These recent moves feel like a grand betrayal of Spotify’s roots in liberal Sweden, where it was founded. In the past, fights tended to be around commercial issues, with artists arguing the micro-payments it made for streams were unfairly low this new conflict is remarkable for being entirely ideological. The decision from Spotify draws an entirely new battle line for the service when facing down artists. Young had the courage of his convictions – and the backing of his long-term label Reprise Records (part of Warner Music Group), because, as he said in a statement on his website, removing his music would mean “losing 60% of my worldwide streaming income in the name of Truth”. This claim was supported in a letter sent to the streaming service earlier this month, signed by 270 medical and scientific professionals who called for Spotify to stop spreading Rogan’s unfounded point of view. Young’s objections were based on what he saw as “life-threatening Covid misinformation” being pushed by Rogan. Spotify chose Rogan, removing Young’s entire back catalogue. The Canadian-American musician criticised its exclusive hosting of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in a letter to his manager and record label published online, which asked his music be removed from the streaming service. N eil Young this week issued Spotify with a blunt ultimatum: it’s me or Joe Rogan.

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