The best aspect of all this is that the artists can get the lion's share of the proceeds from their music as opposed to the record labels taking most of the money.
This industry is renowned for screwing most all musicians with the exception of the top acts. I heard that most bands do not make any money until their second album...hence one hit just goes to pay the bill.
Of course, I am sure the record labels clean up on that but that is par for the course.