I can see a world where Spotify doesn't exist': will a new generation of music streaming companies succeed?

"Nina Protocol uses an open public network, where artists set their terms and keep 100% of any revenue from downloads; the collectively owned Subvert is intended to be an alternative to Bandcamp, where music files are bought and sold. Cantilever takes inspiration from curated film streaming platforms such as Mubi, offering a limited and rotating number of albums at a time (currently 10, but up to 30). What unites them is curation, a sense of community and an artist-friendly, anti-corporate model."

"I don't think these algorithm-driven reasons for why something's getting played are very dignified: are you just something that sounds like something they already like? An artist may say, one of my songs did well on Spotify because it was put in the most popular sleep playlist'. But maybe the 500,000 people who listened to that track weren't even awake! And how many of those people know your name, care about you or would buy a ticket to a show?"

Spotify faced intense criticism and artist departures this year, prompting interest in alternative streaming services. Several independent platforms emerged, including Nina Protocol, Coda, Subvert, Lissen, Vocana, and Cantilever, each emphasizing artist-friendly policies. Nina Protocol uses an open public network where artists set terms and keep all download revenue. Subvert operates as a collectively owned marketplace alternative to Bandcamp. Cantilever curates a limited rotating selection of albums inspired by film platforms like Mubi. Shared features include curation, community, editorial content, and anti-corporate models aimed at preserving the dignity of music releases and improving artist engagement beyond algorithm-driven plays.

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