As the battle for streaming supremacy rages on, reports suggest that tit-for-tat antics are having a negative impact on the releases of top tier acts.
Case in point Katy Perry.
Find out how and why after the jump…
According Hits Daily Double, Spotify were allegedly angered by the fact that Perry’s recent single ‘Rise’ premiered as an Apple Music exclusive – which it remained for a week.
Their response?
To not include the cut in their coveted playlists.
While that may not seem like much of an issue for those that aren’t streaming inclined — it is. A big one, at that.
Because, as the streaming industry leader, Spotify wields enough power to make or break a track.
Per HDD, Perry’s management felt there were repercussions for their Apple favored roll-out of the Olympics single [which peaked at #11 on the Hot 100]:
Insiders at Spotify say that Katy Perry manager Martin Kirkup went apeshit on the streamery’s execs recently over the Spot’s removal of Perry’s songs from key playlists following her Apple exclusive. The sound of whining was said to resound throughout the building, but Kirkup’s tirade reportedly had little impact, with said insiders deeming the manager a blowhard.
If indeed true, it’s yet another compelling chapter in this streaming narrative. One that reminds that even superstars aren’t exempt from getting caught up in the crossfire.
News of the (alleged) fall-out comes on the heels Lucian Grange‘s decision to action a label-wide ban of streaming exclusives at UMG. A move that came after Frank Ocean teamed with Apple to pull off the coup of coups with the contract-fulfilling visual album ‘Endless’ and the indie drop of sophomore set ‘Blond’ two days later.
Ms. Perry’s 5th album cycle will be very interesting to say the least.