GRUNGECAKE

Tag: Spotify

  • Spotify increases Premim fees in the United Kingdom, citing platform upgrades

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    Spotify has announced a forthcoming hike in its Premium subscription fees for United Kingdom users, part of a broader global pricing adjustment set to roll out across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the United Kingdom, existing subscribers will see the individual Premium plan increase from £11.99 to £12.99 per month starting in November.

    Spotify claims that the change is intended to support ongoing product improvements and feature expansion. The company says that the student discount tier will remain unchanged at £5.99, and that subscribers will not be locked in—they can cancel at any time if they choose not to accept the new rate. In regions beyond the United Kingdom, Spotify will notify users via email about updates to pricing and what changes will apply to them.

    This is not the first increase in recent years—the United Kingdom has already seen multiple £1 raises in its Premium pricing over successive years. Meanwhile, Spotify’s leadership suggests additional hikes could come as part of a “toolbox” approach to balancing revenue and investment. Alex Norström, Spotify’s business chief, has implied that price adjustments are now a built-in lever to help the company sustain growth and fund new innovations.

    Industry observers note the risk that rising prices may trigger subscriber pushback or increased churn, especially in markets sensitive to cost pressures. But Spotify appears confident that the upgrades to its platform and feature set can justify the increases.

    As Spotify continues to expand its reach and ambitions—aiming toward new markets and perhaps a billion paying users—its pricing strategy will likely remain a closely watched lever for balancing investor demands, consumer resistance, and the costs of innovation.

  • Daniel Ek steps down as Spotify CEO, moves to Executive Chairman Role

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    After nearly two decades at the helm of Spotify, co-founder Daniel Ek is stepping away from the CEO role and shifting into Executive Chairman starting January 1. But before you picture him disappearing, he’s been clear:

    “To be clear, I’m not leaving.”

    Ek’s intention is to hand more of the day-to-day operational reins to two long-time lieutenants: Alex Norström (co-President & Chief Business Officer) and Gustav Söderström (co-President & Chief Product & Technology Officer). They’ll become co-CEOs and report to Ek, also joining Spotify’s board.

    Spotify says this restructure isn’t a sudden pivot but a formalisation of how things have already been functioning: Over recent years, Ek had delegated much of the strategic and operational leadership to Norström and Söderström. His new role will focus on capital allocation, long-term strategy, and guiding the senior leadership team.

    This shift comes at a pivotal moment. Spotify now serves over 700 million users, up from about 678 million earlier this year. Financially, the company had its first full year of profitability in 2024, reporting €1.14 billion in net income, though it swung back to a loss of ~€86 million in Q2 of 2025, citing rising personnel and advertising costs.

    Ek himself holds about 6.2 % of Spotify, and most of his net worth is tied to that stake. The co-CEO structure is rare among large public companies—under 5 % employ it.

    What to watch: How smoothly the transition plays out, whether Spotify’s momentum holds, and how the dynamic between the new co-CEOs and Ek evolves. A founding CEO’s move to a more strategic role is less about stepping back and more about scaling his influence differently.

  • Spotify deletes 75 million spam tracks as company tightens rules around AI music

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    Spotify has made a sweeping move against spam content on its platform by removing over 75 million tracks deemed “spammy” over the past year. The decision comes amid rising concern about the misuse of AI tools to generate fraudulent or misleading audio content. Many of these tracks were ultra-short, duplicated, or clear imitations generated via AI—uploaded in bulk to exploit streaming royalties. The goal has often been to capitalise on Spotify’s revenue model: Any track longer than 30 seconds can generate payouts, meaning that these low-effort uploads siphon attention and earnings away from legitimate artists.

    In response, Spotify is introducing new safeguards. First, a music spam filter is being rolled out to detect suspicious uploads and prevent them from appearing in recommendations—or sometimes from ever being uploaded. Second, the company is tightening its rules around vocal deepfakes and impersonations: artists must give explicit permission for their voice or likeness to be used; tracks that impersonate artists without consent are disallowed.

    Third, Spotify is working with the standards organisation DDEX to create voluntary industry metadata standards for labeling AI-assisted content. While disclosures won’t yet be mandatory, the company says this step is about building trust rather than punishing responsible creators.

    Spotify emphasises that despite all this spam and potential for AI misuse, current engagement with AI-generated content on the platform remains very low. The company says it is not seeing meaningful impacts on user listening behavior or on royalty distribution to human artists.

