Frequently asked questions
If your question is not here, email support@stringmusic.live and a person will answer.
For artists
What does String cost me?
Signing up is free. You keep 100% of the price you set for a song, and the service fee is added on top and paid by the fan, so it is never deducted from your earnings.
How do I get paid?
Through Stripe Connect. You link your bank account once during setup and Stripe pays out to you directly. String never holds your money.
Do I have to play every request I am paid for?
No. You can decline any request, and you are never obligated to play something. Fans are told before they pay that their payment submits a request rather than guaranteeing a performance.
What happens to a request I decline?
Nothing is owed. The fan paid to make the request, not to book the song, and String issues no refund. Declining costs you nothing.
Can I set a minimum price?
Yes. You set the price of every song on your menu, and you can set a minimum for open requests outside your setlist so nobody offers a dollar for a song you would rather not play.
What is the difference between a request and a boost?
A request puts a song into the queue. A boost is money added to a request that is already there, from the person who asked for it or from anyone else in the room, which moves it up the queue.
What is the difference between a shoutout and kudos?
A shoutout is a paid message a fan wants read out during your show. Kudos are money and a note a fan sends when you are not playing, so they arrive between shows rather than during one.
Who owns my fan data?
Your list is yours. You can export the fans who have requested from you at any time from your dashboard.
What about taxes?
Your earnings are paid to you by Stripe, and Stripe issues tax documents based on its own reporting thresholds. String does not provide tax advice, so talk to a tax professional about your own situation.
Do I need a licence to play covers?
String does not grant any music licence and does not change what you already do. Performance licensing at a venue is normally the venue's responsibility. If you are unsure, ask the venue what they hold.
For fans
Do I need to download an app?
No, and you never will. Scan the artist's QR code and their page opens in your browser.
Do I need an account?
Not to request a song. An account is free and lets you track your requests, follow artists and see your history, but you can request as a guest.
What am I actually paying for?
You are paying to submit a request. Artists choose what they play and how the night runs, so a request is not a booking and not a guarantee that the song gets performed.
What if my song does not get played?
It happens. A set is short, the room has a mood, and the artist decides what fits. Requests are not refundable, so treat a request as supporting the artist and joining the night rather than as buying a specific song.
Can I get a refund?
No. String does not issue refunds for requests, including requests an artist declines or does not get to. This is stated in our Terms and at checkout before you pay.
What does it cost?
The artist sets the price of each song, and you see that price before you pay. A small service fee is added on top at checkout. The artist keeps the full song price.
What is a boost?
If a song is already in the queue, you can add money to it to push it higher. The queue re-sorts live on the total, so a song several people boost climbs fast.
What is a shoutout?
A shoutout is a message you pay to have the artist read out loud during the show, like a birthday or a dedication. It is separate from requesting a song.
What are kudos?
Kudos let you send an artist money and a note when they are not currently playing. It is a way to say thanks after a show rather than during one.
Do I have to give my phone number or email?
No. It is optional. If you provide one, we use it to tell you what happened with your request, and we only send you anything promotional if you separately tick the box asking for it.
Where can I use String?
Anywhere an artist is displaying their String QR code. We are starting in Nashville.
See also our Terms and Privacy Policy.