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Liz Pelly on Spotify and the ‘Cost of the Perfect Playlist’
Jan 28, 2025
Liz Pelly, a journalist and contributing editor at The Baffler, dives into the intricacies of Spotify's impact on musicians and the music industry. She critiques how Spotify, once seen as a democratizing platform, now favors major labels and algorithm-driven playlists while underpaying independent artists. Through insights from industry veterans and her book, 'Mood Machine,' Pelly discusses the rise of 'ghost artists' and the need for alternative models to support authentic music creation, challenging listeners to rethink their consumption habits.
57:48
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Quick takeaways
- Liz Pelly highlights how Spotify has shifted from a democratic platform to one that favors major labels and algorithm-driven playlists, undermining independent artist compensation.
- The rise of 'ghost artists' on Spotify illustrates the ethical dilemmas of music authenticity and the exploitation of artists in the streaming era.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Spotify's Model
Spotify was initially marketed as a democratic platform aimed at leveling the playing field for music fans and artists. However, journalist Liz Pelley reveals that it has shifted to favor major record labels and algorithm-driven playlists, undermining its original promise. By signing exclusive deals with major labels to secure content, Spotify has created a system that limits independent artists' visibility and revenue opportunities, producing an ecosystem that is biased towards the interests of larger entities. The transition from a user-centered experience to a more curated, algorithmic approach has significantly altered the relationship artists and listeners have with music.
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