The back patio at The Royal American, an uptown Charleston dive bar and music venue, serves as a hangout for those looking to sip a signature rum punch away from the bar, smoke an American Spirit between sets or play a round of cornhole.

Last Friday night, however, it served as a gathering spot for musicians protesting Spotify’s business model, which they said fails to pay artists their due.

A group of Charleston musicians — electronic artist Diaspoura (Anjali Naik), classical violinist Vivek Menon, singer Niecy Blues (Deniece Williams), drummer Chase Bunes and jazz and hip-hop-inspired producer Contour (Khari Lucas) — was responsible for the rally, one of five organized across the country. Other locations were Portland, Maine, Los Angeles, New York City and Spartanburg. The Charleston musicians started with a small gathering in the New York City subway, then decided to branch out, working with colleagues in each of the participating cities.

Read the post on the Post and Courier site