Why I'm ending my decade-long Spotify Premium membership

Hey everyone, I wanted to share why I’m giving up my Spotify Premium after using it since 2014. It’s not an easy choice, but I feel it’s important.

Spotify’s changed a lot. It’s not just about music anymore. They’re pushing podcasts, audiobooks, and all sorts of stuff. I get why they’re doing it, but it’s not what I signed up for.

What really bugs me is how little of my money actually goes to the artists. It’s tiny, especially for indie musicians. I can’t support a system that doesn’t value the creators.

I’m a musician myself, and I know how tough the industry can be. But the pandemic made me realize how much we all need music and art. It got us through some really hard times.

I’m not saying everyone should quit Spotify. But maybe think about where your money’s going and if it’s supporting the artists you love. There might be better ways to show your appreciation for the music that matters to you.

What do you all think? Have you ever considered ditching streaming services? Let me know your thoughts!

I’ve been wrestling with this dilemma too. While Spotify’s convenience is undeniable, the ethical concerns are hard to ignore. Recently, I’ve started exploring alternatives like Bandcamp, where artists receive a much larger cut of sales. It’s not as seamless as Spotify, but it feels good knowing more of my money goes directly to musicians. Additionally, I’ve rediscovered the joy of physical media, especially vinyl. There’s something special about owning an album and supporting artists more directly. It’s a balance, though. I still use Spotify for discovery, but I make a point to purchase music I truly love through other channels. It’s not a perfect solution, but it helps me feel better about my music consumption habits.

I have experienced a similar struggle with Spotify recently. My longtime use of the service makes the changes even more noticeable, and I find myself questioning the value of what I pay for. Instead of relying solely on Spotify for music, I’ve started exploring other ways to support the artists, like attending live gigs and purchasing physical copies when possible. The platform still offers unmatched convenience for music discovery, but these shifts remind me to balance my support for artists with my streaming habits.

i feel ya. spotify’s been bugging me too lately. all those podcasts n stuff cluttering up my feed. been thinkin bout switchin to bandcamp or somethin. at least there the artists get a fair shake. plus, nothin beats the feeling of owning ur fave albums, ya know? might not be as slick, but it feels more real somehow.

I’ve grappled with this issue as well. While Spotify’s convenience is unmatched, the ethical concerns are significant. Recently, I’ve started exploring alternatives like Tidal, which offers higher audio quality and better artist compensation. It’s not perfect, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Another approach I’ve adopted is to use Spotify for discovery, then purchase albums I truly enjoy directly from the artist or through platforms like Bandcamp. This way, I can still benefit from Spotify’s vast library while ensuring my favorite musicians receive fair compensation.

Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that aligns with your values. Whether you choose to leave Spotify or find alternative ways to support artists, the important thing is to be mindful of how our consumption habits impact the music industry.

I hear you, mate. Been on Spotify Premium since day one, and yeah, it’s not the same beast anymore. Gotta say, the constant push for podcasts and whatnot is getting on my nerves too. But here’s the thing - I’ve found a middle ground that works for me.

Instead of ditching Spotify completely, I’ve started using it mainly for discovery. When I find an artist I really dig, I make it a point to buy their stuff directly or through platforms like Bandcamp. It’s not perfect, but it helps me sleep better at night knowing I’m throwing some proper support to the artists I love.

Also, don’t underestimate the power of merch, mate. Buying a t-shirt or a poster from your favorite indie band can sometimes be worth more to them than thousands of streams. It’s all about finding that balance between convenience and conscience, you know?