Spotify CEO Daniel Ek recently made some controversial comments about “the cost of creating content”. Those words have sparked a wildfire of backlash from artists and fans alike. Deadmau5, the Ontario-born DJ and producer, has now entered the fray, threatening to pull his catalog from Spotify in response to Ek’s remarks. The DJ made his stance clear in a fiery Instagram post featuring a screenshot of an article discussing Ek’s statement.
The Cost of Content Creation
In his post, Deadmau5, 43, didn’t hold back. “Incorrect,” he wrote,
“The cost of creating content was 25+ years of my life and much of those proceeds going to your company, you complete f–king idiot. @spotify.”
His words highlight the blood, sweat, and tears that go into creating music, contrasting sharply with Ek’s assertion that the cost is “close to zero.” Furthermore, Deadmau5’s frustration is palpable, reflecting a broader sentiment among musicians who feel undervalued by streaming services.
Threatening to Pull His Catalog
Deadmau5’s indignation didn’t stop at a single post. Responding to a fan’s comment about their disdain for Spotify, the seven-time Grammy nominee hinted that he might remove his music from the platform altogether. “I feel that,” he replied, “I’m about to pull my catalog from these f–king vultures, enough’s enough.” Despite these strong words, as of now, Deadmau5’s catalog remains available on Spotify, where he boasts nearly five million monthly listeners.
A Complicated Relationship with Spotify
This isn’t the first time Deadmau5 has voiced strong opinions about Spotify. Interestingly, less than a year ago, he thanked the platform for featuring his work on its “Dance Favorites” playlist, acknowledging the significant promotional push it provided. This gratitude underscores the complex relationship many artists have with Spotify: while the platform offers unparalleled marketing potential, it also draws criticism for its royalty payments and business practices.
The Bigger Picture
Deadmau5 is not alone in his criticism of Spotify. The recent reclassification of Spotify’s main music packages as bundles in the U.S. has led to a double-digit decline in mechanical royalty payments, prompting outcry from the National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), and others. Despite the rollout of music-only plans, many stakeholders remain dissatisfied, adding to the growing chorus of voices calling for change.
Lastly, in the ever-evolving landscape of music streaming, Deadmau5’s comments add fuel to an already intense debate. In conclusion, whether he follows through on his threat to pull his catalog remains to be seen, one thing is clear: the conversation about the value of music and the cost of its creation is far from over.
[H/T] – Digital Music News
