U.K. music distributor STHoldings has decided to remove all of its distributed content from music services including Spotify, Simfy, Rdio and Napster, all of which have mobile counterparts. Streaming music services are taking a hit because the U.K. distributor believes the new business model isn’t helping the industry.
On its site STHoldings said:
“As a distributor we have to do what is best for our labels. The majority of which do not want their music on such services. They give poor revenue and have a detrimental affect on sales. Add to that, the feeling that their music loses its specialness by its exploitation as a low value/free commodity. Quoting one of our labels ‘Let’s keep the music special, fuck Spotify.’ “
This statement sounds absolutely fatuous. Seriously. Artists feel that “their music loses its specialness?” Let’s be real. Major recording labels and distributors have never truly adapted to this new streaming model let alone digital downloading as a whole, so this STHoldings news shouldn’t be all that surprising. Being able to stream music on your smartphones and tablets is a great convenience provided to us by the rapid growth of technological innovation. The total disregard of its fans is the sad part, as loyal listeners who subscribe to these streaming services become the biggest losers.
That said, Spotify has a “global press conference” in New York next Wednesday, November 30, which tosses out words like a “new direction” and “major developments.” I wonder if this conference will address the situation with STHoldings…