They'd have to either acquire this or build it from scratch. That takes time.
It does seem like Netflix's playbook would be more difficult to copy for music, but still an interesting prospect to consider.
All they do is buy shows/movies from other studios. It would be similar to when Kanye West having the Life of Pablo exclusively on Tidal for a period of time. Exclusivity is important and Spotify does have albums and live performances that are not sold anywhere currently. Maybe they should do a better job of showcasing this.
I'm perfectly happy paying for media. But if something isn't readily available, I'll probably end up pirating it or never listen to it.
When I think of dark patterns I think of misleading ways to get a customers information where not applicable. I don't see how it's a dark pattern if I can't watch Game of Thrones on Showtime or Orange is the New Black on Hulu.
Why is retaining rights over content creation a bad thing? Is it a dark pattern to have companies pay for licenses or copyright fees?
They could also work with older bands that have long split to do a "reunion" exclusive to Spotify, ala Gilmore Girls.
There are also sources of mostly independent music. I've listened to Digitally Imported for years. As much as it may not be good for listeners like me, I think they'd make a great acquisition play for Spotify.
Spotify owns a powerful platform with tons of data about user preferences, they are not completely powerless to flip things on their head and have some say about what is popular.