The National Defend Spotify
The National have called on fellow musicians to give Spotify a chance, despite admitting that the royalties they receive from the music streaming service are minimal. The Cincinnati-bred band enjoyed one of Spotify’s most-streamed tracks with “Bloodbuzz Ohio,” the song used to accompany President Obama’s pre-election rallies. The service has been attacked by musicians, including Thom Yorke, who argue that it delivers meagre returns for up-and-coming artists. Aaron Dessner (pictured), the band’s guitarist and songwriter, said this week: “I use Spotify and it’s great to have all the catalogue of great 20th and 21st-century music at your fingertips. We have one of the most-streamed songs on Spotify but it’s not going to make up a lot of revenue right now. Someday that could change.†Dessner added: “I still believe in making albums and creating a product with great artwork. I don’t think Spotify should be a replacement for that experience. If it encourages people to like our music and go to our shows that’s a good thing.â€