    As AI tools for music become more accessible, Spotify’s latest policies reflect an attempt to balance openness to innovation with protection of artist integrity and listener trust. Whether they will be enough to stem growing concerns over deepfakes, fraudulent uploads, and AI impersonation remains to be seen.

  • GRUNGECAKE’s Discover 100 playlist: Fresh sounds you need to hear

    Discover 100: This Week’s New Releases:

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    DISCOVER 100: New Sounds You Should Hear This Week

    This week’s Discover Weekly roundup is a sonic map of where music’s pulse is right now — diverse, daring, and deeply human. From moody reflections to dancefloor bursts, each track brings its own story and sonic fingerprint.

    The Planes – “Cliff Diver”
    The Planes deliver an indie-rock anthem that feels like freefall. “Cliff Diver” moves between nostalgia and release, a guitar-driven meditation on risk and renewal. It’s that perfect balance of grit and grace — an open-window song for anyone standing on the edge of change.

    Uriah Gold – “No Good”
    Uriah Gold’s “No Good” is a confessional pop gem wrapped in shimmering synths. It thrives on tension — between love and distance, between wanting to be better and knowing you won’t be. It’s dark, catchy, and uncomfortably honest.

    Lior Izhaki Drums – “B2 Bomber”
    “B2 Bomber” is all rhythm and precision — Lior Izhaki’s drumming takes centre stage in a cinematic instrumental that fuses jazz agility with rock’s velocity. It’s propulsive, polished, and impossible to ignore.

    Shazam Conner – “Back It Up For Love”
    An R&B veteran with unmistakable swagger, Shazam Conner turns up the heat on “Back It Up For Love.” Equal parts smooth groove and club energy, it’s a confident reminder of what charisma sounds like in motion.

    F.A.V. x Tino Amor x Lorenzo Soria – “Culo”
    “Culo” brings the party to life with Latin flair and global rhythm. It’s playful and unapologetic, powered by irresistible percussion and hooks built to make the body move.

    YungParadise – “Room 5”
    Dreamy and melancholic, “Room 5” feels like a late-night confession in neon. YungParadise threads emotional honesty through modern R&B textures — intimate yet cinematic.

    Hockitay – “old dog”
    Raw and reflective, “old dog” sits somewhere between folk storytelling and alternative grit. Hockitay turns simple phrases into emotional depth, proving subtlety can hit hardest.

    Şener Seymenoğlu – “Another Ordinary Miracle Day”
    Şener Seymenoğlu finds wonder in the everyday. His composition blends classical grace with modern melody — gentle, mindful, and deeply human.

    The Lost Arts ft. Jimmy Valentime & Urban Miracle – “We Tried to Warn You!”
    Urgent and defiant, this collaboration is a protest anthem dressed in hip-hop and alt-rock armour. The Lost Arts and guests channel social commentary into something anthemic and alive.

    Giuseppe Cucè – “El mundo Es Verdadero”
    Warm, rhythmic, and poetic — Giuseppe Cucè delivers a world-fusion track that feels both spiritual and celebratory. “El mundo Es Verdadero” translates as “The world is real,” and he makes you believe it.

    REY DANTE – “El reloj en la pared”
    A cinematic Latin ballad built around time, longing, and memory. REY DANTE’s vocal delivery has gravitas, pulling listeners into his world of romantic drama and timeless melodies.

    Show Dem Camp x taves – “Pressure”
    The Nigerian rap duo returns in sharp form. “Pressure” is slick, conscious, and effortlessly cool — a study in modern Afro-fusion with lyrical depth and rhythmic heat.

    Chris James – “Long Time Coming”
    Earnest and full of momentum, “Long Time Coming” is a statement of persistence. Chris James blends pop-rock and soul in a track that feels like a sunrise after a struggle.

    Drew Who – “lamentable”
    Minimal yet emotional, “lamentable” drifts through moody production and introspective lyricism. It’s the kind of song that lingers after silence.

    Jynine James – “Pain Of Love”
    A heartfelt ballad that nods to classic pop craftsmanship. Jynine James delivers emotional clarity and timeless vocal power — heartbreak as healing art.

    SlimYungMan x Coberzz – “HAMMERHEAD”
    A high-energy collision of trap and grit. “HAMMERHEAD” hits with underground confidence and sharp-edged production, made for those who like their sound heavy and relentless.

