The Spotify Play

The Spotify Play: The Swedish Start-Up That Outplayed Apple, Google, and Amazon

Book Summary:

The Spotify Play: How Daniel Ek Beat Apple, Google, and Amazon in the Race for Audio Dominance is a high-stakes, behind-the-scenes business saga that tells the incredible story of how a small Swedish startup transformed the global music industry. Written by investigative journalists Sven Carlsson and Jonas Leijonhufvud, the book chronicles how Daniel Ek defied tech titans and skeptical music executives to build Spotify—the world’s largest audio streaming platform. Adapted into the popular Netflix series The Playlist, this is not just a business book; it’s a modern tech drama rooted in determination, innovation, and bold strategy.

What You’ll Discover in the Book:

This book dives deep into the founding and evolution of Spotify, including the complex negotiations with the music industry, internal leadership conflicts, and battles with Silicon Valley heavyweights. Readers gain insights into how Spotify’s unique freemium model changed user behavior, the tension between artists and platforms, and how Spotify positioned itself at the center of music, podcasts, and audio advertising. You’ll also discover the power moves and strategic pivots that made Daniel Ek a tech legend.

Why You Should Read This Book:

If you’re curious about how a relatively unknown tech entrepreneur from Sweden challenged industry Goliaths and forever changed how we consume music, The Spotify Play is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of tech disruption, business strategy, and media innovation. The book offers valuable lessons on leadership, navigating entrenched industries, and scaling a global platform amid fierce competition. Whether you’re a music lover, entrepreneur, or business strategist, this real-life David vs. Goliath tale will inspire and inform.

About the Author:

Sven Carlsson is a Swedish investigative journalist with a focus on technology and business. He co-authored The Spotify Play after years of covering Spotify and the tech landscape for Swedish media. A Columbia Journalism School graduate, Carlsson brings clarity and depth to the often opaque world of tech giants. His work has been adapted into the Netflix series The Playlist, and he currently reports for Swedish Radio on issues ranging from AI to 5G geopolitics.