Bill Callahan, the singer-songwriter formerly known as Smog, has compared streaming platforms like Spotify to the mafia, saying musicians were coerced into giving up control of their music. Ahead of the release of his new album My Days of 58, the Americana artist described the streaming model as 'a little like coercion or mafia techniques'.
Callahan, who moved to North Yorkshire as a child, recalled his time in Knaresborough, where he explored farmland and dodged angry farmers. 'It was like being from another planet,' he said of his American background in 1970s England, comparing the rough environment to the film Kes.
On the subject of artificial intelligence, Callahan expressed a bleak view, though details were limited. He also discussed his long relationship with indie label Drag City, saying they 'grew up together' and navigated the changing music industry.
The singer, who has released dub-inspired work, named Lee 'Scratch' Perry as a dream collaborator, calling him 'infectious excitement'. Callahan’s new album is out now.
