Spotify Acquires WhoSampled, Expands Song Credits Amid Artist Exodus
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Spotify is deepening its commitment to music metadata and creator recognition with the acquisition of WhoSampled, a leading database of music samples and covers. The streaming giant announced on November 19 the rollout of songdna,a new feature powered by WhoSampled’s extensive catalog,alongside an expansion of its song credits to encompass all personnel involved in a track’s creation.
spotify’s move comes as the platform navigates a growing controversy surrounding the military investments of CEO Daniel Ek, leading to several artists removing their music from the service.
Unveiling SongDNA and Enhanced Song Credits
The acquisition of WhoSampled will fuel SongDNA, a feature designed to map the intricate web of musical influence by aggregating and centralizing data on samples and covers. According to a statement from whosampled, the website will continue to function independently as a standalone platform and brand.
Beyond SongDNA, Spotify is significantly expanding its song credits feature, initially launched in 2018 – a year after Tidal pioneered public display of song and album credits. Previously, Spotify’s credits only highlighted topline performers, songwriters, and producers. Now, the platform aims to recognize all contributors to a song.
“Every song is a collaboration, and every contributor shoudl be seen,” said jacqueline Ankner, Head of Songwriter & publisher Partnerships at Spotify. “With expanded Song Credits, SongDNA, and About the song, we’re giving fans a deeper look at the people and creative threads behind the music they love and giving creators the recognition they deserve. It’s another step in Spotify’s work to champion the people, connections, and stories that bring every track to life.”
A Growing Artist Backlash
While Spotify focuses on enhancing its platform, it together faces increasing scrutiny and an artist exodus. Numerous musicians have pulled their catalogs from Spotify in recent months, citing concerns over the investments made by Ek’s venture capital fund, First Matter.
As 2021, Prima Materia – Ek’s investment firm – has been investing in Helsing, a defense company specializing in AI-powered software for military applications. The acts to publicly remove their music include prominent names such as massive Attack, angel Deradoorian, Hotline TNT, Young Widows, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, WU LYF, Xiu Xiu, and Deerhoof.
Why is this happening? CEO Daniel ek’s venture capital firm, Prima Materia, has invested in Helsing, a defense technology company. This investment, beginning in 2021, has drawn criticism from artists who oppose the use of their music to indirectly support the military-industrial complex.
Who is involved? Spotify, led by CEO Daniel Ek, is facing a boycott from a growing list of artists including Massive Attack, Angel Deradoorian, Hotline TNT, Young Widows, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, WU LYF, Xiu Xiu, and Deerhoof. WhoSampled is now owned by Spotify.
What is Spotify doing? Spotify acquired WhoSampled and launched SongDNA to enhance music metadata and credit all contributors to a song. They are attempting to address concerns about artist recognition while navigating the controversy surrounding Ek’s investments.
How did it end? As of November 20, 2023, the artist exodus continues,
