If you've listened to the Microphones' new comeback album, Microphones in 2020, you might have noticed that it's not available on Spotify. Now, songwriter Phil Elverum has given an explanation to explain why, as he's shared a harsh indictment of the streaming giant.
The answer, predictably, is financial, as the songwriter (who's also known for his work as Mount Eerie) criticized the service's business model, saying that just because it's "not illegal yet, that doesn't make it right." He further said that if artists aren't properly paid, the music will get worse.
The answer, predictably, is financial, as the songwriter (who's also known for his work as Mount Eerie) criticized the service's business model, saying that just because it's "not illegal yet, that doesn't make it right." He further said that if artists aren't properly paid, the music will get worse.
"It's good exposure" / "It's good for discovery"
— Phil Elverum (@PWElverum) August 16, 2020
are classic lines from those who devalue music and art while the dangling carrot of compensation recedes into a "someday" myth.
People have been using that tactic since long before the internet. No. Pay your farmer.
Artists have been criticizing Spotify's notoriously low royalty rates for years, but the company has come under extra hot water lately, after CEO Daniel Ek suggested that artists aren't making money because they're not working hard enough.
Read Exclaim!'s review of the excellent Microphones in 2020, and watch the 45-minute album film below.
