Liz Pelly, author of "Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist," dives deep into Spotify’s impact on the music industry. With nearly a decade of reporting under her belt, she highlights the manipulation within streaming that affects artists and listeners alike. Pelly discusses the challenges independent musicians face in a corporate-dominated landscape and advocates for fairer conditions. She also emphasizes the importance of community in music appreciation and encourages deeper connections beyond just streaming.
Liz Pelly highlights Spotify's role in homogenizing music through algorithms, influencing both listener preferences and artist visibility.
The challenges faced by independent musicians on Spotify underscore the detrimental effects of a one-size-fits-all approach to music promotion.
Pelly encourages a more engaged listening culture, urging fans to support artists directly by purchasing music and attending live shows.
Deep dives
Understanding Spotify's Impact on Music Culture
The episode delves into the significant influence of Spotify on both music artists and listeners, as discussed by Liz Pelley, author of 'Mood Machine.' Pelley argues that the platform's focus on playlists and passive listening has led to a homogenization of music, where algorithms dictate what is heard rather than listeners’ preferences. Through thorough research, she exposes troubling practices such as 'ghost music,' where tracks are generated and promoted without proper artist recognition, prioritizing corporate profits over artistic integrity. By providing examples from industry insiders and dissecting Spotify's internal decision-making processes, she sheds light on the profound changes the streaming service has brought to the music landscape.
The Evolution of Pelley's Reporting Journey
The conversation highlights Liz Pelley's evolution as a reporter covering Spotify from her initial article in 2016 to her comprehensive book release in 2024. Her exploration of the impact of major labels on Spotify's playlists fueled her ongoing interest, leading to a series of investigative pieces that dissect the streaming model. Over the years, she has transitioned from freelance articles to a deeper investigative reporting approach, incorporating perspectives from musicians, executives, and industry experts. This growth showcases her dedication to demystifying the music industry and advocating for a more equitable listening experience.
The Interconnected Nature of Listening and Music Industry Dynamics
Pelley emphasizes the intertwined relationship between listeners and music creators, revealing how Spotify's algorithm not only shapes what users hear but also impacts musicians' ability to sustain themselves financially. Initially envisioning her book as two separate parts, she realized that the effects of streaming on listening behaviors and artistic expression are closely linked. She argues that the way music is curated and presented to users reflects broader issues of power and capital within the industry. The consequences of these choices ultimately harm both listeners' experiences and artists' livelihoods, making the need for change even more critical.
Navigating the Challenges of Independent Music
The episode discusses the challenges faced by independent musicians within Spotify's corporate framework, stressing that the platform's one-size-fits-all approach undermines the diversity inherent in indie music. Pelley points out that even successful artists often face the threat of losing visibility and income due to an over-reliance on algorithms-driven promotion. This situation creates a precarious environment where musicians must conform to algorithms to survive, limiting their creative freedom and potential growth. By drawing attention to this critical issue, Pelley advocates for a more just and supportive music culture that values individual artistry.
Towards a More Intentional Relationship with Music
In the discussion, Pelley encourages listeners to cultivate a more meaningful connection with music beyond the convenience of streaming services. She suggests that fans should actively engage in supporting artists through purchasing music, attending live shows, and participating in local music scenes. Her call to action emphasizes the importance of being critical of how music is consumed and recognizing the impact of corporate dominance on artistic expression. By empowering listeners to make informed choices, Pelley hopes to inspire a movement toward a healthier music culture that prioritizes the needs of artists and listeners alike.
On this episode, Marc talks with Liz Pelly, author of “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist,” published on January 7, 2025. by One Signal. It’s a deeply reported expose of the streaming service Spotify and how their decisions and manipulations have changed music both for artists and for listeners. Liz has been reporting on Spotify for almost a decade and her many published articles on the subject led her to this fascinating book, which will hopefully change the way people think about streaming and what it’s done to music.
As she writes, “In my writing and reporting, I’ve been driven toward a deep impulse toward demystification–toward shedding light on the inner workings of streaming companies and debunking the myths they perpetuate. Sometimes it feels more complicated and convoluted than I could ever have imagined. Other times it just all feels like music industry business as usual. The truth is somewhere in the middle: the story of streaming is as much about what’s changed as what’s stayed the same.”
We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Liz Pelly!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
