Spotify Under Fire: Musicians Flock to 'Death to Spotify' Talks for Streaming Alternatives

"Death to Spotify" Movement Gains Momentum as Musicians Seek Alternatives A series of talks dubbed "Death to Spotify" has drawn international interest from musicians and music enthusiasts, sparking a global conversation about the impact of streaming services on the industry. The events, held in San Francisco's Bathers library this month, featured speakers from indie labels and collectives who argued that Spotify's model is detrimental to artists and listeners alike. The talks sold out quickly, with attendees from as far away as Barcelona and Bengaluru emailing organizers for guidance on hosting similar events. Music journalist Liz Pelly, author of the critical history "Mood Machine," was a key speaker at the event. She argued that Spotify's business model relies on paying artists a pittance, often less than $0.004 per stream, and rewards bland, background music over innovative art. "We're not just talking about money; we're talking about the kind of music that gets made and consumed," Pelly said in an interview. "Spotify's algorithm prioritizes content that is safe and familiar, rather than pushing the boundaries of what music can be." The Death to Spotify movement has been gaining momentum since January, when Pelly released her book. The event organizers say they were inspired by a growing dissatisfaction with the streaming giant among musicians and fans. "We're not anti-Spotify; we're pro-music," said an organizer, who wished to remain anonymous. "We want to create a space for artists to experiment and push boundaries, rather than being forced into a mold that prioritizes profit over creativity." The talks also highlighted the importance of decentralizing music discovery, production, and listening from capitalist economies. Speakers from indie labels Cherub Dream Records and Dandy Boy Records discussed alternative models, such as artist-owned labels and community-driven radio stations. While Spotify has not commented on the events, industry insiders say that the company's dominance is being challenged by a growing number of artists and labels seeking more equitable deals. "The Death to Spotify movement is a symptom of a larger problem: the homogenization of music," said Chris Anderson, a music industry expert. "As streaming services continue to consolidate power, we're seeing a decline in innovation and diversity in the music landscape." The next development in this story will be the launch of a new platform that promises to offer artists more control over their music and revenue. The platform, still in development, aims to provide an alternative to Spotify's algorithm-driven model. As the Death to Spotify movement continues to gain momentum, one thing is clear: the future of music is up for grabs. Will the industry continue down a path of homogenization and profit-driven decision-making, or will artists and fans demand a more equitable and innovative approach? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Entertainment.*