I'll get right to it. I am pulling my music from the Spotify platform. There are a few factors that led to this decision.
Mainly…the CEO Daniel Ek's donated €600 million investment in the European military AI firm Helsing.
If I have to adopt a personal label, I am a pacifist. I know that in the real world, violence is part of life, but I do not intend to add to it by supporting companies specializing in making money off killing machines. Here's an article with more detail - https://www.npr.org/2025/09/09/nx-s1-5522297/musicians-leaving-spotify-protest-hotline-tnt-king-gizzard-and-the-lizard-wizard
Another reason for this departure is that Spotify has allowed AI to create bands/music and not labelled it as such. Basically allowing streams to go to non-existent musicians and selling it as authentic human creation feels deliberately deceptive, and an attempt to keep streams going without actually having to pay artists for them. Here's an article with an example - https://www.npr.org/2025/08/08/nx-s1-5492314/ai-music-streaming-services-spotify.
It's worth noting, I'm not %100 against all AI. I do believe there is space for AI to assist in creative solutions to complex problems we face, big and small. For me, to put it very simply, it's a matter of balance and discernment. For example, can AI's ability to collect, organize, and structure data help someone that has a cognitive impairment (for lack of a better word) learn? Yes, and I support that. I do not support using it to replace teachers entirely, or artists entirely, or to find more “efficient” ways to kill.
You can still find my music on most other streaming services around the world. If you use Spotify to listen to music, you can purchase a digital copy of my music on my website. I also have vinyl for sale. If you would like a vinyl copy, respond to me in this message, or go to my Bandcamp Page to purchase the album.
Should Spotify part ways with their CEO, or the CEO no longer support companies making weaponry, I will consider allowing my music back on Spotify.
Likewise, should Spotify decide to take more action in controlling AI driven “music/art”, I reserve the right to reconsider.
I'd like to add, that I have no expectation of change due to my actions. I have a small following (if you can even call it that) and am an entirely unknown artist for a vast majority of the world. However, I will sleep better knowing I'm standing for something.
Further more, I do not judge anyone that continues to use Spotify. We are all doing our best.
The Mad Uke-Bard