Wrapped!

Introduction

Originally, I wanted to share my own Spotify Wrapped because I didn't feel content with the results I got; at the same time, I don't really listen to music that much so that might be a contributor. However, my views of Spotify has recently changed. c

Daniel Ek: Spends Profits

I saw a few videos on the internet about Spotify's CEO supporting and promoting all sorts of brutality! Of course, I can't just believe it without some research. Before I could search up anything, the topic seemed be a trending already.

According to Feranda Tronco on TheStreet.com, [CEO] Daniel Ek had been investing around $700 MILLION dollars into defense technology to Helsing, which is a military-based tech that makes AI-based warfare systems: Battlefield drone surveillance, cybersecurity tools, aircraft, and marines...etc.

"Thanks to its latest investment rounds, Helsing is valued at around $12 billion, which places it among one of Europe’s most valuable tech startups."

This means he is investing money into targeting and surveilling specific groups for reasons that may be obvious...

Immigration and Custom's Enforcement, also known as ICE. I don't mean to get political, but supporting and spending money on domestic terrorists that commit evil acts amongst innocent people purposefully is unjustifiable, in so many levels, especially for the communities dominating the music and bringing the most profit to the app. It's hypocritical and feels like a whiplash.

Back to what I was saying, Spotify has come out with running ICE recruitment ads (They aren't even trying to hide it). This is what a Spotify spokes person had to say about the situation, "This ad is part of a wider campaign from the U.S. government running across multiple platforms, including television, streaming, and online channels. Users can provide feedback on ads—such as liking or disliking them—to help manage their ad experience." There's no surprise as to why there was so much frustration from users. The response in itself is such a horrible excuse, and better proves how much the company doesn't care about the people. As of recently though, they did remove all the advertisement.

One of my favorite quotes from Janice Gassam Asare's article, Why The Spotify Boycott Is About More Than Music," For corporations, the desire to increase profits always trumps the needs of the people. In the past, organizations could participate in problematic partnerships and align with corrupt corporations, and a similar pattern would emerge...People are beginning to recognize the immense power that they hold and realize that withholding one’s dollar can drive institutional change." Forbes.com

So he's supporting ICE and AI? Ouch!

Everyone Needs Music!

Music helps us escape the chaos the world constantly brings. Times like now, when everything feels like it's getting worse every awaking day... Having a trusting platform makes it all the better. Spotify is one of the advocates for our current conflicts.

I used to defend Spotify with my soul. There was just something about the app that felt easy and cozy. as soon as they started adding a river of ads, premium-user price increase, and Ai Artists...I knew something was up—Now they really added the cherry on top. Hopefully, you feel just as irked as I.

So what do I use to listen to music instead? Definitely can't be Soundcloud (no hate to them)…but the amount of ads over there is brutal!

With the monthly users already actively boycotting, I had to find out where they were all going. Thank me later, but I found some alternatives.

Here's a list:

---

Music X

★★☆☆☆

When I opened Music X, it asked me to select the genres I was interested in. No sign-in or login requirements unless I wanted to. Also, there aren't many ads. I skimmed through the songs, and nothing stood out. The app reminds me of Soundcloud, because anyone can post their own mp3's downloads. The only downside: options available are limited. There aren't any Artist Official profiles, so looking for a full album or original can be a little difficult.

Besides that, it is a free app that doesn't ask much from you. It isn't buggy and glitchy (easy to use).

Music Player

★★★☆☆

First thing to pop up was an ad with a thirty-second skippable option. Of course, there was also a subscription plan (Annual $12.99 and $1.99 Monthly if you want to remove ads, have unlimited free music, and upcoming features). After rampaging through all the pop-ups, I was met with recommended and Popular/Trending categories on the [homepage]. Unlike Music X, the site looks more furnished.

This app can get a little glitchy once it's opened. I wouldn't personally recommend it, but it's always an option.

Demus

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This one is a popular pick, I've noticed, so I had to see what all the hype was about. When I opened it, the app also had a premium access plan: 200+ million songs, no ads, unlimited skips, play in background, etc (for one week free it is $1.99, lifetime access is $9.99). So if you are willing to spend money, Lifetime access isn't a hefty deal.

Demus reminds me of Spotify and Apple Music fused together. It recommends Popular songs, full Albums, releases, and music videos. The app is linked with Spotify and YouTube as well, so that is an automatic plus. When you search up a song, the artists originals and other users under there names will list down below, giving you easy access. Another good thing about the app is that you can install your playlists from YouTube, Spotify, and Musi, so you don't have to suffer the hassle of recreating your song lists.

I don't really have any downsides besides the weekly payment if you are interested in buying premium, but by far, this is the BEST option if you're looking for a Spotify replica.

YouTube Music

★★★★★

If you have YouTube and listen to music already, signing in should be a breeze! The app will have all your music automatically installed for you. Think of it as YouTube if it's primary focus was music. There are still ads, but the app runs smoothly. There is a premium option. Thankfully, the app doesn't put this in your face... ($14.99 a month for ad-free, offline & off-screen experience. There is also a family membership. That is too much money, so I wouldn't really pay for the plan unless you're okay with it.)

This would be my second recommendation.

Soundcloud

★★★☆☆

I know I said Soundcloud was the WORST--but there are ways to work around the river-running ads if you plan to go this route. Just Don't Sign in. You will miss out on some original artists' albums, but surely, there will be a profile with other mp3 substitutes.

Import MP3

★★★★☆

This is more traditional and will take some time. Download your songs. You can import the music into physical devices like an MP3 Player, DVD's, Gaming Consoles, Or you could listen to it directly. No Ads, and Unlimited Skips. The only problem with this is the time consumption, but when all is done, there are no interruptions or extra money spent. You own the music!

Qobuz, Amazon Music, and Apple Music were other ideas, but they are expensive, so I didn't really count them.

---

Conclusion

Aside from the music, there are sooooo many other companies supporting these outrageous movements. Working together to inform ourselves and really making these corporations feel it, is effective! We have opportunities to stand up for what's right without only confessing it with our mouths, but simply not engaging entirely.

To finish off this commentary, I want you to emphasize that it is possible for change, but with that comes some acknowledgement, courage and sacrifice. If you don't stand for brutality and yearn for change but continue to pay Spotify, by all means, be free... but it is important to recognize that nothing's going to change unless you put in the effort. Find what's best for you, spread the news, and Swim down!

**I'm so upset with Spotify, but I for sure don't want to help with their viscous propaganda either... I'll come back once they fix themselves.

I hope you enjoyed this read. More is coming soon, so stay tuned.

(If you also have some other music apps, let me know in the comments, Thank you!)