Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke has decided to pull his solo material from Spotify.
The music industry is still adjusting to the impact of the internet. With the desire to actually purchase music diminishing, many are predicting that streaming services hold the key.
Yet it seems that the correct financial model has not been found. Many argue that the rewards to new musicians are not being put in place by services such as Spotify, a debate which Thom Yorke re-opened in spectacular style this morning (July 15th).
The Radiohead singer has decided to take his solo material and that of Atoms For Peace off the service. In a series of tweets Thom Yorke explained the reasoning behind his decision:
Make no mistake new artists you discover on #Spotify will no get paid. meanwhile shareholders will shortly being rolling in it. Simples.
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) July 14, 2013
“your small meaningless rebellion is only hurting your fans … a drop in the bucket really” No we're standing up for our fellow musicians
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) July 14, 2013
for me In Rainbows was a statement of trust .people still value new music ..that's all we'd like from Spotify. don't make us the target.
— Thom Yorke (@thomyorke) July 15, 2013
Producer and long term collaborator Nigel Godrich supported Yorke's stance, writing: "I think the point is – that streaming suits catalogue.. But cannot work as a way of supporting new artists work.. Spotify and the like .. either have to address that fact and change the model for new releases or else all new music producers should be bold and vote with.. their feet. They have no power without new music.."
To which Four Tet replied: "exactly… I had everything on my label taken off. Don't want to be part of this crap."
What's your view? Do you use streaming services? Leave your thoughts in the comments section…
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