Spotify Is Losing Artists ¿Your Favorite Musician Or Joe Rogan?

Spotify is not going through a good moment. The streaming giant has lost billions of dollars and lost 12% of its shares due to a scandal involving Joe Rogan, a comedian who has a podcast on the platform. It turns out that Rogan has taken advantage of his program to launch anti-vaccine content.

But this has not only caused him a monetary loss, this may also have implications within the platform’s catalog. For example, it is already impossible to listen to music by Neil Young and Joni Mitchell, after both artists have requested to remove their music from the platform unless Spotify reverses the decision to continue with Rogan’s program.

The North American company decided to continue betting on the controversial comedian for whom they signed an exclusivity contract in 2020 for an amount of 100 million dollars. In addition, it is the most popular and listened to podcast on the platform.

This leaves Spotify without songs like “Old Man”, Heart of Gold”, “Like a Hurricane”, “Ohio”, among many other titles of the Canadian artist. However, several other artists could also participate in this protest, as did Joni Mitchel, another Canadian singer with more than 50 years of artistic career. But this leaves the door open for many other stars to follow in their footsteps and get their catalogs off the platform. Other music streaming applications are taking advantage of this and Apple Music has already declared itself as “Neil Young’s house”.

The home of Neil Young.

Listen to his entire catalog on Apple Music: https://t.co/sUGtz4JbB9 pic.twitter.com/YgRMygUqhi

— Apple M usic (@AppleMusic) January 28, 2022

Additionally, in social networks, we have seen a phenomenon of people canceling their subscriptions and showing their rejection. Many call for a general boycott against the platform, unless it reconsiders its commitment to the Joe Rogan show.

One of the most influential couples in entertainment who also joined the protest, is that of Harry from England and Meghan Merkle. The couple, who have also worked with Spotify since 2020, explained that they have expressed concern about the spread of false news related to COVID-19. Although they did not make any decision regarding leaving the platform, they did it is another blow to the image of the company.

All this rejection is linked to a letter signed by 270 American doctors and scientists that says that unproven messages regarding vaccines could put public trust of scientific research at risk. 

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One of the most influential couples in entertainment that also joined the criticism, is that of Harry from England and Meghan Merkle. The couple, who have also worked with Spotify since 2020, explained that they have expressed concern about the spread of false news related to COVID-19. Although they did not make any decision regarding leaving the platform, it is another serious blow to the company’s image.

All this rejection is linked to a letter signed by 270 American doctors and scientists that the messages do not evidence regarding vaccines could jeopardize public confidence in scientific research.

Spotify Response

The solution Spotify’s directors came up with is to put warnings about COVID-19 content. Although for many, this measure is still insufficient and they see that the company is simply washing its hands.

Get in the zone with #SebastiánYatra presents #DHARMA, the Enhanced Album ☸️ Experience it only on Spotify https://t.co/ZhEjh0AFhK pic.twitter.com/hLCbzTDVRv

— Spotify (@Spotify) January 28, 2022

Just look at the platform’s latest social media posts announcing new artist releases. The comments have little to do with Sebastián Yatra or Anitta and their new music. The conversation monopolizes criticism and support for Joe Rogan and Spotify itself.