A friend writes, about Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek:
“I saw him at a Grammy nominee party once. He was by himself at the seafood buffet and I watched him go back to a solo table. Despite his power not a single industry person was trying to schmooze him. I was shocked frankly.”
This image of Ek eating shrimp alone at a Grammy party is maybe all you need to understand what happened to Spotify this week. Given an ultimatum from Neil Young to choose between his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame catalogue or Joe Rogan’s rambling podcast of misinformation, the premier platform for music in the digital era began pulling down Neil Young’s albums within 24 hours.
After Joni Mitchell joined her old friend’s protest and removed her albums as well, Joe Rogan made a video saying he appreciated Spotify’s support and was sorry to see Joni leave cause he’s a fan of “Chuck E’s in Love.” Which is by Rickie Lee Jones.
Did Ek wince at that gaff? I am sure he didn’t notic…
