Spotify: Curse or Blessing for Musicians?
The debate around Spotify is highly controversial. On one hand, many musicians criticize its low payouts and the decline in CD sales. On the other hand, Spotify offers small bands a reach they could hardly achieve in the past—without a label or gatekeepers.
Today, any musician can release their music independently and maintain full control. This level of freedom was unthinkable years ago. Criticism of new formats isn’t new either: Cassettes, burned CDs, and illegal downloads were once seen as threats. But let’s be honest: Those who copied or downloaded music back then weren’t likely to buy physical albums anyway.
Streaming also has its advantages: It makes discovering new music easier and can lead to more concert visits or merchandise sales. The decline of physical formats might also reflect a generational shift—many listeners prefer music to be digital and easily accessible.
What do you think? Curse or blessing? Let us know in the comments!