NO, Thank you spotify
I used to be a champion for Spotify. I told all of my friends and supporters to download it because I got the most streams there and was given playlist placements that I didn’t receive on any other platform. Every month when receiving streaming payouts, I’d receive the most from Spotify. Then I observed some of my favorite artists removing their catalogue from Spotify because they pay artists less than any other platform. I didn’t feel like I was in the position to do the same because of the before mentioned circumstances.
In 2020, India.Arie briefly removed her catalogue because of Joe Rogan’s racist shenanigans. Recently indie artists have been leaving Spotify because they were running ICE recruitment ads on the free accounts. Then, the now resigned CEO, Daniel Ek invested in Helsing, a German, military tech company. Although this investment is separate from Spotify, the dollars earned by underpaid artists afforded him the opportunity to show us what type of values led to the global music industry takeover Spotify has garnered.
I want no parts. I ended my membership with Spotify after ten years in 2025. I am now paying Tidal and Apple. Is Apple any better, you ask? Well no, but they do pay better and most people I know have Apple or Spotify so we’re making intentionally paced transitions. I’m choosing not to post ETERNAL on Spotify as a first step. So many of us engage in these streaming platforms, create playlists and listen to songs incessantly without even knowing the artists’ names. Investing in the artists I enjoy more is a part of my practice of mindful consumption. I want to invite you into this. Artists really need your support and attention. There’s so much value in building community with people that are actually accessible to you. People who you can get to know, hold accountable and afford to go to their concert! Let this sink in.
More milestones on my journey to more mindful consumption include:
I’m 14 months Amazon and Target clean. It’s not convenient but it requires more creativity and planning which I value more than convenience.
I have less subscriptions and am shopping locally more often. Even when you’re shopping with sustainable companies online, the packaging creates a lot of waste! In Memphis, the Cooper Young farmer’s market, Boshi Botanicals, Roxie’s and almighty ALDI are my go tos.
My husband and I recently invested in BRICK so we are locking social media sites on our phones for a set amount of hours daily. We’re about two weeks in and I find it very effective!
I shop in person and local more than I have in a while. I also love to shop for clothes second hand. Depop for online and City Thrift in Memphis are my regulars.
I’m eating out way less. I never do fast food except for a little Gus’s here and there but hey that’s a hometown hero.
I don’t drink or smoke very much as I used to be a cross faded shawty, my current highs include orgasms, hot tea and compliments on my rollout.
I’m working on myself.
My thing is, how much can I direct my dollars sustainably without reverting backwards because I made impulsive, guilt led decisions? Honestly, I don’t even know where to begin with Apple. I have 2 mac books and an iPhone or 2 in my home right now. I have drunk the Apple juice and it’s changed my life! But look, one thing at a time. 1st step, honesty. And honestly these decisions are not just benevolence, it’s respecting that my dollar has power and influence and I choose what companies I support based on my interests and if our interests are misaligned (i.e. ICE, funding war crimes & not paying artists) I am willing to make the creative effort to pivot. I also want to make more dollars and share with community interested in deepening relationship with my work.
Now that I’ve told you the tea, will you still listen to ETERNAL on another DSP or better yet purchase it on EVEN? Say yes and don’t come up to me talkin’ bout some congratulations if you haven’t taken the time to listen! I’ll roll my eyes.