"Deerhoof Parts Ways with Spotify over CEO's Investment in Artificial Intelligence Weapons: Band Voices Concerns about Potential Lethal Impact of Technology"
In a surprising move, US band Deerhoof has decided to remove all of their music from Spotify. This decision comes in response to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's investment in Helsing, a German defense company specializing in AI military software.
Deerhoof, known for their 20 albums since their 1997 debut, announced their stance against letting oligarchs fill the globe with computerized weaponry. They perceive AI battle tech as a growing trend among the super-rich and believe that the military and police exist primarily to secure the interests of the billionaire class.
The band's decision was prompted by Ek's investment in Helsing, which was reported to be $700 million. Helsing's work includes data harvesting tech for sensors on drones, used for mapping out battlezones and providing real-time reconnaissance.
Ek became involved with Helsing in 2021 through his investment company Prima Materia, which pledged to invest $1 billion into European "moonshots." Prima Materia became an early investor in Helsing, allowing Ek to become its chairman.
Deerhoof's stance on leaving Spotify is not just about the investment in Helsing. They view Spotify as a data-mining scam that is harmful to both users and artists, and believe it is flushing itself down the toilet. They also mentioned that they earn more from touring than from Spotify.
The band wants to thank their various labels for their support on the decision to remove their music from Spotify. However, they acknowledge that other artists and labels might rely on Spotify for a bigger chunk of their income.
Other bands and artists that have followed Deerhoof in removing their music from Spotify include Hotline TNT, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Xiu Xiu, and Godspeed You Black Emperor. They criticize the investment in a company developing military drones and autonomous fighter jets and also express dissatisfaction with Spotify's payment policies to artists.
There are ongoing concerns that Spotify fails to pay its artists sufficient recompense for their hard work and talents. If more big names decide to follow Deerhoof in removing their music from Spotify, updates will be provided.
Deerhoof's latest album, Noble and Godlike in Ruin, will now have to find a different route to market. The band is uncertain about the duration of the takedown of their music from Spotify, but promise it will be as soon as possible.
