“Spotify’s AI Crackdown & Concert Ticket Outrage + 4 New Tracks You’ll Love”
What’s up, friends!?
Welcome back to Songs That Don’t Suck — your weekly dose of new music, industry hot takes, and the occasional rant. I’m your host, Mark. Let’s dive right in — first: the music industry news you might read elsewhere but it won’t be nearly as cool.
🎙️ Industry News: Spotify & Live Nation, We Need to Talk
Spotify Tightens the Leash on AI-Generated Music
Spotify recently announced major policy changes around AI in music:
- They support artists using AI as a tool — but they’re drawing a firm line: no deepfakes or voice clones.
- They’ll purge what they call “slop” — mass-produced AI music — from their catalog.
- New AI spam filters will block these tracks from being recommended.
- They’re working with the Digital Data Exchange to make an industry-wide AI tagging protocol.
I’m skeptical (aren’t we all?) — Spotify insists they don’t create music themselves. But when your platform’s reach dwarfs most labels, the temptation to manufacture supply is real.
Live Nation Wants to Raise Ticket Prices (Yes, Again)
Michael Rapino — CEO of Live Nation — recently declared that concerts have been underpriced. He compared concert tickets to courtside seats at a Knicks game. That comparison? Wild.
Some beefs:
- Rapino claims consumers would pay more. But luxury concert experiences are often over-engineered.
- Live Nation controls ticketing, venues, and naming rights — that’s vertical monopoly energy.
- He personally raked in $139 million in 2022, while median Live Nation employees made ~$25,673. That’s a 5,414× CEO-to-worker pay gap.
- In 2024, Live Nation pulled in $23.2B in revenue — Ticketmaster itself accounted for $3B of that.
Let’s just say: the outrage and the expletives are deserved. Listen for all the piss and vinegar
🎧 New Music Picks: 4 Songs to Check Out
Here are the four tracks I’m loving this week — stay tuned at songsthatdontsuck.net for full links and streaming details:
- “Townies” by Wednesday
Back on the show after their debut appearance. This song weaves alt-country and indie rock with an unmistakably matched vocal tone to the music. From their follow-up LP Bleeds, it’s one worth hearing. - “Break the Girl” by Florence Road
Returning guests! This one channels PJ Harvey / Tori Amos vibes but with a modern, playful pop twist. A great contrast to their earlier sounds. - “Anything in Between” by Peter USA
A darker, edgier one compared to his earlier work. Folk-punk, emo sensibility, gritty vocals, and 80s synth flavor. Reminds me a bit of Spanish Love Songs in places. - “Replica” by Tom Corscadden
With rumors swirling about a new Radiohead era, this one hit me with OK Computer whispers. Groove-forward, inventive drumming, and coming from a small-scale artist (56 monthly listeners on Spotify as I write this). Give it a chance — magical stuff.
💡 Where to Find More & What You Should Do Now
- Visit songsthatdontsuck.net — your one-stop hub for podcast episodes, merch, concert photos, polls, and more.
- Sign up for the newsletter — you’ll get access to the Live Music Archive (a free benefit).
- If you love the show: like, review, subscribe, and tell your friends.
- Most importantly — go out and support artists. Buy the music, catch the show, follow them on socials.
Thanks for listening (or reading), friends. Until next week — stay curious, stay critical, and keep spinning the songs that don’t suck.
