Johnny Marr is no stranger when it comes to streaming sites, as his back catalogue is pretty much splattered all over the likes of Spotify.
However, even though he is soaking up their opportunities – and uses them as both a musician and a fan – he recently spoke about the consequences of the digital revolution to Metro.co.uk.
Fresh from collecting his Pioneer accolade at the AIM Awards, The Smiths star urged fans to adapt to the online world of streaming.
He told us: The digital revolution has meant theres an ocean of distraction and competition and sometimes that can be a little disheartening.
Talking about how friends and fans can help their local bands, the 55-year-old added: If people are in a position they can put shows on and offer office space or even speak up for band…
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Throw their credit card down occasionally and lend some equipment – thats all help.
Johnny went on to praise a number of icons who got behind him when he first started on the scene, listing the likes of Joe Moss, Geoff Travis, John Peel and Tony Wilson.
Loads and loads of people who help me out, and I never forgot it, he beamed.
Yet despite streaming adding a huge amount of competition to struggling artists, the father-of-two couldnt help but take a positive spin.
I understand the appeal of walking down the street, and thinking of a song, and putting your finger on a piece of glass, and it appearing in your ears, the Big Mouth Strikes Again hitmaker explained.
If you offered that option to me as a 12-year-old I would have said, “well build a time machine and put me in it!”
He confessed: I use those platforms so as a music fan I really get it but it does have consequences, but I dont want to turn back time – you just have to adapt.
While collecting his award that night, the legendary guitarist reiterated the importance of independent music.
As an independent musician, and an independent fan.. Id like to thank everyone. Thanks to all you guys working in the independent sector, he said.
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