit. Artists relying on legitimate playlisting services . No matter their promotional efforts—or lack thereof—streams are being eliminated in large numbers. The most concerning revelation? Spotify seems to be targeting streams from free accounts, labeling them as “artificial.”What’s Really Happening? Spotify’s actions raise significant questions. If the streams aren’t fake, could this be a deliberate move to remove them? Here’s what’s been uncovered so far:Spotify claims streams originating from free accounts are “artificial.” If true, what does this suggest about their own ecosystem? Are Spotify Ads, which supposedly target real listeners, reaching bots instead? Or is Spotify implying that free users, who form a significant portion of its audience, are somehow less valid than Premium subscribers?Such claims not only undermine artists’ efforts but also dismiss millions of legitimate listeners. The bigger question looms: Is Spotify’s user base being framed as part of the problem?&nbsp; Follow the Money: Spotify’s Business Tactics It’s hard to ignore the financial incentives behind these actions. Spotify’s approach appears to be a calculated strategy to boost profits at the expense of both artists and listeners. Here’s how it works:Artists Pay for Ads: Spotify profits from artists who purchase ad campaigns to promote their music. Stream Cuts: Streams from these campaigns are removed, flagged as “artificial.” Royalty Savings: By slashing streams, Spotify avoids paying royalties owed to artists, labels, and songwriters. The result? A win-win for Spotify’s bottom line:Revenue from ad purchases. Revenue from both free users (via ads) and Premium subscribers. Reduced royalty payouts. Attempts to challenge these actions are often met with dismissive responses from Spotify’s support team, who cite “artificial streams” before abruptly ending conversations.&nbsp; Ripple Effects on Distributors The fallout doesn’t end with Spotify. Distributors are now caught in the middle, and the situation is spiraling. Likely consequences include:Non-Payment of Remaining Streams: Distributors may withhold payments for the streams that remain, citing Spotify’s claims of artificial activity. Finger-Pointing: Artists will be stuck in a blame game between Spotify and distributors, with no clear resolution. This leaves countless artists facing financial losses, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance.&nbsp; Demanding Transparency and Accountability At its core, this issue is about fairness and trust. Spotify’s actions are shaking the foundations of the music streaming industry. Artists and listeners alike deserve better. Transparency is crucial, and Spotify owes the music community answers to key questions:How does Spotify determine what counts as “artificial”? Why are streams from free accounts being flagged en masse? How can Spotify justify removing streams generated through their own advertising campaigns? Until these questions are addressed, trust in Spotify will continue to erode. This isn’t just an internal scandal; it’s a wake-up call for the entire industry.&nbsp; The Road Ahead The music community must unite to demand change. This isn’t just about Spotify’s actions—it’s about protecting the future of music and the livelihoods of the artists who create it. If Spotify won’t step up, perhaps it’s time for the industry to look elsewhere for a platform that values integrity over profit.The fight isn’t over, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Let’s hold Spotify accountable and ensure a fairer future for all creators.&nbsp;

Rock Sun Records

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GEARS Joins the Rock Sun Records / Virgin Music Group Family

Rock Sun Records Empowers Artists with Choice Over Spotif...

Rock Sun Records Signs Blackened Thrashers Gravewitch, An...

Why Followers Matter More Than Monthly Listeners on Spotify

Spotify’s Free Streams Are Being Stripped Away: What Does...

Why is Spotify Throwing Out Your Streams En Masse