issues and Spotify playback

[teostar]

I'm not sure if this is a Spotify issue, essential phone issue or specific to the latest update a few days ago.
I got my PH-1 about 2 weeks ago but today is the 1st time I'm playing Spotify so I'm just now noticing the issue.

Observation
When I start a Playlist it plays 2 sometimes 3 songs then stops. Skipping or tapping pause then play from the lockscreen does not help. I have to unlock the phone and open Spotify for playback to start again. Seems to always happen at the end of a song.
I 1st noticed it while playing through my Bluetooth speaker but tried wired headphones, and the loud speakers and it always spot at the end of song 2 or 3. (Different Playlists).

What I've done
1- uninstalled and reinstalled Spotify
2- turn off battery optimization for Spotify


None seems to make any difference. Has anyone noticed this, and figured out how to get it done play normally?

 

[TheDethEgineer]

Sometimes it simply stops playing music, pressing play, pause, next ro back doesnt work. I have to close the app but it works fine after opening it again.

 

[Ascertion]

I had issues with Spotify when I used an ad blocking VPN. Went away when I disabled it.

 

[teostar]

I had issues with Spotify when I used an ad blocking VPN. Went away when I disabled it.

U sir is a genius. I had ad clear running, turned it off and alls well again.
Thank you.