Liz Pelly Critiques Spotify in New Book

Liz Pelly's new book, 'Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist', critiques Spotify's influence on the music industry, particularly highlighting the overlooked experiences of independent musicians and labels. Through over 100 interviews and extensive research, Pelly reveals troubling practices, including the use of 'ghost producers' to create tracks under pseudonymous identities, allowing Spotify to bypass royalty payments. This insight reflects a broader concern about Spotify's evolution from a streaming platform to a company that resembles a record label, exerting significant control over music production and distribution. Meanwhile, personal accounts reveal users feeling disillusioned with Spotify's algorithm, which prioritizes mainstream tracks over original selections, leading to a diminished listening experience. Pelly argues that the conversation should extend beyond which streaming service is best to addressing the overarching power of corporations in music and culture. As Spotify Wrapped day fosters both horror and hope, it serves as a catalyst for discussions on corporate practices in the music industry.