Unsigned artists can now upload music directly to Spotify for free
Could this change the music industry as we know it?
Spotify has launched a new feature today (20th September) that allows independent artists upload their own music, for free, without any need for a record label or third-party aggregator.
The new initiative is currently being tested in an invite-only beta mode, but Spotify said they will “bring upload to even more artists, labels, and teams” in the future.
In July, the firm’s CEO, Daniel Ek, told investors during a Q2 earnings presentation that Spotify want to create a “two-sided marketplace”.
Artists will upload their music via the Spotify For Artists platform, which counted over 200,000 user at the end of June.
Earlier this week (19th September), DJ Mag reported that Spotify is reportedly being sued for gender discrimination, equal pay violation, and defamation.
That came after the news that Spotify striking deals directly with independent artists is a move that is reportedly worrying major labels, who Spotify have historically relied upon for a large slice of their streaming catalogue.
Last month (August), Warner Music Group also liquidated its entire equity in Spotify, bringing a grand total cash-out of $504 million.
Rob McCallum is DJ Mag’s deputy digital editor. Follow him on Twitter here.
