Björk claims Spotify is the “worst thing” to happen to music
Björk has criticised streaming service Spotify, claiming it is “probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians”.
The musician spoke with the Swedish publication Dagens Nyheter to promote her new Apple Music concert film, titled Apple Music Live: Björk. It arrives on Apple TV+ on January 24th and features Björk performing Cornocopia in full which has been described as a “one of a kind digitally animated show”.
In the new interview, the Icelandic singer said of her approach to songwriting, “It is only in darkness that you can plant a new seed. For the seed to grow into a healthy and vigorous plant, you need privacy. You need a few years of no one knowing what you are doing, not even yourself.”
Björk revealed that she’s currently wholly involved in the process of making new music and has no immediate plans to hit the road, adding, “Right now I’m more busy getting out all the ideas I have inside me. I feel far from finished, and time is running out. What if I had to make 20 more albums? Given my pace, I’ll probably make five at best before I die.”
However, Björk understands she is in a luxurious position that’s not afforded to young artists due to the lack of money in streaming, which forces them to tour in order to earn money. The avant-garde star then made the case for Spotify worsening the musical landscape because artists are no longer focussing on honing their craft.
She stated: “The live part is, and always will be, a big part of what I do. But I’m lucky because I no longer have to raise money on touring, which younger musicians are often forced to do. In that respect, Spotify is probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians. The streaming culture has changed an entire society and an entire generation of artists.”
Spotify has recently attracted criticism ahead of the Grammys with the ‘Songwriter of the Year‘ nominees announcing a boycott of the streaming service’s party. Two of the artists boycotting the event cited Spotify’s decision to bundle audiobooks with premium packages for subscribers as a key reason for their refusal to attend. This move is reportedly set to cost songwriters $150 million in royalties within 12 months.
Meanwhile, Björk’s last album, Fossora, arrived in 2022, and while she’s been working on new music, she’s yet to officially announce her next project.
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