{"id":105166,"date":"2025-07-08T12:03:04","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T11:03:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/?p=105166"},"modified":"2025-07-08T12:03:07","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T11:03:07","slug":"deerhoof-leave-spotify-over-daniel-ek-defence-investment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/routenote.com\/blog\/deerhoof-leave-spotify-over-daniel-ek-defence-investment\/","title":{"rendered":"Deerhoof leave Spotify over AI investment concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Indie rock band Deerhoof has pulled its music from Spotify after news of CEO Daniel Ek’s recent investment.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deerhoof has removed their music from Spotify in protest against CEO Daniel Ek\u2019s reported investment in military-focused AI technology. The American indie band announced the decision on social media, citing ethical concerns about how streaming profits are being used, and encouraging fans to listen to their music on alternative platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Helsing, a defence tech company developing AI tools for military use, recently raised \u20ac600 million in funding, a round led by Daniel Ek\u2019s venture firm, Prima Materia. According to the Financial Times<\/em>, Helsing is part of a wider surge in defence funding, as governments respond to global instability and ongoing conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking to The Verge<\/a>, Deerhoof drummer Greg Saunier said, \u201cWe just for our own mental health did not want our music, and particularly our music success, to be funding AI battle tech.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The band, which has never been especially fond of streaming, apparently took only a few minutes to agree on pulling their catalogue from the platform. According to Saunier, their annual Spotify income was around $1,000 each – a figure that made the decision even easier. \u201cThe band\u2019s decision was very easy and quick,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deerhoof\u2019s action is both a personal protest and, potentially, a spark for wider discussion. \u201cWhat we\u2019re doing is basically going on strike\u2026 We were the musicians, the labourers Spotify uses as their bait for their ad company,\u201d Saunier explained. He added that the hope is for a broader movement or even a \u201cmass refusal\u201d among musicians and listeners alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Deerhoof acknowledges not everyone can afford to make the same move, especially those who rely more heavily on streaming income, Saunier is understanding: \u201cIt was easy for us because we\u2019re making most of our income from touring.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The band also expressed concern about AI in general – including its use by other tech giants. \u201cWe would also very much enjoy disempowering Mark Zuckerberg,\u201d Saunier added, noting the importance of targeted action in boycotts and protest movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deerhoof\u2019s departure from Spotify is a reminder that artists and creators have agency in deciding where their work appears. Platforms like Spotify offer global reach, but artists may wish to explore options that align more closely with their values and goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, with digital music distribution services like RouteNote<\/a>, artists have real choice. Whether you want to be on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or even niche platforms, it\u2019s entirely up to you. With over 100 stores to choose from, you can tailor your music distribution experience to suit your needs and values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Distribute your music to pretty much any streaming platform you like with RouteNote. Sign up today to get started.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Indie rock band Deerhoof has pulled its music from Spotify after news of CEO Daniel Ek’s recent investment. Deerhoof has removed their music from Spotify in protest against CEO Daniel Ek\u2019s reported investment in military-focused AI technology. The American indie band announced the decision on social media, citing ethical concerns about how streaming profits are being used, and encouraging fans to listen to their music on alternative platforms. Helsing, a defence tech company developing AI tools for military use, recently raised \u20ac600 million in funding, a round led by Daniel Ek\u2019s venture firm, Prima Materia. According to the Financial Times,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":105170,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[30238],"tags":[825],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDeerhoof leave Spotify over AI investment concerns - RouteNote Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Indie band Deerhoof take their music off Spotify over CEO Daniel Ek\u2019s AI weapons and defence investment. 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