Oops, Spotify did it again…

Back in January 2018, the Copyright Royalty Board raised the royalties payable by streaming services to songwriters from 10% to 15%, over a 5 year period – meaning it covers 2018-2022. I can’t confirm why this has suddenly resurfaced as an issue today but it has, with force.

It’s been reported continuously that ‘Spotify is suing songwriters’ which, at first glance, is a very shocking claim and certainly puts shame on the streaming giant. However, Spotify alongside other streaming services (Google, Amazon, Pandora) aren’t suing songwriters, they are in fact appealing against the rates set by CRB. As Spotify have stated they believe that paying out more will impact the discounted subscription packages they can provide customers; they want to ensure the new rates cover “the right scope of publishing rights”. So in short, the streaming services are not suing songwriters, they are appealing the ruling to benefit everyone involved.

“The industry needs to continue evolving to ensure that the people who create the music we all love
— artists and songwriters — can earn a living”

Spotify’s statement

It’s completely understandable that streaming services are desperately resolving what they see as an issue because if they can’t offer the best deals, they will lose consumers and lose their ultimate attraction. But, where do Apple Music stand?

This is where it gets interesting, Apple Music have not appealed the CRB ruling, but they HAVE slammed Spotify for their appeal.

“It represents a real, meaningful and damaging step backwards for the Music Industry.”

Apple’s statement

Apple Music present themselves as completely artist friendly and artist focused, and they portray Spotify as being a money-focused corporation and they appear to be ultimately appalled by Spotify’s appeal. Remember the twist and turns of the Spotify vs Warner case? Well, this is no different.

Coincidentally (I’d say ironically but it’s not), Apple’s slamming of Spotify comes just weeks after Spotify filed a formal complaint against Apple’s ‘app tax’ in which they charge a 30% commision on in-app purchases; Spotify clearly finds this extortionate so are doing what they do best, complaining.

Anyway, the point remains; are Apple genuinely fighting for songwriters or are they fighting Spotify? This is a question that will attract many answers and many opinions, and unfortunately I cannot give you a definite answer but let’s hope the issue is resolved sooner rather than later!

Brand vs Legacy

Firstly, I’d like to state that ‘Leaving Neverland’ will not be mentioned in the following post, neither will my personal views on the allegations be presented. I’ll be talking about whether artists should be treated as individual to their musical talent; Michael Jackson as a human is separate to his music.

Globally known as the ‘King of Pop’, Michael Jackson has had a profuse impact on the modern day music industry. The importance of MJ’s music legacy shouldn’t be clouded as a result of the current allegations, like I have stated; Michael Jackson as a human is separate to his music.

“I think the business people behind some of his upcoming new ventures will be looking at this closely and looking at whether his brand is on the verge of becoming toxic.”

Andy Barr – PR Expert

It is understandable that brands will not want to be directly associated with the current state of Michael Jackson’s reputation because it will have an impact on the public’s perception of them. However, when it comes to the Music Business (radio stations, TV advertisements, streaming sites, psychical distributors ect ect), how far does corporate social responsibility go until you’re damaging the careers of those who are not slightly involved in the allegations but ARE directly responsible for the global success of MJ’s music?

Since the documentary was aired, MJ’s music has been removed from radio stations across Canada, New Zealand, Australia. Even major artist and self-identified MJ fan, Drake has removed an MJ track from his tour setlist since the controversy began last month.

MJ’s music being removed from streaming sites and radio playlists would directly affect his estate, his family but more importantly, the producers and songwriters who were involved in the creation of MJ’s more successful albums. (Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton and so many more). Is it fair for these genius’ to be financially affected? Personally, I think not.

If the allegations that have surfaced specifically from this documentary were around during the pre-digital age, it cannot be denied that they wouldn’t have had nearly as much coverage or controversy as they do today. Luckily and in some cases, unluckily, social media acts as a constant reminder and spotlight that highlights any brands wrongdoing. Subsequently meaning the chances of MJ’s family or state ever escaping these allegations are extremely unlikely. Unfortunately, this documentary and the fall-out is a trial by media and it’s unclear how or when (if ever) the truth will prevail.