King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard Withdraw from Spotify
The Departure Announcement
In a surprising move, the prolific Australian rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard has removed nearly their entire music catalog from Spotify. This decision was first hinted at when the band publicly expressed their discontent with Spotify, stating “fuck Spotify” while promoting a new demo collection available exclusively on Bandcamp.
Reasons Behind the Decision
In an Instagram story, the band elaborated on their decision, citing their opposition to military investments made by Spotify co-founder and CEO Daniel Ek’s investment fund, Prima Materia. This stance aligns them with other notable artists who have also criticized Spotify for similar reasons.
Solidarity with Fellow Artists
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s departure from Spotify echoes a broader trend among musicians. Bands like Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu have also indicated their intent to leave the platform, motivated by the same concerns regarding Prima Materia’s investments.
Unique Position of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Unlike Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu, who face challenges due to label contracts, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard operate primarily through their own labels—Flightless, KGLW, and (P)Doom. This autonomy allows them to take a firmer stance without the complications of contractual obligations.
Remaining Music on Spotify
The only project that remains on King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s Spotify page as of now is the 2022 collaborative EP, Satanic Slumber Party, with fellow Australian band Tropical Fuck Storm. This EP was released via Joyful Noise Recordings, which has stated that they will comply with the artists’ wishes regarding its presence on Spotify.
Industry Reactions
Jake Saunders, the label manager for Joyful Noise, emphasized the importance of artists taking a stand against corporate practices that they find objectionable. He acknowledged that while established acts like King Gizzard have the leverage to withdraw from Spotify without severe ramifications, many emerging artists and labels remain dependent on the platform for visibility and revenue.
The Broader Implications for Artists
Saunders pointed out that the current landscape of music distribution can feel restrictive for developing artists who may not fit the algorithmic mold favored by Spotify. He expressed hope that as more artists like King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard voice their opposition, audiences may begin to explore alternative platforms that align more closely with their values.
Conclusion
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s decision to withdraw from Spotify is a significant statement in the ongoing conversation about artist rights, corporate ethics, and the future of music distribution. As the band continues to champion their ideals, they encourage listeners to seek out their music through platforms that reflect their values, ultimately reshaping the industry landscape.
FAQs
Why did King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard leave Spotify?
The band opposes military investments made by Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek’s investment fund, Prima Materia, and chose to remove their music from the platform as a form of protest.
What will happen to their music that remains on Spotify?
The only project currently left on Spotify is the Satanic Slumber Party EP, and the label is willing to comply with the artists’ wishes regarding its removal if requested.
Are other artists leaving Spotify as well?
Yes, other bands such as Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu have also indicated their intent to leave Spotify, citing similar concerns regarding the platform’s ethics.
How does this impact emerging artists?
Emerging artists often rely on Spotify for visibility and revenue, making it challenging for them to take a stand against the platform’s practices without risking their careers.
