Björk's Spotify Criticism Highlights Streaming's Impact on Musicians
Björk has sparked headlines with her recent comments on Spotify, calling it "probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians."
In an interview with Dagens Nyheter, Björk discussed her preference for creating new music over touring, citing the financial burden of touring for younger artists.
"Spotify is probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians," she said. "The streaming culture has changed an entire society and an entire generation of artists."
Her comments reflect the challenges musicians face in the streaming era. While streaming rescued the music industry from rampant illegal downloading, it pays musicians a fraction of what they earned from physical product sales.
This model has left only top-streamed artists with significant income from streaming, forcing musicians to rely on touring, merchandise, and brand partnerships for sustenance.
The post-pandemic live music industry has faced challenges, with many tours experiencing lower ticket sales. This has left musicians with limited income sources, while streaming companies like Spotify reap significant profits.
Björk's criticism highlights the need for reimagined streaming models that prioritize fair compensation for musicians.