King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Remove Entire Catalog From Spotify

Key Takeaways

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard removed their music from Spotify due to CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in military drone technology.
The band’s extensive catalog, featuring nearly 30 albums, is now largely absent from the platform, with only their 2022 EP remaining.
Other artists, including Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu, have also withdrawn their music in response to similar concerns over ethical issues with Spotify.

Band’s Decision to Leave Spotify

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have withdrawn their entire music catalog from Spotify, condemning CEO Daniel Ek’s financial ties to military technology. The band announced the decision via an Instagram Story, highlighting Ek’s significant investment in AI military drones through his investment firm, Prima Materia, which recently facilitated a $700 million round for Helsing, a German defense technology company.

The band, known for their prolific output of nearly 30 albums, had approximately 1.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify prior to their departure. Currently, only their 2022 EP, “Satanic Slumber Party,” remains available on the platform.

This move reflects a growing trend among artists voicing ethical concerns regarding their music being associated with industries they oppose. Deerhoof previously noted their intent to exit due to a desire not to have their success tied to “AI battle tech.” Similarly, Xiu Xiu criticized Spotify, labeling it a “garbage hole violent Armageddon portal” while announcing their own withdrawal.

Spotify, which has faced similar controversy in the past, did not respond to requests for comment regarding King Gizzard’s decision. Notably, artists like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell previously pulled their catalogs over misinformation concerning COVID-19 vaccines disseminated through Joe Rogan’s podcast but returned to the platform last year.

The growing backlash against Spotify signals a broader reckoning within the music industry regarding the ethical implications of corporate partnerships and their impact on artists’ legacies. As discussions about technology’s moral responsibilities intensify, more artists may consider similar actions in pursuit of aligning their values with their platforms.

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