ARIA Faces Backlash Over Spotify Deal: Advocating for Increased Dialogue
Gut Health has recently made headlines following a significant week for the band.
Nomination for Breakthrough Artist
The Melbourne punk group has been recognized as a nominee for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist award at the 2025 ARIA Awards. They will compete in a highly competitive category that includes Mia Wray, the record-breaking Ninajirachi, Young Franco, and Folk Bitch Trio.
Concerns Over ARIA and Spotify Partnership
While the nomination is a huge honor, the band has expressed concerns regarding a new development: the integration of public voting for the ARIA Awards directly within Spotify. This will allow fans to vote daily through the app.
A press release from the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) emphasized their excitement, stating the partnership with Spotify offers a global platform for Australian music.
“By leveraging Spotify’s vast audience, the three-year partnership aims to amplify the reach of ARIA Award winners and nominees, promoting Australian artists beyond local borders,” the release noted.
Mixed Feelings About Recognition
In light of the nomination, Gut Health took to social media on September 26th to share their mixed feelings, expressing gratitude while opposing ARIA’s decision to partner with Spotify.
“We appreciate the nomination, but it is unfortunate that the ARIAs have opted to collaborate with Spotify for the next three years,” they stated.
Raising Ethical Concerns
The band emphasized the contradictions artists face in today’s music landscape. They acknowledged Spotify’s global reach but highlighted ethical dilemmas surrounding the platform.
“The irony of ARIA partnering with Spotify cannot be overlooked, as the service is often criticized for its minimal payouts to musicians,” they added.
Moreover, the statement pointed out the problematic aspects of Spotify, such as its CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in military technology.
Other Artists Voice Their Concerns
Fellow Aussie band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard has also raised similar issues. They removed most of their music from Spotify, criticizing the streaming giant for its association with ethical concerns.
In their announcement, they addressed Ek’s investments and called for change in the tech industry. King Gizzard highlighted the need for artists to seek better options for sharing their work.
Questioning the Benefits of Partnership
Gut Health questioned whether the ARIA and Spotify partnership truly serves emerging artists. “For whom does this partnership actually benefit? It seems to reinforce the reliance on a platform that undervalues artistry,” they remarked.
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A key point in their statement read: “This is a crucial time to rethink how we value music. Supporting local record stores, buying records and merch directly, and attending shows are impactful actions.”
They emphasized that these small efforts help keep artists thriving outside the streaming model.
King Gizzard exemplifies alternative, more ethical methods for music consumption. They have introduced a “name your price” model for their albums on Bandcamp, allowing fans to contribute what they deem fair.
“While we understand artists have a complex viewpoint on this matter, this partnership aims to provide a global platform for sharing the stories of award nominees directly,” a spokesperson noted.
As the ARIA Awards serve as a vital channel for local artists to expand their audience, leveraging Spotify’s reach may be a strategic move.
We have described their debut album, Stiletto, as possessing “explosive energy and some of the best dance-punk hooks since the mid-2000s.” It has also earned a spot on the list of the best Australian albums of the 2020s.
