The proliferation of new artists is a good thing, Spotify says, even if it means it’s harder to be discovered.

Spotify updated its annual Loud and Clear report on Wednesday, confirming that for a second consecutive year, the streaming giant paid out half of its royalties to independent artists. Of the $10 billion Spotify doled out to music rights holders last year,

The music-streaming giant has long been the target of criticism from artists about paltry payments, but said it doled out record royalties last year.