In a series of connected tweets yeterday, Nigel Godrich, Radiohead's longtime recording engineer and member of Ultraísta, let loose on Spotify's streaming platform and the small musicians that its business model effects. Among the thoughts, Godrich pointed out that both Atoms For Peace and Amok, Thom Yorke's solo album, had been removed from streaming on Spotify. Though he also noted that Ultraísta's debut album (through Temporary Residence) was no longer available, as of this post, you can still stream it. Adding to the fight, Thom Yorke and Kieran Hebden of Four Tet agreed that the system is screwy, only benefiting the higher-ups in the industry. You can read the tweets in order below, then catch Spotify's placating response to the criticism at the bottom.
The reason is that new artists get paid fuck all with this model.. It's an equation that just doesn't work
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
The music industry is being taken over by the back door.. and if we don't try and make it fair for new music producers and artists…
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
..then the art will suffer. Make no mistake. These are all the same old industry bods trying to get a stranglehold on the delivery system..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
The numbers don't even add up for spotify yet.. But it's not about that.. It's about establishing the model which will be extremely valuable
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
Meanwhile small labels and new artists can't even keep their lights on. It's just not right
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
I think the point is – that streaming suits catalogue.. But cannot work as a way of supporting new artists work.. Spotify and the like ..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
..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..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
..their feet. They have no power without new music..
— nigel godrich (@nigelgod) July 14, 2013
Thom Yorke's two cents on the streaming platform come from his Twitter:
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
And the thoughts of Four Tet:
@nigelgod exactly… I had everything on my label taken off. Don't want to be part of this crap.
— Four Tet (@FourTet) July 14, 2013
Here's what Spotify had to say on the matter in an official response:
“Spotify’s goal is to grow a service which people love, ultimately want to pay for, and which will provide the financial support to the music industry necessary to invest in new talent and music. We want to help artists connect with their fans, find new audiences, grow their fan base and make a living from the music we all love.
Right now we’re still in the early stages of a long-term project that’s already having a hugely positive effect on artists and new music. We’ve already paid US$500m to rightsholders so far and by the end of 2013 this number will reach US$1bn. Much of this money is being invested in nurturing new talent and producing great new music.
We’re 100 per cent committed to making Spotify the most artist-friendly music service possible, and are constantly talking to artists and managers about how Spotify can help build their careers.”
