Bjork Criticizes Spotify, Calls It “The Worst Thing to Happen to Musicians”

Icelandic icon Bjork is making waves, not just with her new Apple TV+ concert film Cornucopia, but with her sharp criticism of Spotify and the streaming economy. Speaking to Swedish outlet Dagens Nyheter, the artist did not hold back, calling Spotify “probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians.”

Bjork explained her preference for creating music over constant touring, acknowledging the struggles faced by younger musicians. “The live part is, and always will be, a big part of what I do,” she said. “But I’m lucky because I no longer have to raise money on touring, which younger musicians are often forced to do.”

She further criticized streaming platforms, stating, “The streaming culture has changed an entire society and an entire generation of artists.”

While streaming platforms like Spotify helped combat the era of illegal downloads, they’ve created a system where musicians earn just fractions of a cent per stream—usually between $0.003 and $0.005. These payments primarily benefit labels and publishers, leaving artists and songwriters with a minimal share.

This imbalance means only superstar artists earn significantly from streaming, forcing most musicians to rely on touring, merchandise, and brand partnerships. But even this model is under strain, with many post-pandemic tours struggling to sell tickets in a tougher economy.

Bjork’s comments reflect growing frustration within the music industry, as artists face dwindling income while streaming giants flourish. Forbes estimates Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s net worth at $7.4 billion, highlighting the stark disparity.

The streaming economy is ripe for change, with Bjork’s voice adding to the call for a fairer system for musicians everywhere.