I'm writing this post to give some more detailed insight into what I hope to build with Steemsongs. There have been lots of questions in the original post and some require a more detailed response.
Question 1
@neander-squirrel
Steemsongs.com will absolutely not be like the original incarnation of Napster. Blockchain has the ability to make things cheaper, fairer and more transparent and these are values that Steemsongs will also hold. Whilst Napster was an absolute game changer to fans, it did not pass the value it created to the original creators.
Question 2
@rocking-dave
We aren't worried about financial viability right now. This is a fun project we're trying to get off the ground in our free time. Hopefully it will spur on others to develop on the blockchain too. @Andrarchy has signalled that Steem INC have seen our project - perhaps they can help us when it comes to coding on the blockchain once we have our beta launched.
Question 3
@alao
Absolutely. If you don't own your music on both sides (master/publishing) you will not be able to upload to our service. This is the fairest way to get started because it prioritises those artists that need the most help - the ones without a publisher or record label.
Question 4
@ealfskillz
How you get paid is where it starts to get interesting: we plan to have "pay with upvote" options that will also allow you to only select users with a certain amount of SP. This might mean that some bigger users are able to get music for free, whilst giving the creator much more than they'd normally receive. Of course you can chose SBD or Steem.
Question 5
@steevc
Yes! We registered it. Just waiting for Steem INC to send us the details.
Question 6
@soonerthebetter
Initially it will be downloads only (not streaming). I don't have any insight on the legal situation regarding streaming. I have a meeting next week with an online streaming store (in the blockchain space) to discuss. Note - the disparity between how much record labels receive (compared to creators) is nothing to do with ASCAP/PRS etc. (read this for more info).
Question 7
@jessamynorchard
Yes! Click here
If you have experience programming on the Steem blockchain and would like to be involved with the project please get in touch on Steemit.chat at @thisisbenbrick.