Spotify to Launch Hifi Tier in 2021

All Things Music
#1

Confirmed directly from Spotify:

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I switched to Tidal at the beginning of the year, after paying a small fee to some service (i forget the name of it) to transfer all of my playlists. I had been using Spotify for seven years at that point, but figured that I would finally try the switch. I still maintain my subscription to Spotify, mainly because of the Joe Rogan podcast. Both streaming services have their pros and cons.

I’ll definitely be trying out Spotify Hifi. I’ll probably also keep my Tidal subscription for the time being, unless Spotify Hifi totally blows me out of the water which, given Spotify’s total market dominance and generally much more user-friendly experience (imo), is possible.

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#2

I’ve been sticking with Spotify because of the diverse catalog, the interface, and because to me the “high quality” version sounds plenty good to my ears. I’ll be very interested to try their HiFi service whenever it finally launches. “Later this year” could mean Dec. 31 so I’m not holding my breath.

#3

Don’t call it SpottyHiFi

I’m sure artists will get their full 0.000000000000325 cent additional royalty payments per play with the higher tier prices.

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#4

Tell me about it…I don’t want to start the whole “artists should be compensated better” conversation here (better suited for other forums), but you’re exactly on point.

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#5

Yeah, this is one of the reasons I’ll probably stick to Qobuz (that and Roon integration). Spotify treats artists like crap.

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#6

I’m ok with having that conversation - at the very least it’s an issue we shouldn’t ignore.

I’m with you guys - I’m on Qobuz for music discovery and I go to bandcamp for purchases for the same reason.

It’s a shame, I like to buy CDs to support artists but the last good store where you could go and buy new CDs in person in NYC just moved to a new location and now only sells vinyl. I get it, market forces and all that… But it’s a bit depressing when Barnes and Noble is now the go-to place for new CDs (not knocking B&N, it’s just that they don’t really stock the latest indie rock or bluegrass releases).

Back on topic, it’ll be interesting to see what the findings of the “Economics of Music Streaming” inquiry by the UK’s House of Commons will be. The evidence submitted to it makes for interesting reading.

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#7

That is a shame…I’m sorry to hear that.

I’ll have to check this out, thank you for sharing! I hope they come to a good solution.

#8

the last good store where you could go and buy new CDs in person in NYC just moved to a new location and now only sells vinyl.

I miss Sounds and Other Music.

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