Idle Warship Release Album Stream on Spotify

Music streaming site Spotify has released Res and Talib Kweli’s collaborative effort, “Habits of the Heart,” a full three weeks before the Idle Warship group’s album is set to drop in stores.

According to Steve Savoca, head of content for Spotify, the site had full permission from Kweli to stream the album.

"Talib already had a relationship with Spotify," Savoca said to Billboard. "He was part of the initial invite strategy when we launched the service and he approached us [about making the early stream available]. I think it's a very smart and progressive business strategy. We represent an enormous amount of very proactive music fans and they're looking for new things."

Idle Warship’s record label, Blacksmith/Element 9/Fontana, acknowledged worries over paltry sales due to the free release of the music; however, they say, the exposure the group will get from the stream is worth it.

"I understand that we may be hurting ourselves a little bit initially, releasing the album on Spotify before it drops," said Stu Pflaum, Element 9 Vice President, to Billboard.com. "But I think we gain more than we lose, especially with an underground project like Idle Warship where it's not that well known. Just getting the music in people's hands is the ultimate goal."

Res didn’t seem to have a problem with the stream, which will be boosted by website banner ads. "Fans being able to have your music is more important than any dollar sign. [Spotify is] a great way to connect over social media. We are young and current artists, so I think this the best way to connect our music with the fans."

"There's always going to be pirates and there's always going to be thieves," said Kweli. "The way I see it, if people truly love my music, they will support me in some way down the road."

The combining of Res and Kweli to form Idle Warship occurred in 2007. Their first free download, “Party Robot,” was released last year. “Habits of the Heart” will be in stores November 1.