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 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.

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.