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To Spotify or not to Spotify? That is the question. It’s a discussion I’ve had with more than a few musicians this week, since Tiki Taane and others pulled their music from the streaming service. It’s a tricky one...
In my opinion, Spotify pays worse than any other streaming service. Spotify has lower listening quality than most streaming services. Its use of algorithms to promote certain music, and its policy towards AI-generated music are both dubious. Plus, I have read that founder Daniel Ek uses his massive fortune to fund AI weapons systems.
I think that’s about it. There are probably reasons that slip the mind right now.
Why?
So the question is: why would musicians put music there? The answer is very simple – because that’ where people listen to music. Why? Because it’s free. Obviously you can pay if you want to avoid those annoying ads, but unlike Apple, Tidal, et al, people can listen to Spotify for free. And if your music isn’t there, then all the people who turn to Spotify to hear music will not hear it.
Since there’s a Spotify playlist here each week – this week #101 – I did a straw poll of musicians and found pretty much what you’d expect: a wary view of Spotify as a necessary evil, with no way back to a model where musicians are reasonably rewarded financially. So damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
One approach is to use Spotify as a sort of “shop window”. Wellington jazz guitarist Lockie Bennett, who played a memorable be-bop show at the last jazz festival, has just released ‘Lockie Bennett Trio’, a simply stunning collection of straight-ahead be-bop tunes with tasteful drum and upright bass accompaniment.
Lockie Bennett. Photo / Supplied
There are two tunes from Charlie Parker, two from Bud Powell; this is old school be-bop, sharp and hyper-active in the soloing, smooth and sensitive on a live take of Guy Lombardo’s ‘Don’t Blame Me’.
One track
Bennett has released just one track on Spotify. It’s on this week’s playlist. The full album is online on Bandcamp where you can buy it in most formats. I’d highly recommend it as an album, and – if you’re someone still interested in the concept of buying music – I’d recommend Bandcamp in general as the only place online that actually pays musicians properly.
Tom Cunliffe. Photo / Supplied
Now something live that promises to be worthwhile: next Friday, October 3, Auckland folk singer Tom Cunliffe visits the Jam Factory. Despite releasing three critically-praised albums Cunliffe has flown rather under the radar though perhaps his upcoming album, recorded live to tape at Roundhead Studio, will change that.
He’s a very appealing introspective storytelling singer with influences of Nick Drake and Leonard Cohen, and is bringing multi-instrumentalist Dave Khan (Reb Fountain) and Tiny Ruin’s Cass Basil on bass.
Frances Ellen. Photo / Supplied
The evening starts with a solo set from Frances Ellen, who is always worth hearing. Her debut EP was produced by Dave Khan, so perhaps New Zealand’s currently most in-demand accompanist might join her....
Hear Winston’s latest playlist: https://tinyurl.com/bdd7fey2