Without explanation, Prince has removed his music from online streaming services. As it stands, his tracks are only available on one platform, Tidal, which was relaunched this year by rap mogul Jay-Z.
A message on Spotify was displayed today, announcing that Prince’s publisher ‘has asked all streaming services to remove his catalogue. We have cooperated with the request, and hope to bring his music back as soon as possible’.
The singer’s opinion on digital music and the internet are well known, originally being enthusiastic about internet music, but in 2010 declared the internet was ‘completely over’ and released an album only on CD format, distributed through several European newspapers.
The 57 year old ‘Purple Rain’ star has sold over 100 million records over his career but his legal team have strived to remove his material from online platforms such as YouTube. ‘I personally can’t stand digital music. You’re getting sound in bits. It affects a different place in your brain. When you play it back, you can’t feel anything. We’re analogue people, not digital.’ claims the singer.
His decision comes the same week Apple launches its own streaming service Apple Music. However he still released his new track ‘HARDROCKLOVER’ via SoundCloud.
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