Deerhoof
Photo: Satoru Eguchi
Veteran experimental band Deerhoof has removed their entire 20-album catalog from Spotify in protest of CEO Daniel Ek’s leadership of a $700 million investment round in defense AI firm Helsing. The company develops AI targeting systems, military drones, and fighter jet software through Ek’s venture capital arm.
In a scathing social media statement, the band (active since 1994) declared: “We’re tendering our resignation from Spotify. We don’t want our music killing people or tied to AI battle tech.” While acknowledging their limited Spotify revenue (“a pittance”), Deerhoof framed the move as ethical opposition to “computerized extermination” technology tested in Gaza, which removes “human compassion from war.”
Core Objections
- Ek’s funding of AI weaponry through Helsing
- Military tech’s role as “security detail for the billionaire class”
- Spotify’s broader practices as a “data-mining scam masquerading as a music company”
The band criticized streaming’s economic coercion: “Our system forces this dilemma: Comply with oligarchs funding deportation and extermination, or lose your livelihood. We predict most won’t side with billionaires.”
Joyful Noise Records supported the decision, stating: “We’re sickened that our releases inadvertently fueled the war machine. While streaming is survival for many, we encourage buying directly from artists.” Deerhoof confirmed the takedown—logistically handled by their label—would occur “as soon as possible,” accepting financial repercussions.
Deerhoof dismissed Spotify’s “discoverability” argument, noting: “Being far from Western gatekeepers doesn’t mean people lack culture or need our band. We’re a mom-and-pop operation rejecting world domination—especially when the cost is global computerized weaponry.”
(Full statement available on Deerhoof’s social channels)
The Pop Blog general news and updates, mostly from press releases and conferences.