Turns Out Björk Is Not a Fan of Spotify

Björk has always been known for her bold and unique approach to music. Recently, she expressed strong opinions about streaming platforms like Spotify. Her statements reflect deeper concerns about how these platforms treat artists and their work.

Björk’s Criticism of Spotify

In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Björk shared her thoughts. She explained how streaming platforms have changed the way musicians earn money and how their art is valued. This isn’t the first time she’s criticized Spotify. Back in 2015, she decided not to release her album Vulnicura on the platform right away. She said her decision wasn’t about money but about respect for the effort artists put into their music.

Björk even suggested a model similar to Netflix. She said music should first be exclusive, like how movies premiere in cinemas before coming to streaming platforms. This way, art gets the recognition it deserves before becoming widely accessible.

Concerns Shared by Other Artists

Björk isn’t alone in her concerns. In 2014, Taylor Swift also spoke out against Spotify. She removed all her music from the platform, saying it didn’t fairly pay artists for their work. Swift described Spotify as an “experiment” that doesn’t respect the creators enough.

How Spotify’s Payment Model Works

Spotify’s payment system is one of the main reasons for these complaints. It uses a pro-rata system, which means it divides its revenue based on how often an artist’s music is streamed compared to others.

This model benefits big artists who have millions of streams but leaves smaller, independent musicians struggling. For example, in 2019, Rolling Stone reported that Spotify pays between $0.00331 and $0.00437 per stream. To make a sustainable income, an artist would need millions of streams—a tough goal for many.

The Impact on Creativity

Björk is also worried about how streaming affects the cultural value of music. She believes platforms like Spotify make music feel disposable. Instead of albums being seen as complete works of art, they often get treated like random pieces of content.

Additionally, the focus on singles and playlists has changed how artists create music. Albums, which are meant to tell stories or present cohesive ideas, are becoming less important. Björk’s decision to avoid Spotify shows her dedication to keeping her art meaningful.

Technology’s Role in Music

Interestingly, Björk isn’t against technology itself. She called it a “magic key” that can open doors for artists and reach new audiences. However, she worries about technology being used in ways that hurt artists.

Her balanced view highlights the pros and cons of digital platforms. While they help make music accessible, they also create challenges for fair artist compensation and artistic freedom.

What Listeners Can Do

Björk’s message reminds us to think about how we consume music. Our choices as listeners can impact how the music industry treats artists. Supporting musicians by buying albums, attending concerts, or using platforms that pay artists fairly can make a big difference.

Final Thoughts

Björk’s concerns about Spotify are rooted in her respect for music as an art form. She wants to protect the value of music and ensure that artists are treated fairly. Her words challenge us to think about how we enjoy music and how we can support the people who create it.