Spotify faced intense public backlash this year. From the news of CEO Daniel Ek investing almost $700 million into Helsing ( the German developer of AI military technology), ICE recruitment advertisements on the platform as well as numerous AI controversies, Spotify has proven that it’s far from credible or transparent.
In light of all of this (and more) many artists around the globe have taken a powerful stand by removing their music from the platform. For a lot of them, this decision was not made lightly, and has the potential to impact their careers significantly. Despite this, they’ve stuck to their values and have opted for other more ethical solutions or platforms. Below are a few of the artists who have opted to remove their music from Spotify in 2025:
Massive Attack:
As one of the biggest acts to announce the removal of their music from the platform in 2025, Massive Attack are known for standing their ground when it comes to their values and principles. The trip hop outfit announced on Instagram in September that they’re calling on their label Universal Music Group to remove their entire catalogue from Spotify.
Kadhja Bonet:
Singer-songwriter Kadhja Bonet announced in August that she will be removing her music from Spotify. In a lengthy post on Instagram, she outlined the issues with the various major streaming platforms, and why she opted for her music to only be made available on Bandcamp and Qobuz. This decision also impacted her record deal with Ninja Tune, which dropped her from the label after she made the announcement.
Kadhja Bonet boldly shared; “We give these tech giants power by furnishing them with all of our best ideas and driving business their way. It didn’t seem right to overlook the human rights violations Apple is accused of, Deezer’s owner actively squashing pro-Palestine protests, Google’s (YouTube’s) cooperation in surveillance and military drone technology — and so on — so for me it wasn’t enough to stop providing Spotify with my new music. I’m also not supplying new music to Apple, Deezer, Amazon or Youtube. People tell me I have committed career suicide by taking my music off major streamers but I don’t really care. I have faith that artists can paint the picture of an alternate reality and lead the way to it.”
King Gizzard and The Wizard Lizard:
The famed Australian band removed 27 albums and live records from Spotify in July this year. On their Instagram stories they shared the following statement; “Hello friends… A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology… We just removed our music from the platform… Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better?… Join us on another platform.” Their music is now available to buy and stream on Bandcamp.
WU LYF:
UK-based Indie band, WU LYF removed their 2011 album Go Tell Fire to the Mountain from all streaming platforms earlier this year. In a statement shared in September, they said; “There were several conversations that led to this decision, circling around a disdain for what the Spotify algorithm and economics has done to music culture. Since then we’ve all learned about the Spotify CEO’s investment in A.I. weaponry and seen several bands we respect make statements about removing their music.”
They have also opted not to release their recently unveiled single ‘A New Life Is Coming’ on any streaming platforms.
Xiu Xiu:
Experimental collective Xiu Xiu removed their music from Spotify in July. On Instagram the band shared; “Reason: Spotify uses music money to invest in AI war drones”. In the same post, they encouraged their fans to cancel their subscriptions on the platform.
Izzy True:
Chicago-based band Izzy True shared a video recently explaining why they removed their music off the platform this year. They have a new album underway, which seems like it will only be available on Tidal, Bandcamp and Apple Music.
