What is the story about?
What's Happening?
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, an Australian psych rock band, has made a significant move by leaving Spotify and offering their music on Bandcamp under a 'name-your-price' model. This decision follows their departure from Spotify due to CEO Daniel Ek's investment in AI drone technology. The band announced this change via Instagram, encouraging fans to join them on Bandcamp. Their digital catalog is now available for purchase at a price determined by the buyer, rather than the previous minimum of $10 per album. This strategy has proven successful, as their discography currently dominates Bandcamp's Top 25 best-selling albums section. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are part of a growing number of artists leaving Spotify, including Xiu Xiu, Deerhoof, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, due to concerns over Ek's involvement with Helsing, a company specializing in AI military software.
Why It's Important?
The band's decision to leave Spotify and adopt a 'name-your-price' model on Bandcamp highlights a growing trend among artists seeking alternative platforms that align more closely with their values. This move could influence other musicians to reconsider their relationship with major streaming services, potentially impacting Spotify's market dominance. By offering music at a flexible price, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are making their work more accessible, which could lead to increased fan engagement and support. This shift also underscores the broader conversation about ethical considerations in the tech industry, particularly regarding investments in military technology. Artists and consumers alike may begin to prioritize platforms that reflect their ethical standards, potentially reshaping the music distribution landscape.
What's Next?
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are set to embark on a tour starting October 31st in Manchester, UK, featuring a mix of orchestral shows and 'rave sets.' The tour will include stops in major cities such as London, Paris, Berlin, and Melbourne, concluding in December. As the band continues to promote their latest album, Phantom Island, their decision to leave Spotify may inspire other artists to follow suit, leading to potential shifts in the music streaming industry. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see if this trend gains momentum and how Spotify responds to the growing number of artists leaving its platform.
Beyond the Headlines
The band's departure from Spotify and their ethical stance against AI military technology investments could spark broader discussions about the role of artists in advocating for social and ethical issues. This move may encourage musicians to leverage their influence to promote change and hold tech companies accountable for their business practices. Additionally, the success of the 'name-your-price' model on Bandcamp could lead to more artists exploring innovative pricing strategies, potentially altering traditional revenue models in the music industry.
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