King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Withdraw Music from Spotify Over Arms Industry Ties

In a bold move reflecting growing concerns over ethical investments in the music industry, the Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard has announced its decision to withdraw its music from Spotify. This decision, made public on July 26, 2025, is a protest against the streaming platform's CEO, Daniel Ek, and his financial connections to the defense industry, particularly through his investment in Helsing, a German tech company specializing in AI-driven military applications.

The band expressed its disapproval through a social media post, emphasizing their stance with a pointed message: “Fuck Spotify.” They stated that their latest demo collection would be available exclusively on Bandcamp, marking a significant shift in their distribution strategy. A spokesperson for the band confirmed to Guardian Australia that their entire music catalog would eventually be removed from Spotify, although the process may take time due to the involvement of various labels and distributors.

Daniel Ek's investment in Helsing, which amounted to €600 million (approximately $1.07 billion), has drawn considerable scrutiny. The company is known for developing advanced military technology, including autonomous combat systems, which has raised ethical concerns among artists and activists alike. Ek's position as chairman of Helsing further complicates the narrative, as his dual role in the tech and defense sectors has sparked a broader conversation regarding the music industry’s relationship with platforms that have ties to controversial practices.

This action by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard is part of a larger movement within the music community, as other artists have also expressed their discontent with Spotify’s operational model and its implications for artistic integrity. For instance, the Californian rock band Xiu Xiu and the indie group Deerhoof have similarly announced their intentions to remove their music from the platform. Deerhoof, in particular, articulated their concerns by stating, “We don’t want our music killing people,” highlighting a growing sentiment among musicians against the commodification of art in relation to harmful industries.

The backlash against Spotify is not limited to individual artists; it also reflects a broader discontent within the music industry regarding the platform’s influence over artist compensation and its monopolistic practices. According to a 2023 report by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Spotify controls over 30% of the global music streaming market, raising concerns about its power dynamics in relation to the artists it hosts.

Experts believe that the actions taken by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard could set a precedent for other artists questioning their affiliations with streaming services that do not align with their ethical values. Dr. Emily Carter, a sociologist specializing in music industry ethics at the University of Melbourne, stated, “Artists are increasingly aware of the implications of their partnerships, and this is a pivotal moment in the fight for artistic integrity.”

The implications of this withdrawal extend beyond individual artists. This movement could influence a reevaluation of the relationship between music streaming platforms and their artists, potentially leading to more ethical practices in the industry. As consumer awareness of corporate responsibility continues to rise, music lovers may increasingly support artists who align their work with their values.

In conclusion, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's protest against Spotify serves as a significant marker in the ongoing discourse about ethics in the music industry. As the conversation surrounding corporate responsibility and the ethical implications of technology continues to evolve, the actions of these artists may inspire a new wave of accountability within the industry. The future of music streaming may hinge on how platforms respond to these challenges, and whether they can adapt to meet the ethical demands of artists and consumers alike.