After a decade together, I've decided to part ways with Spotify – and it's a decision packed with mixed emotions.

Despite our long history, I’ve come to realize that Spotify and I have drifted apart. Sure, I've played with the idea of leaving before, prompted by concerns over low artist payouts and Spotify's controversial decisions, such as hosting Joe Rogan’s podcast, notorious for spreading misinformation about COVID-19.

The platform's attempts to monopolize podcasting by undermining the RSS feed also didn’t sit well with me. But perhaps the biggest factor in my decision was a revelation about how I was consuming music: I was trapped in an algorithmic maze.

Opening the Spotify app became a dizzying experience, with relentless recommendations bombarding me at every turn. Whether it was pop-up promotions or overstuffed grids of suggestions based on past listens, I felt overwhelmed and suffocated by its interface.

What started as a personalized experience transformed into a situation where I rarely chose what I wanted to hear, instead opting for what Spotify insisted I would like. It was like losing my musical autonomy.

Ethical concerns further fueled my discontent. According to reports, Spotify's payout is a mere $3 for every 1,000 streams, significantly less than competitors like Apple Music or Amazon Music. This blatant disregard for artists’ compensation weighed on my conscience. Not to mention the backlash from prominent artists who have left the platform in protest of its decisions.

Choosing an alternative streaming service is no easy task, as many options come with their own ethical dilemmas. I finally settled on Apple Music, encouraged by a tempting three-month trial with my new iPhone and the allure of lossless audio—something Spotify has yet to deliver.

However, I can’t pretend I’ve made a saintly choice switching to another tech giant. Apple, too, has its share of controversies, and I often find myself reflecting on my loyalty to these colossal corporations as I rely on their devices.

But as I bid farewell to Spotify, I’m relieved to escape the chaos of its recommendations and regain control over my musical journey.