What changed? Where is in the increase in value? Who sets the standard for that value? Why does the profit **still** not go to the artist?
If any of these questions had answers that weren't dubious, then I'd be more open to this take. But as it stands? ... It's just greed.
@ZephyrXero
"But artists can self publish there now without a label and keep all of it if they choose."
I did this. I toured for 3 years promoting an album my band self released through our school and Spotify paid me less than $10 a quarter for my efforts. That's the "keep it all" you're referring to.
The name of the game is "exploit the artist" and Spotify is playing dirty. Don't fall for the lie that it's their money and they deserve it.