The idea was to adapt to the new realities of the #MeToo era. Jonathan Prince, who joined Spotify in 2014 as its head of communications, began devising the policy for hate speech and hateful conduct months ago - just as fresh allegations of sexual harassment by powerful men were surfacing every day. “It is virtually impossible to police millions of songs, lyrics, contributors and artists,” said Vickie Nauman, a media consultant who has worked with Spotify and all three major record labels. The company, Carter, Lamar and the three major record labels all declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations. Spotify needs the music industry’s support now more than ever, as it contends with a growing threat from rivals Apple, Amazon and Alphabet. He has since said he plans to stay, thanks to assurances from Ek that the policy will be changed. Carter, the former artist manager hired two years ago as Spotify’s liaison to the music industry, told several associates that he planned to leave Spotify following the incident, three of the people said. They also threatened to pull their music if the company maintained its current policy.
Representatives for several acts, including rapper Kendrick Lamar, called Spotify Chief Executive Officer Daniel Ek and head of artist relations Troy Carter to express their frustration. Though the move drew praise, it also infuriated the music industry, forcing Spotify - just two months out from its initial public offering - to repair a fissure with artists. Spotify stopped including the artists in its playlists, though customers can still find the music on their own. Kelly again, according to one of the people. Kelly, the R&B singer who has been dogged by accusations of statutory rape, as well as XXXTentacion, a rapper charged with battering a pregnant woman. The uproar followed Spotify’s May 10 announcement that it would root out hate speech and punish artists for misconduct.
The company’s top executives are talking to the music industry and civil-rights activists about how and when to adjust its rules in a manner suitable to both sides. The music-streaming giant has told artists, managers and record-label executives that it will eventually restore songs by XXXTentacion to playlists, according to people with knowledge of the matter. (Bloomberg) - Facing a rebellion among artists and even some of its own employees, Spotify Technology SA will partially walk back a move to punish musicians for their personal misconduct.
0 kommentar(er)
