Switching from Spotify to Apple Music

I've been a long-time Spotify user for years, with dozens of personally curated playlists and hundreds of followed artists. As a long-time Apple devotee (and former salesperson) I figured I've give Apple's own "Music" app a try as I've been led to believe it's a similar (if not superior) service.

So far it is not.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to actually "follow" an artist or create my own custom playlists. Not to mention the incredibly useful "suggestions" that Spotify offers based on my listening habits, from which I've discovered many, many new artists I'd never have been otherwise aware of.

Are the services comparable? Like, at all?? My experience so far says no and I am hoping I'm just not "getting it". The subscription costs are comparable but so far I see no reason to leave Spotify. Which is disappointing as an Apple user and proponent for over 25 years, having even worked proudly as an Apple salesperson touting its superiority over Windoze 🤢 and the like.

My gripe here is that Spotify pays their artists a paltry amount compared to other streaming platforms and I'd like to do the right thing by them.

Is anyone able to help enlighten me here? Or perhaps even suggest another music streaming platform (if that is allowed on an Apple forum).

TIA! 😖