Daniel Ek, the founder of streaming conglomerate Spotify, announced on Tuesday that he's stepping down as CEO. He will, however, remain on the executive level as the executive chair. Ek received heated criticism earlier this year when it came to light that he was investing in an AI-controlled military drone system in the European Union. Read more about his title change at The Guardian and the backlash, especially from musicians, at the Los Angeles Times.
Neko Case, who just released her new record, Neon Grey Midnight Green (ND review) last week, told Stereogum that she would actually remove her music from Spotify if she didn't have such a good relationship with her record label, ANTI- Records. Check out the Instagram post below and read the full story here.
In other news regarding places to procure music, it's Bandcamp Friday again, when the platform waves all service fees and all profits go to the musicians. Support your favorite artists by buying their music (and merch) via Bandcamp.
As of Wednesday, NPR and PBS and other public media outlets in America officially have no access to any federal funding. As NPR shared in a viral, fundraising Instagram post:
Today marks the first day in public media’s history without federal funding. It’s the beginning of a new chapter — but we’re not going anywhere.
With your help, we’ll continue to bring you honest, rigorous journalism that doesn’t bend to the interests of shareholders. We’ll still hold a microphone to American voices that might otherwise go unheard. And we’ll always stand behind our First Amendment right to a free press.
Although No Depression has never received federal funding, it's been defiantly independent since its inception in 1995. Read more about the importance of public media in this Bonus Tracks column from January and be sure to support those outlets that write news you use.
On Thursday, collaborators Rhiannon Giddens and Justin Robinson released a mini-documentary to accompany their recent record, What Did the Blackbird Say to the Crow (ND review). Check it out below.
The Record Store Black Friday 2025 list is now live. Roots music highlights include new vinyl pressings by artists like Bob Dylan, Sierra Ferrell, George Harrison, Son Volt, Charley Patton, and so many more.
Finally, RIP to Conrad Sverkerson, beloved stage manager at Minneapolis' most famous venue, First Avenue. Tributes poured in from local bands like Trampled by Turtles, as well as groups like The Jayhawks and Low Cut Connie. Listen to Minnesota Public Radio's tribute here and read The Current's obituary here.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO
Emma Pollock - "Future Tree"
Jillian Jacqueline - "Year of the Dragon"
Valerie June and Larry & Joe - "Lean On Me" (via eTown Podcast)
Fruit Bats - Baby Man
Remember Sports - "Across the Line"
NEW RELEASES – 10/3/25
Caitlin Canty - Night Owl Envies the Mourning Dove
Brennen Leigh - Don’t You Ever Give Up On Love
Kashena Sampson - Ghost of Me
COMING SOON - 10/10/25
The Autumn Defense - Here and Nowhere
Jacob Collier - The Light for Days
Madison Cunningham - Ace
Dalton - More Songs about Love and Death
Grey Delisle - It's All Her Fault: A Tribute To Cindy Walker
Madi Diaz - Fatal Optimist
Tony Emmanuel - Living in the Light
Robert Finley - Hallelujah! Don't Let the Devil Fool Ya
Josh Fortenberry - Tidy Memorial
Bernie Leadon - Too Late To Be Cool
Maygen & The Birdwatcher - The Americana Dream
Rhett Miller - A Lifetime Of Riding By Night
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