On Point | Podcast How Spotify shapes how we listen to music
Apr 11, 2025
Join music journalist Liz Pelly, author of 'Mood Machine,' as she dives into how Spotify has transformed music listening habits. She discusses the disparity in artist compensation, particularly for independent musicians, and the impact of algorithm-driven playlists on music appreciation. Pelly critiques the ethics of streaming services and highlights the need for a more engaged listening culture. She also introduces innovative alternatives for fair artist distribution, advocating for deeper connections to music beyond the streaming model.
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Spotify's Rise
- Spotify's success was partly due to the music industry's need for new revenue models after piracy disrupted the CD era.
- Major labels saw streaming subscriptions as a potential solution to declining profits.
Big Winners
- Spotify benefited major labels and streaming platforms, not independent artists as promised.
- Major labels' negotiating power secured them favorable deals, leaving artists with less.
Artist Payments
- Musicians are not paid per stream but through a complex system involving rights holders and royalty pools.
- Independent artists often receive fractions of pennies per stream, resulting in insignificant income.
