Loreena McKennitt 'Unliking' Facebook, After Next Album Release

By External Source

With more than a half-million followers on Facebook, Canada's global indie superstar Loreena McKennitt has notified her fans that recent revelations about the use of personal data have led to her decision to quit the platform. But not before she releases a new album. Will she return 'by popular demand?' Below, Loreena offers fans her explanation for leaving the 'like' site, followed by a fan who suggests her doing so is naive.

Hello Facebook followers. This is me, Loreena, speaking here.

I must begin by thanking you all so very much for your support, kind words and helpful suggestions over the years. They have all been greatly appreciated and it’s deeply meaningful to know my music has played such an important role in your lives.

But in response to recent and on-going revelations about the extensive misuse of people’s personal data by Facebook, I’ve made the reluctant decision to leave the platform. As of June 1, my independent record label and management company, Quinlan Road, will no longer be using Facebook.

We realize this decision may come as a surprise or even an inconvenience to some of you, and for that I apologize. This has not been an easy decision. If any of you are interested to know more about my reasoning, I invite you to read the media release we sent out today. http://loreenamckennitt.com/loreena-leaving-facebook/

It is my hope that you’ll consider following me and my work through loreenamckennitt.com and that you’ll join the Loreena McKennitt Community so we can keep you up to date that way. http://loreenamckennitt.com/community/

First and foremost, it entitles you to all kinds of benefits and opportunities, including our new podcasts, the first of which is coming early May, where I’ll be talking about the songs on my new album, Lost Souls. You’ll also get news and tour updates, first access to concert seats, members-only events and other exclusive bonus content and there is no membership fee. We hope you’ll join us! http://loreenamckennitt.com/community/

Christopher Laird Simmons

 I think this is a mistake, as FB -- like all online platforms -- has clearly posted info on how data is used, and offers many controls for managing privacy. Most of the people who had personal data stolen opted in to apps, quizzes, or other shenanigans which up front said they would have access to your account data, friends, and the like. More people are likely to engage with you here than your website (well, except maybe for long time fans like me) ... but I work in marketing/branding (35_+ years) and FB is a powerful -- perhaps necessary -- modern brand engagement tool. So many other things are perhaps worse -- Google tracks you, Amazon tracks you, etc. -- and you have choices there on how you are tracked. Most people don't even bother to "log out" of FB when they leave, so they are still being followed (duh). Same with Google -- many don't bother to log out of their Chrome, Gmail, or similar. Same goes for Microsoft, Apple, etc. -- you are being tracked by everyone you give your info to at some level. So, it's up to individuals to manage their privacy and not blame FB for not giving you a larger warning that drinking lighter fluid will kill you. People need to learn common sense. All that being said, in a positive and heartfelt way -- hope you don't leave us here on the big book o' face.

And below, “Spanish Guitars & Night Plazas,” from McKennitt’s forthcoming album Lost Souls, which has its release on May 11.