#9 - Leaving Spotify... Too Little, Too Late?

In this episode, I reflect on my decision to remove my music from Spotify and the deeper issues behind that move. I talk about how, as an independent artist, retaining control over my work has always been a priority, especially in light of Spotify’s practices around licensing and AI integration—which often leave artists powerless, even after they take their music down. I share my concerns about how difficult it is for artists tied to major labels to stand by their values and remove their music. Although leaving the platform felt uncomfortable at first, I found it opened up powerful conversations with listeners and reinforced my belief in artist independence. I discuss how these actions aren’t just about taking a stand—they’re about mobilizing for change in the music industry. In the next episode, I’ll shift focus from technology and exploitation to the human heart of music, and how we can use our collective power to make things better for artists and listeners alike. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasheeran.substack.com/subscribe