We’re taking a stand. While we’ll still release music on Spotify, we’re stepping back from actively promoting our tracks on the platform. Spotify has become a gatekeeper in the music industry, deciding who gets heard through selective choices and algorithms that don’t always reflect listeners’ true interests. Music is meant for everyone, not just a select few who can afford to pay.

Artists shouldn’t have to sacrifice large percentages of their royalties just to gain visibility on Spotify’s platform. Music should be accessible to listeners without artists having to give up significant earnings on top of what’s already deducted by the platform itself. Spotify’s model pressures artists into paying for additional promotional tools like Marquee ads or Spotify Ads, which limits exposure to those who can afford it or are willing to sign away royalties to major players in the industry. This structure suggests that Spotify may indeed be restricting who gets visibility, creating an environment where only those willing to pay more or hand over a large share of their royalties can truly reach a broad audience. Music discovery should be democratic, supporting artists’ freedom to reach listeners without needing to compromise their earnings.

For artists using Spotify’s Discovery Mode, the financial return is even smaller. Spotify takes an additional 30% of royalties from Discovery Mode streams on top of its usual 30% share of revenue. Combined with distributor fees of 15-30%, artists are left with less than 25% of their earnings—thats not even enough to cover the cost of production, promotion, or growth costs. We create, invest, and share our music, but we receive only a fraction of its value. Enough is enough.

Unless you’re a “chosen” artist or closely aligned with Spotify, your chances of reaching an audience are limited. The average artist’s earnings are minimal, often around $11 per month. It’s time for change. We urge fellow artists to reconsider where they focus their energy and to support platforms that empower creators, not restrict them.

📢 Join us in calling for fair treatment of artists on Spotify. Let’s keep music alive on platforms that value artists and make music accessible to all. Sign the petition to demand change today! 🎶