Oakland 'Death to Spotify' forum sees high demand, sold out events

(KRON) — Under-fire Spotify CEO Daniel Ek may be stepping down, but that apparently hasn’t taken the heat off the music streaming platform. Numerous artists, including San Francisco indie band Xiu Xiu, have pulled their music from the platform in response to Ek’s investment into AI military technology.

Despite Ek’s departure, anti-Spotify sentiment seemingly remains high. At least, that’s what an in-demand lecture series taking place at an Oakland community space suggests.

The bluntly named “Death to Spotify” forum features local musicians, DJs, producers, record labels, and broadcasters discussing topics that include alternate streaming, radio, and archiving sound. The events are being hosted at Bathers Library, a community art book library, performance space, shop and “weirdo art school” in downtown Oakland.

So far, the library has put on two “Death to Spotify” events as part of a five-part series that will “explore what it means to decentralize music discovery, production, and listening from capitalist economies,” according to the event website. “Each week, we’ll engage with readings and hear from guest panelists about the role of independent labels, sound archives, radio, music publications, live music/DJ collectives and alternate streaming platforms for music consumption/discovery.”

Participants in the events, which are already sold out, will also have the opportunity to contribute to a peer-sharing sound library informed by the discussions.

The events, which take place on Tuesdays, begin with a discussion and a working group session followed by speakers and a Q&A panel. Speakers booked for the forum include Bobby Martinez of Dandy Boy Records, Fault Radio’s Mohit Kohli, performer Mo Kudeki, and composer Andrea Aicardi, among others.

“Musicians, music nerd, or casual listener — all are welcome,” the Bathers Library website states.

While the events may be sold out, a limited number of walk-up tickets will be available at each event. The Bathers Library is located at 2310 Telegraph Ave.