'Death to Spotify': the DIY movement to get artists and fans to quit the app
7 hours ago
- #artist-rights
- #music-industry
- #streaming-platforms
- Indie musicians in San Francisco held 'Death to Spotify' talks to discuss decentralizing music from capitalist economies.
- The event featured speakers from indie stations, labels, and DJ collectives, drawing international interest.
- Criticism against Spotify includes low artist payouts and its role in promoting bland, background music.
- Artists like Massive Attack and Deerhoof boycotted Spotify over its co-founder's investment in military AI tech.
- Stephanie Dukich and Manasa Karthikeyan organized 'Death to Spotify' to encourage discussions on streaming's impact.
- The movement advocates against algorithmic listening, royalty theft, and AI-generated music.
- Famous artists like Taylor Swift and Radiohead have previously boycotted Spotify but later returned.
- Neil Young and Joni Mitchell left Spotify over its deal with Joe Rogan but eventually returned.
- New boycott efforts focus on lesser-known artists questioning Spotify's value for visibility.
- Hotline TNT's Will Anderson vows never to return to Spotify, citing its negative impact on music lovers.
- Artists like Caroline Rose are experimenting with alternative platforms like Bandcamp for releases.
- The Union of Musicians and Allied Workers (UMAW) supports collective action against corporate control in music.
- UMAW campaigns include pressuring festivals to drop military sponsors and advocating for fair artist pay.
- The 'Death to Spotify' movement aims to encourage deeper reflection on music consumption habits.