Spotify’s Success Is Built on Artists. It’s Time to Share the Wealth.

Reading that Daniel Ek and his cohorts cashed out over $1 BILLION in Spotify stock this MONTH alone really stopped me in my tracks. It’s an eye-watering figure and a reminder of the incredible value the platform has created. But it also raises an uncomfortable truth: without the artists, songwriters, and producers who make the music, there would be no Spotify to build that kind of wealth from.

What Ek and his co-founders have achieved is undeniably revolutionary. They took a bold idea, built it into a global platform, and completely changed how we access and consume music. Millions of listeners can now discover their favourite tracks instantly, and artists can reach global audiences like never before. I love it because it works so well. It’s a remarkable success story.

But here’s the thing: while Spotify’s executives and shareholders are cashing out billions, many of the creators whose work powers the platform are still left with pennies. The wealth generated by Spotify isn’t being distributed in a way that reflects the contribution of the people at its core—the music creators.

This isn’t a new debate, but it’s gaining traction thanks to the Broken Record campaign led by Tom Gray. Gray’s work has shone a light on the streaming industry’s flaws, rallying public opinion behind the need for fairer remuneration. Even Kevin Brennan MP has taken up the cause, introducing the Copyright (Rights and Remuneration of Musicians, etc.) Bill to Parliament, pushing for systemic reform in how streaming revenue is shared.

This isn’t about punishing success. Daniel Ek and his team deserve credit for their vision, innovation, and hard work. But when the numbers show Spotify’s execs cashing out billions in a single year, it’s clear that something is deeply unbalanced.

Streaming is here to stay, and it should be. It’s convenient, innovative, and transformative. But now is the time to fix the system. Platforms like Spotify must recognise that creators aren’t just suppliers—they’re partners. Without their work, there would be no playlists, no premium accounts, no billion-dollar stock sales.

The proposals from Broken Record and Brennan’s bill offer a path to a fairer future: one where creators receive equitable remuneration, where the industry can thrive from the ground up, and where innovation goes hand in hand with fairness.

Spotify has always been about pushing boundaries. Now it’s time for the next step—ensuring the people behind the music share in the success they’ve helped create. If the music stops, so does the platform. Let’s make sure it’s sustainable for everyone.

What’s your take? How do we ensure a fairer streaming economy for all?

#BrokenRecord #Spotify #FairPay #CopyrightReform