Artists slam Spotify over AI war ties, demanding their music not become a weapon
Artists Pull Their Music from Spotify Over CEO’s AI Investment
In a bold move of dissent, several music creators have begun removing their tracks from the streaming platform, citing concerns over the company’s leadership and its financial ties to emerging defense technologies.
Key Players in the Movement
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – The Australian psychedelic rock band announced a complete removal of all releases from Spotify.
- Deerhoof – The experimental pop group opted out, protesting the industry’s venture into AI‑driven military applications.
- Xiu Xiu – Avant‑garde artist Xiu Xiu joined the boycott, underscoring the broader artistic community’s growing unease.
Why Take This Stand?
These artists and others have expressed that Spotify’s executive, Daniel Ek, has invested in a company developing artificial intelligence tools for military use. By removing their music, they seek to raise awareness and pressure the platform to reconsider such affiliations.
Implications for the Music Industry
The collective backlash signals a shift in how artists view corporate partnerships. The action may spur further dialogue about ethical investment practices within digital media ecosystems.
The Latest Band to Drop Spotify Over CEO’s Arms Industry Links
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s Stand
The Australian psychedelic rock outfit King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard has officially severed ties with Spotify, citing concerns over the platform’s chief executive’s growing involvement in the weapons sector.
Why the Protest?
Spotify’s CEO, Daniel Ek, co‑founded an investment vehicle called Prima Materia. That firm has funneled substantial funds into Helsing, a German technology company specialising in artificial‑intelligence solutions for warfare, including drone operations.
The Investment Trail
- Prima Materia spearheaded a €600 million funding round for Helsing.
- The firm’s backing of Helsing dates back to before the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- Helsing’s focus on AI‑driven military tech has drawn sharp scrutiny from artists and activists alike.
Band’s Reaction
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s decision is part of a growing movement among musicians who feel uneasy about the interplay between music streaming services and defence investors.
Looking Ahead
With their departure, the band prompts a broader conversation about corporate ethics, the responsibilities of streaming platforms, and the ripple effects of technology investments in global security.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Distances From Spotify, Sparking Industry Debate
In a decisive move on 19 November 2024, frontman Stu Mackenzie announced that the band has largely removed its catalog from Spotify. The decision was shared via Instagram, where Mackenzie revealed that new demos are “available everywhere except Spotify,” ending with a stark declaration: “f* Spotify.”
Industry Reaction
- Deerhoof – The indie trio voiced discontent, stating they refuse to have their music contribute to “killing people.” They labeled Spotify a “data-mining scam.”
- Xiu Xiu – The experimental group called the platform a “garbage hole armageddon portal” and urged fans to cancel subscriptions.
- Other artists have followed suit, withdrawing tracks from streaming services and condemning the monetization model.
Spotify’s Ongoing Controversies
Beyond monetization disputes, Spotify has faced criticism for allowing an AI-generated band, Velvet Sundown, to feature a “verified artist” badge. Critics argue this blurs the line between human creativity and algorithmic production.
David Mouriquand of Euronews Culture described the move as “a prime example of autocratic tech bros seeking to reduce human creation to algorithms designed to eradicate art.” He added that the platform’s stance on AI use feels tone‑dead and morally ungenerous.
Financial Disputes
Spotify claimed it paid over $10 billion into the music industry in 2024. Yet many experts argue that most of these payments concentrate on a minority of top artists and labels, leaving the majority of musicians undercompensated.
In stark words, Icelandic icon Björk labeled Spotify as “probably the worst thing that has happened to musicians.”
Conclusion
The band’s withdrawal from Spotify has ignited a broader conversation about artist rights, platform accountability, and the ethical implications of AI in music. As the discussion unfolds, more musicians are reviewing their relationships with streaming services.
