Fury over Spotify’s ‘predatory’ new update

Pitchfork reports that Spotify has announced some major changes to its app design. This includes a new vertical video feed. During the 90-minute Stream On broadcast, Spotify also announced a new built-in pre-save button. By replacing static recommendations, users are now presented with an endless feed of both audio and video previews of playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks.

The initiative, which gives artists more exposure on the platform in exchange for lower royalty rates, was announced at the company’s Stream On event in March 2021 and has been criticized all the way through to its 2023 launch.

Discovery Mode allows artists or their teams to submit tracks for consideration in Spotify’s radio and autoplay features. In exchange for this greater algorithmic exposure, they agree to receive a lower royalty rate for their music streams.

For some, it’s an ingenious new way to connect potential fans to new music, but for others in the industry, it cuts salaries for hard-working musicians who are the lifeblood of apps that earn billions of dollars. Yet another way I believe every year.

According to Spotify, the goal of Discovery Mode is to help budding artists gain more recognition on the platform. The company claims the program helps artists reach new listeners who might otherwise not have discovered their music.

However, some in the music industry have criticized the initiative, claiming it is a form of payola.

Payola is the practice of offering financial or other incentives to radio stations and DJs in exchange for playing certain songs or artists on air. Payola is illegal in many countries, but has long been controversial in the music industry.

Artists can now expect to receive about 0.006 cents per stream, forcing the upstart band to abandon the notion of revenue solely from royalties.

The Future of Music Coalition, a non-profit organization that advocates for musicians’ rights, is particularly critical of the program. In a series of tweets, the organization described Discovery Mode as a “new pay-squeezing scheme” that ultimately harms both artists and fans.

The FoMC tweeted, “This is probably the most brazenly anti-competitive form of payola I’ve ever seen in digital music.”

The Coalition argued that the program’s low royalty rate would make it difficult for artists to make a living from their music, and that the focus on manipulating algorithms could undermine the platform’s diversity and creativity. .

Many artists argue that streaming platforms like Spotify aren’t paying their fair share for their work and need to do more to support new talent.

Some users, including UK-based multi-instrumentalist and producer John Michie, said they had already tried the service and saw no noticeable increase in streams.

New York-based DJ Luca Lush described Discovery Mode as “predatory.”

Talking Heads singer David Byrne previously criticized the streaming environment, saying, “If artists had to rely almost exclusively on income from these services, they would be out of a job within a year.” rice field.

Radiohead singer Thom Yorke has also spoken out about the problem of low wages for emerging artists.

“Definitely not getting paid for new artists discovered on #Spotify.

However, Spotify has defended its practice as a major player in the music industry, arguing that it is a valuable tool for indie artists who may not have the resources to promote their music through other channels.

The company also stresses that participation in Discovery Mode is voluntary and that artists are free to choose whether or not to submit music for consideration.

“The fee is a percentage of the revenue generated on those selected streams. This cost will be deducted from Spotify’s statements going forward, so no upfront cash budget is required,” a Spotify spokesperson told news.com. told .au.

“Discovery Mode is designed to foster long-term connections and help discover an artist’s next fan base. 50% increase on average, 44% increase in user playlist additions, and 37% increase in following.

“When it comes to artist payments, it is worth noting that Spotify does not pay artists or songwriters directly. will be refunded as royalties to rights holders who pay to

“These rights holders include record labels, publishers, independent distributors, performing rights groups and collecting societies.”