    Naomi Jane – “I Cry”
    Soft, soulful, and confessional — Naomi Jane’s “I Cry” feels like a diary turned into a melody. Vulnerability has rarely sounded this controlled and beautiful.

    Verra Cruz – “Lion”
    “Lion” roars with purpose. Verra Cruz merges blues-rock fire with spiritual urgency, delivering a sound that’s as raw as it is uplifting. It’s a closer that doesn’t fade — it ascends.

    This week’s Discover Weekly is about emotion in motion — songs that challenge, comfort, and move with purpose. From Lagos to London, Tel Aviv to Los Angeles, these artists are shaping a global conversation one track at a time.

    GRUNGECAKE’s Discover 100 continues to champion originality, authenticity, and the spirit of discovery. Each track this week stands as proof that the independent scene isn’t just alive—it’s thriving.

  • Massively decreased stream count adjustments on Spotify cause fan uproar

    Spotify, the world’s leading music streaming platform, has recently come under fire from both artists and fans due to adjustments in its streaming algorithms and policies. These changes have sparked widespread discussions about the platform’s influence on music consumption and the livelihoods of artists.

    Algorithmic changes and artist concerns

    One significant issue that has emerged is the alteration of the “Fans Also Like” feature. This feature, which suggests artists similar to the one a user is currently viewing, has reportedly undergone updates that have led to inaccurate associations. For instance, a melodic Techno artist found their profile linked to Rap and Country artists, genres that do not align with their musical style. This misalignment has raised concerns amoung artists about the efficacy of Spotify’s algorithms in accurately representing their music and connecting them with the appropriate audience.

    Additionally, there have been broader criticisms of Spotify’s recommendation algorithms. Some users feel that the platform’s focus on repetitive exposure to previously played tracks limits the discovery of new music, thereby reducing the overall user experience. This approach has been described as “simple-minded”, with claims that it prioritises user engagement metrics over genuine music discovery.

    Artificial streaming and platform policies

    Spotify has also been addressing the issue of artificial streaming—instances where streams are generated through non-organic means, such as bots or coordinated fan activities aimed at inflating play counts. The platform has clarified its stance, urging artists to discourage fans from engaging in inauthentic streaming practices. Spotify’s policies emphasise that whilst encouraging fans to listen is acceptable, orchestrating efforts to manipulate stream counts violates their guidelines. Consequences for such actions include the withholding of royalties and adjustments to public metrics to reflect genuine engagement.

    Impact on artists and the music industry

    These developments have intensified the ongoing debate about Spotify’s role in the music industry. A recent exposé, “Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist” by Liz Pelly, delves into how the platform’s dominance has reshaped listening habits and affected artists’ earnings. The book highlights concerns that Spotify’s algorithm-driven playlists may favor certain types of music, potentially marginalising genres that don’t align with the platform’s data-driven strategies.

    Moreover, high-profile disputes have brought attention to Spotify’s internal practices. For example, Drake’s allegations that Spotify conspired to inflate streams of Kendrick Lamar’s track ‘Not Like Us’ were met with firm denial from the company. Spotify’s legal representatives dismissed these claims as legally inadequate, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to combating artificial streaming and maintaining fair play counts.

    Conclusion

    Spotify’s recent stream adjustments have ignited discussions about the platform’s influence over music consumption and its responsibility toward artists. As the company continues to refine its algorithms and policies, the balance between technological optimisation and the diverse needs of the music community remains a critical focal point.

  • Jamaican Dancehall icon Sean Paul’s ‘Temperature’ joins Spotify’s Billions Club

    His 2005 chart-topping hit becomes his second track to surpass one billion plays on the streaming platform

    Dancehall superstar Sean Paul has reached another historic milestone as his 2005 smash ‘Temperature’ surpassed one billion streams on Spotify. The achievement makes it his second track to enter the streaming platform’s prestigious Billions Club, following ‘No Lie’ featuring Dua Lipa.

    This milestone arrives as ‘The Trinity’—the album that birthed ‘Temperature’—celebrates its twentieth anniversary this year. Released by VP Records/Atlantic Records, the GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum project featured hits like ‘We Be Burnin’’ and ‘Give It Up to Me’, cementing Sean Paul’s dominance in the mid-2000s and becoming one of the best-selling Dancehall albums of all time.

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    “Love to know that 20 years later, ‘Temperature’ still strong and potent and providing the service of making people feel good—that is what make me feel good”, says Sean Paul. “Big up to everyone involved, and may the music live on.”

