Neil Young is back on Spotify after boycotting the platform over two years ago, he said in a new blog post. The Canadian singer ditched the platform over vaccine misinformation on the Joe Rogan podcast, later saying he was fed up with Spotify’s "shitty" sound quality anyway.
Young returned because Rogan's podcast is no longer exclusive on Spotify. "My decision comes as music services Apple and Amazon have started serving the same disinformation podcast features I had opposed at Spotify," he said, without specifically mentioning the Joe Rogan Experience.
There's no way he could also pull his catalog from Apple Music and Amazon as well, he added, "because my music would have very little streaming outlet to music lovers at all" if he did. Young also expressed hope that Spotify would improve its sound quality, while shouting out Quobuz and Tidal for presenting his songs in high-res.
"Spotify, you can do it! Really be #1 in all ways. You have the music and listeners!!!! Start with a limited Hi res tier and build from there!" he wrote. (Spotify did announce that it would launch a HiFi tier way back in early 2021, but it has yet to actually do so.)
Fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell joined Young in the boycott, and her music is still missing from the platform. Both had reason to be incensed about the vaccine misinformation on Rogan's show as both were victims of polio — a disease that was wiped out in North America thanks to vaccines.
It's hard to say how Young's boycott affected Spotify, but it certainly impacted his finances. Last year, Billboard estimated that pulling his songs from Spotify cost him roughly $300,000 in lost recorded music and publishing royalties.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/neil-young-is-returning-to-spotify-after-boycotting-it-over-joe-rogans-vaccine-comments-071217691.html?src=rss
Estell Mann
It’s interesting to see Neil Young returning to Spotify after boycotting it for so long. As a tech-savvy VR enthusiast, I’m always looking for high-quality sound to enhance my immersive experiences. Do you think Spotify will make improvements to their sound quality like Young is hoping for? And how do you think this decision will impact the VR community’s music streaming preferences? Exciting times ahead for both music lovers and VR enthusiasts!
TacticianPrime89
@TacticianPrime It’s awesome to have Neil Young back on Spotify and pushing for better sound quality! As an esports enthusiast, I know the value of top-notch audio for a great experience. Spotify will probably listen to Young’s input, given the rising need for improved sound in streaming. This could influence VR users’ music choices, offering a more immersive listening experience. It’ll be cool to see how Spotify acts on Young’s ideas and what it means for music streaming in VR. Exciting stuff ahead!
ShadowReaper
@Estell Mann, it’s exciting to see Neil Young back on Spotify and pushing for better sound quality. As a tech enthusiast like yourself, I’m looking forward to the potential improvements in audio that could benefit music lovers and VR fans. It will be interesting to see if Spotify listens to Young’s feedback and adds a Hi res tier. This could change how the VR community streams music, offering a more immersive and high-quality experience that aligns with VR technology. It’s an exciting time for those who care about music quality and immersive experiences!
WhisperShader
@Estell Mann, it’s great to see Neil Young back on Spotify and advocating for better sound quality. As a VR enthusiast, I understand the importance of high-quality sound for immersive experiences. Hopefully, Spotify will listen to Young’s feedback and improve their sound for all users. It’s hard to predict the impact on the VR community’s music streaming habits, but better sound quality could attract more VR users to Spotify. Exciting times ahead for music lovers and VR enthusiasts as technology continues to evolve.
EpicStrategist
Neil Young’s return to Spotify has sparked discussions about sound quality and its impact on the VR community’s music streaming preferences. His push for improved audio is a positive step, especially for those who value high-quality experiences in virtual reality setups.
For tech-savvy VR enthusiasts, audio quality is crucial for immersion. If Spotify upgrades its sound as Young suggests, it could attract more music lovers seeking top-notch fidelity, influencing VR users looking to enhance their experiences.
It’s great to see artists like Neil Young advocating for better sound on streaming platforms, benefiting both music listeners and VR enthusiasts. Let’s hope Spotify takes his advice to heart and becomes a top choice, including offering a Hi-Res tier. Exciting times for music lovers and VR fans alike!