Spotify’s Daniel Ek, Tidal and FAC respond to backlash of CEO saying “content” costs “close to zero” to make

nme.com:

Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, following his claims that “content” costs “close to zero” to make.The comments from the CEO of the streaming giant were shared last week (May 29), and saw Ek take to X/Twitter to imply that it is easier and more affordable than ever to create “content” thanks to modern technology.“Today, with the cost of creating content being close to zero, people can share an incredible amount of content.

This has sparked my curiosity about the concept of long shelf life versus short shelf life,” he wrote.“While much of what we see and hear quickly becomes obsolete, there are timeless ideas or even pieces of music that can remain relevant for decades or even centuries,” he added, before questioning: “What are we creating now that will still be valued and discussed hundreds or thousands of years from today?”Needless to say, the comments were quick to spark a response from across the online community, with countless music lovers and musicians coming forward to criticise the CEO as being “out of touch”.Today, with the cost of creating content being close to zero, people can share an incredible amount of content.

This has sparked my curiosity about the concept of long shelf life versus short shelf life. While much of what we see and hear quickly becomes obsolete, there are…— Daniel Ek (@eldsjal) May 29, 2024“I for one don’t make ‘content’.

I make music,” wrote KT Tunstall. “It’s *possible* to make music cheaply, but you still need equipment. And making music the way I make it also employs other people and takes time, so yes.