San Francisco-based indie rock group Deerhoof has taken a definitive stand against Spotify, announcing the removal of their entire music catalog from the streaming platform over ethical concerns. The decision, made public in early July, is rooted in opposition to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s financial investment in Helsing, a defense technology firm developing artificial intelligence systems for military applications.
Ek’s investment, estimated at $700 million via his venture firm Prima Materia, has drawn scrutiny due to Helsing’s role in developing software for military drones and combat systems. Although Ek has defended the investment as an effort to modernize European defense infrastructure, critics have raised alarms about the ethical implications of funding warfare technologies through profits derived from consumer-facing services like Spotify.
In a strongly worded public statement, Deerhoof explained their motivations: “We don’t want our music killing people. We don’t want our success being tied to AI battle tech.” The band’s announcement was met with a surge of support from fans and fellow musicians who have increasingly questioned the influence of tech magnates on the creative industries.
Deerhoof’s departure from Spotify underscores long-standing frustrations among independent musicians regarding the platform’s compensation model. The band noted that streaming revenue comprises only a small fraction of their income, with most of their earnings coming from touring and direct music sales. “Spotify has always paid us next to nothing. So we’re not losing much,” the group added in a follow-up post.
Their label, Joyful Noise Recordings, expressed full support for the band’s decision, despite the potential financial implications. In an email to fans, the label wrote, “We believe in standing by our artists when they act on principle, even if it costs us some reach or revenue. Ethics matter more than algorithms.”
This move places Deerhoof alongside a growing list of artists who have withdrawn from Spotify over social and political concerns. Notably, music legends Neil Young and Joni Mitchell previously pulled their catalogs in protest of Spotify’s support for controversial content on the platform, particularly related to COVID-19 misinformation.
While Deerhoof’s withdrawal is still in progress, with takedowns expected “as soon as possible,” the band has already encouraged fans to seek their music on alternative platforms such as Bandcamp and the Joyful Noise website. Their latest album, Noble and Godlike, remains fully available through these independent channels.
The action has reignited broader discussions about the role of artists in promoting ethical standards within the tech-entertainment landscape. For many, the question is no longer just about streaming royalties—it’s about aligning artistic endeavors with values and responsibility in an increasingly politicized digital economy.
As artificial intelligence becomes more entwined with global industries, including defense, artists like Deerhoof are drawing lines around what they consider acceptable corporate affiliations. In doing so, they challenge not just Spotify, but the entire streaming economy, to reconsider the real-world impact of the money behind the music.