Liz Pelly

In this conversation, Liz Pelly, a music journalist and author of "Mood Machine," dives into the seismic shifts Spotify has caused in the music industry. She discusses how streaming services manipulate artist compensation and explores the rise of curated playlists that shape listener experiences. Pelly emphasizes the importance of collective action for independent musicians facing industry giants. The dialogue also touches on innovative community initiatives that seek to revalue music beyond profit, showcasing local libraries' role in supporting artists.

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.

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.

Liz Pelly, a New York-based writer and author of 'Mood Machine,' discusses the rise of Spotify and its murky impact on the music industry. She reveals how Spotify revolutionized music consumption post-file sharing, but at what cost to artists? The conversation dives into Spotify's algorithmic influence on musical taste, the challenges faced by independent musicians, and the ethical implications of practices like 'Discovery Mode.' Pelly also highlights possible alternatives that offer fairer options for artists and fans alike.

Liz Pelly, a contributing editor at The Baffler and author of "Mood Machine," delves into her groundbreaking investigations into Spotify's practices. She reveals how mood-based playlists feature obscure, ghost artists diluting true artistic expression. Pelly discusses 'lean-back listening' and the troubling rise of algorithmic curation, which has shifted the landscape, affecting independent musicians. She also touches on Spotify's influence on music discovery and its implications for artist visibility and earnings in today's streaming era.

In this engaging discussion, Liz Pelly, author of Mood Machine, dives deep into how Spotify has revolutionized music consumption. She examines the blend of personal nostalgia and algorithm-driven playlists. The conversation also highlights the challenges artists face within this streaming ecosystem, including the rise of 'ghost artists.' Pelly further explores AI's role in music discovery and urges listeners to consider the implications of upcoming copyright changes. This insightful exchange prompts a reflection on the future of music and its creators.

In this conversation, Liz Pelly, author of 'Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist,' discusses Spotify’s surprising ties to the defense industry, including its founder's extensive investments in military AI technology. She highlights how these choices affect both artists and listeners. Pelly also dives into the challenges posed by generative AI, emphasizing its impact on copyright and fair pay for musicians. Additionally, she advocates for supporting independent artists directly to break free from the streaming paradigm.

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.

Join music journalist Liz Pelly, known for her incisive work in outlets like The Guardian and NPR, as she explores the rise of Spotify and its profound effects on the music industry. Discover how Spotify's freemium model and personalized playlists influence listener habits and artist experiences. Pelly reveals the hidden costs of streaming, including the challenges faced by independent musicians and the ethics of algorithm-driven recommendations. This engaging conversation delves into a new music landscape shaped by technology and offers a reevaluation of distribution models.

Join writer Liz Pelly, a contributing editor at The Baffler and author of 'Mood Machine', as she unpacks Spotify's backstory. Discover how this once-democratic platform transformed into a major label's playground, sidelining independent artists and fueling ghost artists. Liz delves into the challenges of algorithm-driven playlists, the nostalgia for authentic music discovery, and the financial woes artists face. With insights from industry veterans and her own research, she advocates for a reevaluation of music's value in our streaming-dominated world.