What is the story about?
What's Happening?
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, an Australian band known for their diverse musical styles, has achieved a remarkable feat by having the top 27 best-selling albums on Bandcamp. This follows their decision to remove their music from Spotify in protest against the platform's CEO, Daniel Ek, who invested €600 million in a German drone company. The band has made their albums available on Bandcamp with a 'Name Your Price' option, allowing fans to download the music for free or pay any amount they choose. Their 2023 album, 'PetroDragonic Apocalypse,' leads the sales, followed by 'Omnium Gatherum' and 'Nonagon Infinity.' Other artists have also left Spotify in protest, including Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu.
Why It's Important?
The band's move highlights growing artist dissatisfaction with streaming platforms, particularly regarding ethical concerns over investments made by these companies. By dominating Bandcamp sales, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard demonstrates the potential for artists to succeed outside traditional streaming services, potentially encouraging more musicians to explore alternative platforms. This shift could impact Spotify's business model and influence how artists distribute their music, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in corporate investments.
What's Next?
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is set to embark on a European tour starting in late October, which may further boost their visibility and sales. The band's success on Bandcamp could inspire other artists to reconsider their distribution strategies, potentially leading to more departures from Spotify. Fans and industry observers will be watching to see if this trend continues and how Spotify responds to the growing artist exodus.
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