Music

The Black Keys block their album from online streaming services such as Spotify, Rdio and Rhapsody

by Nicole Villeneuve

The Black Keys may be invited to do two Saturday Night Live appearances in a year and touring arenas, but apparently they do not have online music services to thank it.

Like Coldplay did with their latest release, the Black Keys have barred their new album El Camino from online streaming services such as Rdio (the only one available in Canada) and Spotify. Spotify refutes the fear that making an album available for on-demand streaming for a monthly fee hurts sales, saying that it “helps listeners discover new songs that lead to purchases that would not have occurred otherwise.” They told the L.A. Times:

“We have strong support from the music industry, and of course respect the decision of any artist who chooses not to have their music on Spotify for whatever reason. We do however hope that they will change their minds, as we believe that the Spotify model is adding, and will continue to add, huge value to the music industry.

Artists can—and do—receive very substantial revenues from Spotify, and as Spotify grows, these revenue streams will naturally continue to grow.”

While most of the music industry basically has no choice but to get on board, the few and the proud stand firm in their decision. Is this backwards thinking in the current climate? [via Pop and Hiss]