Spotify says it never removed Cory Bernardi’s playlist

The music streaming service had written to Cory Bernardi advising him of the removal of his playlist for being “offensive”.

Swedish music streaming service Spotify says it never removed Australian Conservatives leader Cory Bernardi’s Australian music playlist, despite last night writing to him to say that they had removed his item because it had been reported as including “inappropriate or offensive content”.

Spotify’s emails to Senator Bernardi followed a backlash from artists including rock legends Jimmy Barnes and Bernard Fanning, who objected to the conservative politician featuring their music in his “Australian Conservatives 100” playlist.

The playlist was a response to ABC youth station Triple J’s decision to move its annual Hottest 100 countdown from Australia Day.

This afternoon Spotify issued a statement, saying that reports the playlist had been removed were incorrect.

“The playlist in question has always been available for listening; however, what was in fact removed was the title and/or image for the playlist created by the user,” the statement said.

“This action was an automated response addressing user complaints about the playlist.”

Spotify did not indicate whether or not the title and image had been reinstated.

The company’s apparently automated email to Senator Bernardi last night read:

“Hi, we’ve received notice that your uploaded content has been reported as including inappropriate or offensive content and violates our Profile and Playlist Image Guidelines.

“We’ve removed it from Spotify. If you believe you received this notice in error, please respond back to this email with an appeal within five (5) business days and we will look into the case.”

Senator Bernardi said last night’s email was “extraordinary”.

“Let’s be frank about this. I’ve gone to a public music streaming service where I pay my subscription, where all of these artists get money for having their songs on there, and I’ve put together a playlist of 100 Australian classics from yesteryear, from today, and that cross over generational divides so that people can enjoy good, Aussie music on Australia Day,” he told Sydney’s 2GB.

“You’ve got Men At Work, Powderfinger, Jimmy Barnes, Savage Garden all saying I’ve got no right to do that.

“Now let’s put it in perspective: these people are lecturing me and other Australians on what we’re allowed to believe, what we’re allowed to see.

“They say this is wrong for Australia Day, it’s wrong for conservatives, it’s wrong because of the political views, it’s wrong because of indigenous issues, and yet there are an assortment of people who have had drug problems, alcohol problems, plagiarism problems.

“They hardly are the bastions of morality in our community, and they’re lecturing us on what we’re allowed to like, what we’re allowed to listen to and what we’re allowed to do on Australia Day.”

Spotify yesterday moved to distance itself from the playlist.

“Spotify has actively supported marriage, gender and indigenous equality initiatives over the last five years, and believes in a diverse and multicultural Australia,” they said in a statement.

“We want to make clear we do not endorse this playlist, nor do we have any official ties to the Australian Conservatives party or any other political party.”

Barnes tweeted: “Why would you listen to anything @corybernardi says, especially about music?”

Why would you listen to anything @corybernardi says, especially about music?

— Jimmy Barnes (@JimmyBarnes) January 18, 2018

Former Powderfinger frontman Bernard Fanning tweeted that he “does not endorse the inclusion of any of his music in the @AuConservatives Hottest 100”.

He also said the conservative playlist was “clearly another puerile attempt to distract people from what is a serious question that needs rigorous debate.”

Bernard Fanning does not endorse the inclusion of any of his
music in the @AuConservatives Hottest 100.

— Bernard Fanning (@bernardfanning) January 18, 2018

...It is clearly another puerile attempt to distract people from what is a serious question that needs rigorous debate. This, typically from @corybernardi and his 19th Century thinking, adds nothing to it. #politicalincorrectnessgonemad

— Bernard Fanning (@bernardfanning) January 18, 2018

Earlier, Savage Garden frontman Darren Hayes demanded Senator Bernardi remove his group’s song To The Moon and Back from the list, and Adelaide hip-hop group the Hilltop Hoods tweeted: “Go f*** yourself @corybernardi”.

“I don’t support your party, values or views,” Hayes tweeted. “Remove my music from your promotions. You do not have permission to use my music.”

I don't support your party, values or views. Remove my music from your promotions. You do not have permission to use my music. https://t.co/fBmVisypLz

— Darren Hayes (@darrenhayes) January 17, 2018

In a second tweet several hours later, Hayes said: “Hi @CoryBernadi and @AuConservatives. I do not want to be associated with you, your party or your views. Remove my music from this stunt or expect contact from my publisher @SonyATV.”

Hi @CoryBernadi and @AuConservatives. I do not want to be associated with you, your party or your views. Remove my music from this stunt or expect contact from my publisher @SonyATV https://t.co/fBmVisypLz

— Darren Hayes (@darrenhayes) January 17, 2018

In response, Senator Bernardi replied: “Get over yourself @darrenhayes. Music is for everyone.”

Get over yourself @darrenhayes. Music is for everyone. https://t.co/zZyYFd9nC1

— Cory Bernardi (@corybernardi) January 17, 2018