In her new book, music journalist Liz Pelly explores how Spotify and the streaming industry have transformed the way we consume music. She sheds light on questionable practices within the top music streaming service and aims to give a voice to independent musicians and record labels in the music business. The book, titled “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist,” delves into the impact of streaming on independent artists and labels, providing a unique perspective that is often overlooked in mainstream music media.
Pelly’s investigative reporting and cultural criticism in the book address several key issues, including Spotify’s use of “ghost artists” to populate playlists, affecting indie artists who struggle for recognition and compensation. Through interviews with industry insiders and former Spotify employees, Pelly uncovers the inner workings of the streaming giant and its impact on the broader music industry.
The author, known for her work in publications like The Baffler, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork, emphasizes the need to reassess our relationship with music consumption. She challenges readers to rethink how they support artists and suggests exploring alternative platforms like Bandcamp and community radio stations. By questioning the ethics of streaming services and corporate influence in music, Pelly encourages readers to consider the value of music in a changing industry landscape.
While the focus of the book is on Spotify, Pelly notes that similar criticisms could apply to other streaming platforms like Apple Music and Amazon. She believes that exploring these broader issues surrounding music consumption is essential in understanding the evolving music industry and its cultural impact. Ultimately, “Mood Machine” serves as a reflection on music, surveillance, politics, and labor, prompting readers to consider the broader implications of how we engage with music digitally.
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