Rosanne Cash Agrees With Neil Young’s Spotify Move But Says It’s Not Possible for Every Artist; Here’s Why

Over the past few days, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, and several music artists decided to remove their music from Spotify after Joe Rogan's controversy involving his podcast that allegedly spreads misinformation about the COVID-19 Pandemic.

More recently, Rosanne Cash expressed her sentiments over the situation, saying she agrees with the singers' big move from the platform, but claims that it's not possible for every artist.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, the "Tennessee Flat Top Box" hitmaker said Young's move is agreeable after he decided to pull off his music catalog from the Swedish-based company but defends small artists, saying it's "not viable."

The reason behind it is that there are musicians who are less powerful and popular than the abovementioned names.

In addition, the small-time singers heavily rely on streamers like Spotify to release their independent work and earn profit.

Cash also noted how Mitchell and Young are considered "legacy artists" in the industry because they "have the clout to get their labels to agree to pull their work" off the streaming service.

"I wish they would explain how they were able to do that and why," the "Blue Moon With Heartache" singer told the outlet. (via CNN)

After Young and several more artists, including his former bandmates, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash, announced that they would be parting ways with Spotify due to the issue, Cash said her fans also called her to remove her music.

However, she noted that it doesn't "make sense" as she doesn't hold her music's rights.

Furthermore, not all artists can pull off the same move as big artists as digital platforms like Spotify is where "they make a living, as paltry as it is."

Cash also mentioned that many younger artists just kicked off their music career who can't do it or else, their income would be "sacrificed."

Regarding her thoughts on what artists should do instead of removing their music from the platform, she said the public should pressure Spotify to monitor its content and be fair to its artists in terms of pay.

"There's this hashtag going around, 'Delete Spotify' OK, great. Go to Apple Music or wherever. But how about paying artists for their work?" she added.

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Neil Young