Jason Aldean Stands By Decision To Pull Music From Spotify

Jason Aldean

In November 2014, after the release of his latest album Old Boots, New Dirt, Broken Bow Records artist Jason Aldean pulled the project from popular music streaming service Spotify. Nine months later, he stands by that decision, telling the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “As artists, we don’t make crap off of streaming.”

Aldean also praised fellow artists that have removed their music from the service, including BMLG acts Taylor Swift, Brantley Gilbert, and Justin Moore.

“Honestly, there’s been so much stuff about that, and I’ve been misquoted. The ultimate goal is I want fans to have the best experience they possibly can. I want fans to hear my music whenever they want. But there’s also a right and wrong way to do it.

“It’s easy for everybody to stand back and not take a stand. They think there will be a backlash or don’t understand how it works. It’s easier to go along with what everybody else is doing. For me, I got a lot of friends who make a living writing songs, and those guys are getting cheated.

“Taylor Swift, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore and myself, a lot of guys are starting to see that as well. That’s all it was about. You want it to be fair. As artists, we don’t make crap off of streaming. Lots of major record companies are part owners in Spotify, so they’re gonna get their money regardless. I’m more about the small guy. I’m on a smaller label. I’m an indie guy. I’m not the big commercial grocery store. I’m the mom-and-pop store.

“I don’t want to see this affect the music biz for the long term, but I was always taught to stand up for what I believe in. Spotify has changed their stance a little bit, and that’s cool. I’m starting to see that. But my stance hasn’t changed at all.”

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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