Sarah Brady
Updated on: October 16, 2024 6:32 am GMT
After more than five years at Spotify, Jeremy Erlich, the Global Head of Music, has announced his departure from the popular streaming platform. His exit marks a significant change for Spotify, which has been a leading force in the music industry.
Jeremy Erlich’s Departure from Spotify
Erlich joined Spotify in June 2019 after holding a senior position at Interscope Records. In a heartfelt email to staff, he expressed gratitude for his time with the company. He stated, “In the past few months, I’ve been reflecting on what we’ve achieved as a team and as a company. This was a very difficult decision, but now feels like the right time to embark on my own entrepreneurial journey.”
His decision comes as part of a broader reassessment of his career goals. Erlich will continue to support Spotify until the end of February as an advisor. After he leaves, other executives, including Sulinna Ong and Joe Hadley, will report to David Kaefer, the Vice President of Music and Audiobook Business.
- Leaving Date: Erlich will stay on as an advisor until February.
- Background: He became Spotify’s Global Head of Music in June 2019.
- Previous Roles: He was former Executive VP of Business Development at Interscope Records.
- Team Assurance: Erlich reassured the team about the company’s future, saying it will lead to “great things for the team.”
Jack Antonoff’s Initiative for Access to Music Studios
In an effort to create equitable access to music production, singer-songwriter Jack Antonoff has announced his plans to establish “Public Studios.” This initiative aims to offer recording opportunities to individuals who typically cannot afford studio time. Antonoff, well-known for his collaborations with top artists, shared his vision via an Instagram message.
The Vision Behind Public Studios
Antonoff expressed his commitment to building facilities for underserved communities, focusing first on LGBTQ+ youth shelters. He stated, “I plan to spend a large part of the next chapter of my life bringing these spaces to people who wouldn’t have access to them.”
His plan includes coordinating with the Ally Coalition, a charitable organization that supports LGBTQ+ rights. The initiative aims to:
- Establish recording studios in LGBTQ+ youth shelters.
- Provide funding for engineers who will train users at these locations.
- Create a network to facilitate access to these studios once established.
- Expand to additional cities as the initiative grows.
Antonoff is seeking support and resources from others to make this vision a reality. “Anyone who believes in this and has resources that can help should please reach out,” he encouraged.
Challenges and Future Plans
Antonoff acknowledged the current challenges faced by the recording studio industry. The demand for commercial studios has decreased over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when many facilities struggled to stay afloat. Nonetheless, he believes that his initiative will complement existing commercial spaces by serving those unable to pay for studio time.
He emphasized, “This concept is strictly for those who cannot afford studio time in those spaces, so it’s my belief that this is helpful to our spaces as well.”
A Move Towards Equity in Music Creation
Both Jeremy Erlich and Jack Antonoff’s recent announcements highlight a shift within the music industry. While Erlich embarks on a new entrepreneurial path, Antonoff strives to address disparities in music access.
This increase in focus towards inclusivity could reshape how new talent is nurtured and represented in the industry. As Antonoff continues to develop the Public Studios initiative, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accessibility in artistic expression.
Both changes show a strong commitment to encouraging creativity in the music community, no matter where people come from. With a focus on making music accessible and fair for everyone, the music industry might be ready for an important change.
