A Lineup of World Musicians Withdraws from Spotify, What's Happening?

Kapanlagi.com - The phenomenon of the Spotify boycott has resurfaced. In recent months, several world musicians have chosen to withdraw their works from the largest music streaming platform. Most recently, the Canadian post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor has decided to leave Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music.

Their label, Kranky, confirmed that this withdrawal will take place in stages, although there are still some albums remaining on Apple Music. This move adds to the long list of musicians who refuse to distribute their works on Spotify.

The decision by Godspeed You! Black Emperor is not an isolated case. Previously, several big names in the independent music scene have taken similar steps. Among them are the bands Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu from the United States, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard from Australia, contemporary musician and songwriter David Bridie, and the Dutch label Kalahari Cult Music.

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1. Complicating Independent Musicians

This movement reflects a collective unrest from the global music community towards Spotify, which has long been regarded as the primary avenue for digital distribution.

There are several fundamental issues that lead musicians to leave Spotify. First, the issue of the increasingly dominant streaming service monopoly that makes it difficult for independent musicians to compete.

Second, the issue of royalties that are considered unfair. Spotify pays around USD 0.003–0.005 per stream. This amount, when converted, is only about Rp50–Rp80 per play.

For major musicians with millions of listeners, it may still be profitable. However, for smaller musicians, this income is far from adequate. Australian musician David Bridie has even called this figure an insult to artistic work.

2. Controversial Investment

Additionally, the rise of music created by artificial intelligence (AI) entering streaming platforms has also come under scrutiny. Musicians are concerned that their original music is increasingly sidelined by instant works produced by machines.

This situation raises concerns as it diminishes the value of human creations while amplifying the dominance of algorithms that favor mass content over music with artistic ideals.

However, the biggest trigger for the boycott action comes from the controversial investment by Spotify CEO Daniel Ek. In 2023, Ek, through his investment company, Prima Materia, invested around €600 million (Rp10.4 trillion) into Helsing, an AI-based defense startup. This company develops drones and combat technology based on artificial intelligence. This news sparked outrage among musicians.

3. Impact on Image

The band Deerhoof was the first to speak out loudly. “We don’t want our music to kill people,” said Greg Saunier, the drummer of Deerhoof, as reported by The Verge. He emphasized that their work should not finance war.

This decision by the musicians certainly impacts Spotify, especially in terms of image. Spotify has previously faced criticism regarding royalties, but now the scrutiny is heavier because it involves moral and ethical aspects.

4. Still Dependent

What about Indonesia? Until now, there have been no local musicians or labels that have openly boycotted Spotify. Nevertheless, news about this boycott action has spread widely in local media.

Some national music observers believe that local musicians are still very dependent on Spotify as a distribution medium, making the boycott step considered difficult to undertake.

The phenomenon of the Spotify boycott also serves as a reminder that the digital music industry is not just about accessibility, but also concerns humanitarian values, ethics, and financial justice. Musicians demand that artistic works be viewed not merely as commodities, but valued according to their creative worth and impact on society.

(kpl/tdr)