Imagine Dragons are 'ok with Spotify not paying too much'

Las Vegas-based Imagine Dragons are one of the most popular bands on Spotify, with their 151.8m play count: their album scored better than Robin Thicke’s "Blurred Lines" and it has been listened to three times more than Miley Cyrus’ "Wrecking Ball". But despite this huge popularity on the platform, no big royalty cheques coming their way way.

Frontman Dan Reynold, in an interview with Music Week, explained this is not necessarily a big issue for the band, questioning Thom Yorke's approach to the whole thing. "I know Thom Yorke’s come out and talked about how he feels it’s the death of the industry", commented Reynolds. "I really respect him - he’s a great artist. I’ve listened to Radiohead for years and Atoms For Peace are great too. But I don’t know that I would say I know enough to take the stance he has against it. I’ve definitely seen that a lot of people will use Spotify, find an artist and then go to their live show because they like them. We’ve been one of the top Spotify artists, we’ve had a great year. And people are coming out to our shows, we’re selling out. We’re doing fine [financially]. I really don’t have complaints. It’s working for us. We’re getting by as an artist. Have I seen [significant] money from it? No. I’m sure something’s coming in, and that [long-term royalty build-up] takes time… but I don’t think any artist out there feels like they’re even making tonnes of money from iTunes or record sales".

Then Reynolds explained his point of view on the changing music industry: "All sales of music have gone down the drain. That’s not where an artist is making their money. An artist is making their money at the live shows. And live shows mean everything to us - that’s what we put all our time and our money back into. They’re why we got into music in the first place. It’s a changing industry. I’m not saying I know for a fact that [Spotify and streaming] will be the future of the industry, but I wouldn’t say I’m adamantly against it. [...] These [platforms] - YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, whatever - are all mediums to bring people out to your show. Your music is something to give to someone like you would an invitation to come to your art studio. Does this interest you? Great, then come out to a live show and see what we’re really about".