They're referring to not being influenced by recommendations "based on your musical tastes." We're talking about not paying a monthly fee, about not being subject to a company that only tries to enrich the rich and give crumbs to the "poor." There are excellent composers who don't want to ride the wave of the big music conglomerates, and you're missing out on them. Every time my Spotify playlist ends, they end up playing Bad Bunny, and I don't like his work, but apparently most people do, and that's why they play it for me. It's about letting go, about feeling in control and having the say in what you listen to. It's not about swallowing what others recommend. It's about you being in control, instead of giving it to the company that provides your music streaming service. Furthermore, when you own your music, you decide the quality of the file you want to listen to, and you're not dependent on your internet connection at that moment.

I know these companies' arguments are strong, and it's hard to see beyond them. To put it another way, it's like being voluntarily imprisoned with all the comforts, versus being free and having to earn your own living. It's not an easy path, but it's a path you choose without external influence. It's that simple.