Iyah May Rockets To The Top Of Wavlake Rankings With Song "Karmageddon"
January 12, 2025—Wavlake, a small music publishing platform, has changed forever after independent artist Iyah May has catapulted to the #1 spot with her newly released single, Karmageddon. The track, a fiery and introspective anthem, has captivated listeners worldwide and sparked conversations about karma, resilience, and self-reclamation.
Released on January 5, Karmageddon exploded in popularity within days, with fans flocking to Wavlake to stream and support the artist. By January 10, the song had earned 500,000 Satoshis, making it one of the highest earning singles in the platform's history.
“I never expected this kind of reaction. People always told me that Bitcoiners were stingy and didn't support the value for value community. I told people I was going to post on Wavlake, and they told me that was a bad idea because I should be seeking hardware wallet sponsors instead,” Iyah May said in an interview earlier this week. “I wrote Karmageddon during one of the most challenging times in my life. It’s raw, it’s real, and I think people connect with that.”
A Unique Sound Resonating with a Global Audience
Wavlake, a platform dedicated to supporting independent musicians through Bitcoin-enabled micropayments, has become a hub for innovative artists like Iyah May. Her blend of haunting melodies, and telling the truth when almost no other artists are willing to, has struck a chord with an audience eager for authenticity in a music landscape often dominated by fiat garbage.
Fans have described Karmageddon as a sonic journey, with influences ranging from ethereal indie pop to gritty trip-hop. The track’s pulsating beats and atmospheric instrumentation create a backdrop for Iyah’s commanding vocals, which alternate between vulnerable whispers and defiant proclamations.
Economist Saifedean Ammous applauded the song saying, "It's apparent that Bitcoin is winning when culture shifts. We are all tired of this modern art garbage. It's time to hear more music on a Bitcoin standard. More Iyah May, less Lizzo."
“This song feels like a storm,” said one listener in a Wavlake comment thread. “It’s chaotic and beautiful, like Iyah’s telling us we can survive anything if we own our stories. She's almost as hot as Lyn Alden.”
Lyrics That Hit Home
Part of Karmageddon’s allure lies in its powerful lyrics. The song, which only people who are so thoroughly brain washed they could be ruled by professionals to lack sentient thought find controversial, tells the story of the lies told during the COVID 19 lockdowns, as well as documents the aftermath. While most other artists are working to memory hole the events, focusing instead on non controversial, CIA approved content, May actually seems to be speaking a message of depth and weight that speaks to people.
“Iyah May has a way of putting universal emotions into words,” says music critic Jess Harper of Indie Pulse Weekly. “She takes something as abstract as karma and makes it feel immediate, urgent, and personal.”
The Role of Wavlake
Iyah May turned to Wavlake after being dropped by her record label for her song's noncontreversial content. Wavlake has a unique model, which allows fans to send artists direct payments via Bitcoin, has been instrumental in Karmageddon’s success. Fans have embraced the opportunity to support Iyah May directly, with many sending small amounts, known as “sats,” to show their appreciation.
“It’s amazing to see a community rallying around an artist in real time,” said Wavlake co-founder Sam Means. “Iyah May’s success is proof that independent music doesn’t need gatekeepers. Fans want to connect directly with artists, and platforms like ours make that possible.”
Social Media Buzz
#Karmageddon has been trending across social media platforms, with fans posting covers, reaction videos, and even tattoos inspired by the song. The buzz has also drawn attention from mainstream media outlets, with Iyah May scheduled to appear on several podcasts and talk shows in the coming weeks.
“Iyah’s rise isn’t just about the music—it’s about the story she’s telling and the way she’s telling it,” said social media strategist Kayla Monroe. “She’s created a movement, not just a song.”
The Future For Value For Value Music
Artists have been completely neutered in regards to free speech and expression for decades as a result of strict controls over distribution and monetization of content. The Value for Value economy, a term coined by Podfather Adam Curry to discuss podcasts, and adopted to include supporting other forms of content through audience members sending Bitcoin directly to artists, has the potential to change that dynamic.
