Spotify will add an 8 minute and 46-second moment of silence to select playlists and podcasts on the platform to honor George Floyd. The length of the moment is equal to the amount of time former Minneapolis police officer Derek chauvin pinned Floyd down by the neck with his knee.
Spotify’s action is part of a broader movement in the music industry called blackout Tuesday. A number of record labels are participating following a call to action from Atlanta records marketing chief jamila Thomas and former Atlantic employee Brianna agyemang. viacomcbs is also participating in a blackout lasting 8 minutes and 46 seconds across its network and cable channels starting 5pm et on Monday.
Spotify will support its employees, friends, partners, artists, and creators in the fight against racism, injustice, and inequity.’we are using the power of our platform to stand with black creators, amplify their voices, and accelerate meaningful conversation and long-needed change,’ the company writes.