I have feelings on the Spotify/Anchor move a thread...

Yes, it’s great news that anybody can make a radio show/podcast spreading the joy of new and undiscovered music

Yes, a lot of artists will gain exposure in ways which they can’t with broadcast radio today. Whether that’s because radio plugging is expensive or spot plays/playlisting is hard to come by without label backing

Yes, many will be genre specific so artists and bands who would never be heard on radio will finally have a place BUT

Spotify will utilise this to drive more premium subscribers to their platform which means more money for them

Does that mean we - the musician, the reason for those premium subscribers - will see more money? Most definitely not

Once again, Spotify are about to make us feel like chumps, with a new way for us to beg and plead for exposure which will never return to us in money

Another thing, we don’t have control of where that music is heard, or what is said or how it’s represented. Let’s not forget the number of songs played at Trump rallies with no respect for musicians rights.

I’m sure if a song of mine or yours would to land on some big new Spotify show, it would feel exciting and that might mean new people might actually come and find you but always remember you are the gatekeeper to your own success. Not these fuckers.

Yes, I’m angry but I’m also realistic so I know the likes of these streaming giants aren’t going anywhere so here’s some guidance:

If you set up podcast, a show or whatever you want to call it please leave links in your description to the artists you’ve featured, buy their music from Bandcamp, buy their merch. Do not encourage passive listening or be a passive listener.

Actively go out of your way to follow & engage with musicians. If you want to know more about how to support artists in the digital age, I highly recommend downloading this zine from @specialistsub https://shop.specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/products/636314-a-guide-to-supporting-musicians-in-the-streaming-age

This also goes for artists themselves. The change starts at home right?