I prefer to pay artists I like directly either via merch, patreon, or going to their concerts.

for my music? soulseek/nicotine+ on my server.

the problem is Spotify is by far the best streaming platform out there, bar none. I've tried the other's like Tidal and Deezer and what have you and just didn't like them. Amazon Music was absolutely horrible. The only other alternative would be youtube music with an adblocker. How do I find new artists? youtube shorts believe it or not.

But yeah I'd rather pay the artists directly.