The advantage of streaming music instead of playing compact discs or vinyl is convenience. Our favorite songs are available with a click or a voice command: “Hey, Google, play ‘Out of the Blue.’” The downside is that it’s another way Big Tech tracks us – and markets accordingly. And because the Great Algorithm in the Sky knows the songs I play, Spotify sent me an unsolicited Dec. 10 email about a new Neil Young album.
The algorithm spoke too soon. Three days after that, a Joe Rogan podcast on Spotify – and another controversial conversation two weeks later – would prompt Neil Young to issue an ultimatum to the streaming service: Ditch “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Young said, or take my music off your platform.
Read Full Article »