Today, superstar artists on major record labels have both the resources and the connections to get their songs on coveted playlists without having to resort to “Discovery Mode.” Independent artists without major record deals or sufficient resources may not. For them, “reverse payola” serves as a means of access to crucial distribution outlets. Why target regulation at an innovation that could increase the diversity of musical offerings?
Source: Spotify’s ‘Discovery Mode’ Is Payola, Just Not the Bad Kind (Guest Op-Ed)