Liz Pelly claims Spotify prioritizes listeners over musicians' rights

In her critique of Spotify, Liz Pelly emphasizes the shortcomings of the streaming giant while acknowledging its contributions to music accessibility. Critics often overlook the advantages provided by tech companies like Spotify, which has revolutionized how users discover music. Pelly details various practices of Spotify, including a reliance on AI-generated sounds and the prioritization of tracks based on financial agreements rather than quality or user preference. This raises concerns over the authenticity of musical engagement driven primarily by algorithms. Pelly recognizes that while musicians who relinquish control to labels may be frustrated by their earnings, the platform's ease of use for listeners is undeniably impressive. Furthermore, she champions progressive values such as union support and equitable access to music. Pelly suggests alternative models for music distribution, such as public libraries creating local streaming services, although these provide minimal artist compensation. Despite her critiques, the essence of the book culminates in acknowledging that universal access to music was one of Spotify's pivotal achievements, making it one of the most effective tools in democratizing music listening, albeit at the musicians' expense.