December 14, 2011 11:14

The Black Keys: 'Making money from streaming services isn't feasible'

Band explain why new LP 'El Camino' isn't on the likes of Spotify

Photo: John Peets/Press

The Black Keys have claimed that it isn't possible for bands to make money from streaming sites.

The duo, who released their new album 'El Camino' earlier this month but haven't made the LP available through streaming services such as Spotify, told VH1 that the royalties they received from people streaming their music didn't match up to the equivalent for record sales.

"[Streaming services] are becoming more popular, but it still isn't at a point where you're able to replace royalties from record sales with the royalties from streams," said drummer Patrick Carney.

He then went on to add:

For a band that makes a living selling music, it's not at a point where it's feasible for us.

Last week, The Streets' Mike Skinner said it was a "big problem" for streaming that some of the year's biggest albums weren't available on streaming sites, writing on his Twitter account: "I'm saying that because of adele, coldplay black keys etc going into next year people are going to think about not allowing streams."

The Black Keys have been confirmed to play a one-off London gig which will take place as part of the 2012 NME Awards Shows.

The band will headline London's Alexandra Palace on February 11 2012. To check the availability of NME Awards London Shows tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/TICKETS now, or call 0844 858 6765.

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