Photo Credit: Reet TalrejaNeil Young has renewed his attack on Spotify by addressing Spotify employees directly.
In a new letter posted on his official website, the Candian-American musician addresses workers and the ‘baby boomer’ demographic. “In our communication age, disinformation is the problem,” the letter begins. “Ditch the misinformers. Find a good clean place to support with your monthly checks. You have the real power. Use it. To the baby boomers, I say 70% of the country’s financial assets are in your hands compared with just about 5% for millennials. You and I need to lead,” Young continues.
“In our age of climate chaos, I say ditch the companies contributing to the mass fossil fuel destruction of Earth. For their continued funding of the fossil fuel damage even as the global temperature keeps climbing, I say take your money from the accounts of these American banks today.”
Neil Young then lists Chase, City, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo in his letter. He also addresses creators and musicians of the world, telling them to find a better place than Spotify to be the home of their creative works.
“Join me as I move my money away from the damage causers, or you will unintentionally be one of them. You have the power to change the world. We can do it together. Your grandchildren will thank you in history. To the musicians and creators in the world, I say this: you must be able to find a better place than Spotify to be the home of your art.”
“To the workers at Spotify, I say Daniel Ek is your big problem, not Joe Rogan. Ek pulls the strings; get out of that place before it eats up your soul. The only goals stated by Ek are about numbers, not art, not creativity. Notice that Ek never mentions the medical professionals who started this conversation. Look, one last time, at the statements Ek has made. Then be free and take that good path,” the letter concludes.
Several artists have followed Neil Young and have removed their music from Spotify. India Arie cited Rogan’s comments around race as the primary reason for her music’s removal.