    With this achievement, Sean Paul joins Bob Marley and The Wailers as one of the only Reggae/Dancehall artists to have multiple songs in Spotify’s Billions Club, an elite list of fewer than one-thousand songs to ever reach the milestone.

    Originally topping the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Temperature’ became the most popular song in America when it hit #1, marking Sean Paul’s third United Starts chart-topper after Beyoncé’s ‘Baby Boy’ and ‘Get Busy’. Produced by Rohan ‘Snowcone’ Fuller on the ‘Applause’ Riddim, the song remains a cultural touchstone, resonating with millions two decades after its release.

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  • Spotify and Universal Music Group expand partnership with new agreement

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    In a landmark move that reflects the evolving nature of the music industry, Spotify and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced an extended and enhanced partnership. This new deal not only renews their longstanding collaboration but also includes a direct agreement between Spotify and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) in the United States. This development underscores the deepening relationship between the streaming giant and the global music powerhouse.

    A step towards innovation

    The updated agreement promises to advance the shared goal of innovation within the music streaming landscape. According to statements from both companies, the partnership aims to create new opportunities for artists whilst delivering enhanced experiences for Spotify users worldwide. By working together, Spotify and UMG hope to address critical challenges in the industry, such as artist discovery, fair compensation, and the expansion of global reach.

    UMG Chairman and CEO Sir Lucian Grainge emphasised the importance of this renewed collaboration, stating, “This partnership represents another step forward in shaping a more sustainable music ecosystem. We’re excited to deepen our efforts with Spotify to benefit artists and fans alike.”

    A direct publishing agreement

    One of the most notable aspects of this new deal is the direct agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group in the United States. This move aligns with industry trends that prioritise streamlined relationships between streaming platforms and publishing entities. Such agreements often lead to more efficient royalty payments and better support for songwriters, who are vital contributors to the music ecosystem.

    Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek commented on the agreement’s potential to drive innovation, saying, “By expanding our collaboration with Universal, we’re ensuring that creators continue to thrive while delivering exceptional listening experiences to millions of fans globally.”

    What this means for artists and songwriters

    For artists and songwriters represented by UMG and UMPG, this deal could mean greater visibility on the platform and more personalised promotional opportunities. Spotify’s data-driven approach to music recommendation and playlist curation will likely be leveraged to spotlight UMG’s extensive catalog in new and innovative ways.

    Additionally, the agreement could lead to more equitable royalty structures, particularly for songwriters, whose compensation has historically been a contentious issue in the streaming era. The inclusion of UMPG in the deal suggests a focus on ensuring that creators at all levels of the value chain benefit from the growing dominance of streaming.

    A broader industry implication

    This agreement is significant not just for Spotify and Universal, but for the music industry as a whole. It signals a continued shift towards closer collaboration between streaming services and major music companies, a trend that could reshape how music is marketed, consumed, and monetised.

    Whilst the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the strategic implications are clear. This partnership positions both Spotify and UMG as leaders in fostering a more interconnected and sustainable music ecosystem.

    Looking ahead

    As the music industry continues to adapt to rapid technological advancements, partnerships like this will play a crucial role in defining its future. Spotify and UMG’s renewed agreement sets the stage for exciting developments in artist promotion, fan engagement, and content innovation. For the millions of users who rely on Spotify to discover and enjoy music, and for the creators who drive the industry forward, this deal marks a promising step towards a more dynamic and inclusive music landscape.

  • Drake dismisses lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Spotify

    It looks like the lawsuit against UMG and iHeartRadio remains active.

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    Drake has officially withdrawn his legal petition against Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify concerning Kendrick Lamar’s diss track ‘Not Like Us’. The petition, filed in November 2024, accused UMG and Spotify of artificially inflating the song’s popularity through methods like bots, undisclosed payments, and biased recommendations, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) and deceptive business practices. UMG and Spotify denied these allegations, asserting that fans determine music popularity. Whilst Drake has retracted this specific petition, a separate legal action against UMG and iHeartRadio, alleging defamation and pay-to-play schemes, remains active.

  • Spotify to adjust Premium subscription prices in the United States again

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    On its website today (June 3), Spotify confirmed it will increase its prices for Premium users in the United States “over the next month”. The world’s leading music streaming service plans to add one dollar to the current price of $10.99, making the service $11.99. In addition, the company assures its users it will send an email explaining the new price. To read the full post on their website, visit this link.