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Power User with Taylor Lorenz
How Spotify is Ruining Music: ‘It’s About How Power Works’
Feb 13, 2025
In this conversation, journalist Liz Pelly, author of "Mood Machine," explores how Spotify has transformed the music industry. Liz reveals the unsettling truth about 'ghost artists' and the pressures real musicians face in an algorithm-driven world. They discuss how playlist culture has altered listening habits and the authenticity of music. The talk also delves into artist compensation and the rise of AI-generated content, raising vital questions about the future of creativity and the sustainability of artists' careers.
31:21
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Quick takeaways
- Spotify's algorithm-driven playlists have reshaped music consumption and artist careers, prompting pressures on musicians to compromise their artistry for visibility.
- The rise of ghost artists highlights ethical concerns in the streaming ecosystem, questioning authenticity while illustrating the complexities of artist compensation.
Deep dives
Spotify's Rise and Playlist Culture
Spotify experienced significant growth since its inception in 2006, positioning itself as a major player in the music industry. Originally launched in Sweden, the platform leveraged the country's unique music piracy landscape to gain record label support. When Spotify entered the U.S. market in 2011, it shifted from merely offering a vast music library to creating a more personalized experience based on algorithmic recommendations. This transition led to the emergence of playlist culture, significantly altering how listeners engage with music and artists.
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