Switched on Pop How Spotify hacked our ears (and our data)
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Feb 4, 2025 
Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," dives deep into Spotify's world. She reveals how the platform's algorithms and major label dominance shape the music we hear, often at the expense of artists' creativity. Pelly discusses Spotify’s evolution from a piracy response to a streaming giant, the illusion of endless choice, and the emotional impact of music in our lives. Through her insights, she challenges listeners to consider the personal cost of their perfect playlists.
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Spotify's Origin Story
- Spotify's founders, Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon, conceived the idea during Lorentzon's birthday dinner.
- Initially, they envisioned a platform to address rampant music piracy in Sweden, drawing inspiration from the Pirate Bay.
Sweden: A Test Market
- Spotify's success in Sweden stemmed partly from the music industry's view of Sweden as a lost market due to piracy.
- This allowed Spotify to experiment with a freemium model, differentiating them from competitors.
Targeting the Lean-Back Listener
- Spotify initially targeted music enthusiasts but broadened its focus to "lean-back listeners" to achieve mainstream growth.
- This shift coincided with the "curatorial turn" in 2012-2013, emphasizing mood and moment playlists.