The Pocket Gods are some of the most prolific digital artists of our time, but only because a large chunk of their discography is a commentary on streaming services like Spotify. Two of their albums—with songs numbering over a thousand combined—are filled with 30-second songs dissing streaming services, with Spotify getting the brunt of it. It’s because Spotify pays out a measly £.002 per stream of a track that’s at least 30 seconds long. Spotify is quite hurt over these songs, so it banned the band from its platform! Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
