In protest, musician and composer Neil Young removed his music catalog from the Spotify streaming platform in January 2022. This occurred after American comedian Joe Rogan 's podcast spread false information about COVID-19 vaccines.
Rogan's podcast was exclusive to the platform, however, the contract ended, making the episodes available on Amazon and Apple, leading Young to return to Spotify.
Not entirely satisfied, the musician stated in a note on his blog (transcribed via NME ): “ Spotify , the number 1 streaming service for low-resolution music in the world. Spotify , where you get even lower quality than we did, will now be the home of my music again.”
He then explains why he didn't leave the other streaming services: “My decision comes at a time when Apple and Amazon have started offering the same misinformation podcast features that I opposed on Spotify. I can't simply leave Apple and Amazon, as I did with Spotify, because my music would have very little streaming channel for music lovers.”
Hope for a better platform
Neil Young says he expects an improvement in the quality and delivery of music. “I hope Spotify turns to high resolution as a response and cuts all the music for everyone. Spotify, you can do it! Be truly number 1 in every way. You have the music and the listeners! Start with a limited level of high resolution and build from there!”
Billboard calculated how much the composer lost during his absence, and the figures reach $300,000.
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