Indie rock band Deerhoof has decided to remove all of its music from Spotify. The band made this announcement on Monday. The main reason is an investment by Daniel Ek, the founder of Spotify, in Helsing, a German defense company that works with AI and drones.
Helsing recently raised 600 million euros. Daniel Ek’s venture capital firm, Prima Materia, led this funding round. Helsing uses AI to develop military technology. According to a report by the Financial Times, investments like this have increased as global tensions rise and military spending grows.
Deerhoof members were already unhappy with Spotify before this news. The group has criticized Spotify for low artist payments and other business practices. After learning about Ek’s latest investment, the band made a quick decision to leave the platform.
“We did not want our music and our success to fund AI battle tech,” said Greg Saunier, Deerhoof’s drummer. He explained that the band felt it was their responsibility to act, even if removing their music did not start a wider movement. For Deerhoof, the income from Spotify was small, making the decision easier.
Deerhoof also expressed concerns about the wider use of AI in military and surveillance projects. They questioned the role of tech companies in supporting such activities. The band said they would also consider leaving other platforms, like Instagram, if mass boycotts or movements developed.
The band encouraged other musicians to make their own choices based on their circumstances. Saunier noted that not all artists can afford to leave streaming platforms, but Deerhoof mainly earns money from touring.
Deerhoof’s new album, Noble and Godlike in Ruin, is available on their website, Bandcamp, and through their record label. The band suggests fans visit stores or other online platforms to access their music.
The move by Deerhoof highlights ongoing debates about the responsibilities of tech companies, music platforms, and artists in the age of AI and modern warfare.
