Garth Brooks, the legendary country music artist, has been a prominent figure in the music industry for decades. His decision to not have his music available on Spotify, the popular streaming platform, has raised eyebrows and sparked curiosity among fans and industry insiders alike.
One of the main reasons for Garth Brooks' absence on Spotify is his long-standing disagreement with the streaming model and its impact on artists' royalties. He has been a vocal critic of Spotify and other streaming services, expressing his concerns about the low payouts that artists receive. In an interview, he stated, “I'm not a fan of streaming. I still believe in albums. I believe in the power of the single, but I believe in the art of an album.”
Brooks has always been a staunch advocate for album-based music consumption, emphasizing the importance of listening to an entire body of work rather than cherry-picking individual songs. He sees his albums as a cohesive artistic expression, and by not making his music available on Spotify, he aims to encourage his fans to purchase physical copies or digital downloads of his albums.
Additionally, Brooks has consistently prioritized his fans and their listening experience. He believes that his music should be enjoyed in the highest audio quality possible, and he feels that streaming services often compromise the sound quality of his songs. By not licensing his music to Spotify, he maintains control over the quality of his music and ensures that his fans can listen to it the way he intended.
Another factor that may have influenced Brooks' decision is his desire to maintain a sense of exclusivity and scarcity around his music. By keeping his music off Spotify, he creates a sense of anticipation and excitement among his fans, who may be more inclined to attend his live concerts or purchase physical copies of his albums to access his music.
In 2016, Garth Brooks surprised many when he announced an exclusive streaming deal with Amazon Music, which made his music available for streaming only on the Amazon platform. This move was seen as a compromise between his stance on streaming and the increasing demand for digital music consumption. By partnering with Amazon, Brooks could control the availability of his music while still meeting the expectations of fans who prefer streaming services.
From a business perspective, Garth Brooks' decision to not be on Spotify could also be influenced by financial considerations. It is likely that he negotiated a more favorable royalty rate or financial arrangement with Amazon Music, making it a more attractive option for him. This exclusivity deal could have provided Brooks with a significant financial incentive, making it a mutually beneficial arrangement for both parties involved.
Garth Brooks' absence on Spotify can be attributed to a combination of his disagreements with the streaming model, his commitment to album-based music consumption, his desire for high audio quality, and his intention to create a sense of exclusivity for his fans. His exclusive streaming deal with Amazon Music showcases a willingness to adapt to the digital music landscape while still maintaining control over his music and prioritizing his fans' experience.