Twenty-five years after Napster got shut down, the company that replaced it built its own empire on a strikingly similar shortcut. Tech expert Carmi Levy breaks down how Napster's 80 million users forced the music industry's hand, and how Spotify quietly repeated the same playbook before settling into the legal giant it is today. It's the kind of pattern that shows up again every time a new technology threatens an old business model.

There's also a number worth knowing if a song has ever played on the radio: artists in Canada actually get paid per play, while American artists don't, meaning a hit can be worth more across the border than at home. The economics underneath every stream are smaller and stranger than the polished apps make them feel. Carmi lays out exactly where the money goes, and where it still doesn't.

The pattern that built Napster and Spotify isn't finished. Someone is already looking for the next way around it.

Topics: music piracy history, Spotify legal history, Canadian music royalties, streaming economics, Napster

GUEST: Carmi Levy

Originally aired on 2026-06-18

Twenty-five years after Napster got shut down, the company that replaced it built its own empire on a strikingly similar shortcut. Tech expert Carmi Levy breaks down how Napster's 80 million users forced the music industry's hand, and how Spotify quietly repeated the same playbook before settling into the legal giant it is today. It's the kind of pattern that shows up again every time a new technology threatens an old business model.
There's also a number worth knowing if a song has ever played on the radio: artists in Canada actually get paid per play, while American artists don't, meaning a hit can be worth more across the border than at home. The economics underneath every stream are smaller and stranger than the polished apps make them feel. Carmi lays out exactly where the money goes, and where it still doesn't.
The pattern that built Napster and Spotify isn't finished. Someone is already looking for the next way around it.
Topics: music piracy history, Spotify legal history, Canadian music royalties, streaming economics, Napster
GUEST: Carmi Levy
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-18

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.