Is Spotify Good for Music? Examining the Streaming Economy’s Impact on Artists and Fans

As Spotify’s influence expands globally, its role in shaping the modern music landscape has sparked intense discussions among musicians, industry professionals, and journalists. While the platform has made music more accessible to millions, questions about the fairness and sustainability of the streaming economy continue to surface. In a recent episode of Commotion, hosted by Elamin Abdelmahmoud, music journalist Liz Pelly and musician Ian Kamau delved into this topic, exploring how streaming affects the relationship between artists and their audiences.
The Shift in Music Consumption
Elamin Abdelmahmoud kicked off the conversation by addressing the consumer’s role in the struggles faced by musicians in the streaming economy. Ian Kamau responded by highlighting that the choices available to consumers today are heavily influenced by systemic changes in technology and industry practices.
“The audience for any artist is in a system where they are given choices,” Kamau explained. “But I don’t think the choice between expensive vinyl en masse and streaming services—which have basically every song in the world available to you on your cell phone—is really an honest choice. The model has shifted, and the paradigm has shifted along with it. Now we’re accustomed to the convenience of streaming, just like we use cars instead of riding horses en masse. It’s not an honest choice to blame the audience for this paradigm shift.”
Rethinking Responsibility: Consumers vs. Platforms
Abdelmahmoud pressed further, asking Liz Pelly if she agreed that technological evolution has left consumers with limited choices in how they consume music. Pelly acknowledged that while alternatives to the current system exist, individual solutions to collective problems often fall short.
“I wouldn’t say there’s no alternative to these systems,” Pelly remarked. “But elsewhere in the world, individual actions often feel unsatisfying when tackling systemic issues. That’s why, in my book Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Cost of the Perfect Playlist, I propose reforms that could make streaming fairer. These include advocating for stronger data protection laws and reimagining the streaming model to better compensate artists. At the same time, I highlight the efforts of artists who are building alternatives outside of the corporate music industry. Both approaches are important.”
Supporting Artists Beyond Streaming
When asked how consumers can better support their favorite artists outside the streaming infrastructure, Pelly emphasized the importance of recognizing music as labor.
“Music requires an incredible amount of work,” she said. “The streaming economy and the broader music industry have devalued that labor, making it almost invisible. Consumers can help revalue music by purchasing it directly from artists, either through platforms like Bandcamp or at live shows. Attending concerts, sharing music that excites you, and engaging in alternative networks to champion the music you love are all ways to support artists.”
A Way Forward
The conversation underscored that while Spotify and other streaming platforms have revolutionized access to music, they have also created challenges for artists seeking fair compensation. Both Pelly and Kamau argued for systemic change—from rethinking streaming models to fostering alternative methods of music distribution and consumption.
As consumers, the choices we make can also play a role in reshaping the music industry. By valuing music as labor and finding ways to directly support artists, listeners can help foster a more equitable relationship between creators and their audiences.
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