Why The Rhode Island Music Scene Is Failing
- AsheQ Music
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 29
This is a topic we often covered between 2017 and 2019, as many Rhode Island artists' esteemed fan bases and high view counts on their music videos were the product of fake, botted, or spammed views by the artist and their circles. Although that trend has ceased (for the most part), we are left with the reality of where the Rhode Island music scene truly stands; it's not a good place. There are at least 100 Rhode Island artist YouTube channels on our radar, and pretty much all of them are doing awful regarding views, engagement, and growth. We are prepared to deal with the backlash and being called haters for this, but we feel it needs to be addressed.
Here is a list of five artist from Rhode Island, their latest music videos, and its stats:
This is not to call out the artists or put their names to shame
Nel Fuoco - Pawtucket (28 Views, 6 Likes, 2 comments,)
Rome Dolla ft Cameinclutch - Strippers (146 views, 12 likes, 4 comments)
Wellnown - Workout (461 views, 49 likes, 17 comments)
Noop Gaudy - Fake Friends (78 views, 6 likes, 1 comment)
Jabubu - On My Side ( 202 views, 35 likes, 4 comments)
Over the years we have heard many discussions on the matter but haven't quite heard anything that moves the needle, leading to progression for local artists. Artists typically blame their shortcomings in music on an overall lack of support, a crabs-in-a-barrel mentality, the state being too small, not getting enough outside attention, and haters blocking their light. The fact is, none of these things have an effect on the impact of an artist that is truly worth an audience's celebration. The state of Rhode Island occupies 1 million civilians, more than enough people for dozens of artists to thrive if their music appeals to them. So why are the numbers so low?
The reason and solution are simple: Rhode Island artists are not effectively reaching the state's audience in its entirety; if they were, there would be far more views and engagement on their music videos (whether they liked it or not). If you were to ask random people in the street if they heard of any of the artists we've listed above (no shade), there is a 98% chance they will say no. This lack of exposure is also stifling the overall growth and progression of music quality in the state; if a multitude of listeners aren't giving artists feedback regarding what they like and dislike, how can the artist grow? This sheds the illusion that the state is full of hate or doesn't support local artists, as most have no clue of their existence, making the solution obvious.
Aside from artists who have a structured deal that guarantees their exposure, Rhode Island artists need to do the necessary groundwork to make themselves known in their hometown. There is no reason or excuse why 1 million+ eyes are up for grabs and a few thousand can't be retained. This goes beyond the illusion of posting on social media, following/adding a bunch of people, and sharing the music like crazy. Artists need to get people listening, then get them talking on their own about them and their music. Want to know how? Reach out to us.
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