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Ilian Tape removes entire back catalogue from Spotify, says “it’s time for a change”

In a statement, Ilian Tape signee Skee Mask said: “For me, it’s about how much / less the creators behind the music receive in terms of value, respect or space.”

Ilian Tape has removed its entire back catalogue from Spotify. The Munich-based label – which was founded by the Zenker Brothers in 2007 – first made reference to a forthcoming shift away from Spotify in an end of year tweet posted last week (30 December).

“This year has been one of the busiest for the label. We want to deeply thank all the artists and all our supporters!” the post reads. “Ilian Tape turns 15 next year, lots of fresh stuff coming up. It’s also time for a change, none of the music will be available on Spotify anymore. Happy new year!”

Several Ilian Tape-affiliated artists including the likes of Skee Mask and Stenny have since spoken out about the decision. On Sunday (2 January), Skee Mask – real name Bryan Müller – announced the removal of his music from Spotify on social media. The artist told fans he had “nothing against streaming in general” – describing it as “one of the many good ways to make music even more accessible – but stood against Spotify’s corporate ethics, and “how much/less the creators behind the music receive in terms of value, respect or space.”

“I’m aware of the fact that almost every (big) streaming company plays the game in a similar way like Spotify nowadays, but that’s not the point,” he added.

In his statement Müller also explained that his music would be made available on Spotify again “as soon as this company starts (somehow) becoming honest and respectful towards music-makers.” [sic]

Elsewhere, London-based artist Djrum, who has previously released on the label, backed the decision in an Instagram story, writing: “Ilian Tape have dropped their entire catalogue from Spotify. I fully support the brave move. Musicians deserve fair pay.”

Italian producer and Ilian Tape signee Stenny also showed his support via an Instagram story. “As controversial as this decision may seem,” the artist told his followers, “we hope it will fuel change.”
Fans of the label can still purchase music and past releases via Bandcamp and the Ilian Tape website, which you can check out here.
Crack Magazine has reached out to Ilian Tape for comment.

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