
The controversy over Spotify’s royalty practices and political endorsements is reaching critical mass as artists and social media influencers rally support for a boycott.
Quick Takes
- Many Grammy-nominated songwriters are refusing to attend Spotify’s Grammy party due to its royalty policies.
- Spotify’s change in subscription tiers, which bundles audiobooks with premium services, is anticipated to severely cut songwriter payouts.
- Artists and social media users are calling for a boycott of Spotify because of a court decision and political donations.
- Allegations arise about Spotify using “ghost” artists to minimize royalty costs.
Artists Boycott Over Royalty Practices
Spotify faces a major backlash due to its controversial royalty “bundling” approach, which a U.S. District Court recently upheld. This strategy could decrease songwriters’ earnings by an estimated $150 million annually, sparking a boycott among artists
Jessie Jo Dillon, RAYE, Amy Allen, and Jessi Alexander have announced they will not attend Spotify’s Grammy event, challenging its royalty methods. Jessie Jo Dillon remarked that being honored as Songwriter of the Year does not justify Spotify’s royalty practices.
Political Ties Add Fuel to the Fire
Spotify’s $150,000 donation to President Trump’s inauguration has reignited debates over corporate political involvement, complicating the dilemma for artists and users. An increasing number of social media users have begun expressing their dissatisfaction over this perceived endorsement.
“Can you be anti-Trump and pro-Spotify at the same time? I just read on Mixmag that Spotify donated over $150,000 to support Trump’s inauguration. While only several months ago it took away pay for songs that received less than 1,000 streams.” – Rosa Cecila
Despite artists’ discontent, companies like Amazon and Apple also made contributions to Trump’s inauguration, but Spotify’s dual issues of political donations and royalty disputes have made it a primary target for criticism.
Social Media Mobilizes the Boycott Movement
Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become the battleground for Spotify critics, mobilizing people to switch to alternative streaming services. Viral posts highlight not just Spotify’s royalty policies, but the broader financial challenges independent artists face in today’s streaming economy.
Allegations suggest that Spotify reduces royalties by employing “ghost” artists to boost playlists, an accusation the company has yet to address adequately. Meanwhile, their position remains firm, as expressed by a U.S. District Court ruling stating the law supports Spotify’s stance.
Followers of the boycott argue that given Spotify’s vast user base, exceeding 600 million monthly users, any impactful shift in its business practices could significantly alter the music industry landscape.
Sources
1. Spotify Faces Boycott Calls Over Royalties, Trump Inauguration Donation
2. Songwriters Opt to Boycott Spotify’s Grammy Party Over Royalty Cuts