Sylvan Esso Releases New Single “WDID” and Exits Spotify

Return of Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso, the beloved electro-pop duo consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, has made a splash with their latest single, “WDID.” This release marks a significant moment for the pair as they also announce their departure from Spotify, a decision fueled by ethical considerations.

New Beginnings with Psychic Hotline

In a bold move, Meath and Sanborn are launching “WDID” under their own label, Psychic Hotline. This transition signifies not only their artistic independence but also a stance against platforms that do not align with their values. In their statement, they expressed their commitment to creating a more conscientious music distribution environment.

Statement on Departure from Spotify

The duo articulated their reasons for leaving Spotify, emphasizing their discontent with the streaming service’s affiliations. They stated, “To that end, with Sylvan Esso being on our own label for the first time, we have decided to remove our music from Spotify. While no solution is perfect, we simply can’t continue to put our life’s work in a store that, in addition to all its other glaring flaws, directly funds war machines.” This sentiment resonates with many artists who are increasingly aware of the ethical implications of their platforms.

Context of the Movement Against Spotify

Sylvan Esso’s departure is part of a growing trend among artists who are reevaluating their relationships with Spotify. The movement began earlier this year when the experimental rock band Deerhoof announced their exit, supported by their label, Joyful Noise. Following them, a host of other notable acts including Hotline TNT, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Xiu Xiu have voiced similar concerns, primarily regarding Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s investments in controversial sectors, particularly in weapons through his venture capital firm, Prima Materia.

Recent Developments at Spotify

In a notable development coinciding with these artist departures, Spotify announced that Ek would transition from being the chief executive officer to an executive chair role. This change comes amidst growing scrutiny of the company’s practices and its impact on the music ecosystem.

Looking Ahead

As Sylvan Esso prepares to release more music, Meath and Sanborn reflect on their journey and the importance of aligning their work with their values. They are committed to reaching towards “the world we all deserve, even though we are not in it yet,” indicating their desire for a more equitable music landscape.

Conclusion

Sylvan Esso’s release of “WDID” and their decision to part ways with Spotify serves as a powerful statement within the music industry. As more artists take similar stands, it raises important questions about the ethical responsibilities of streaming platforms and the future of music distribution. The duo’s commitment to their values exemplifies a growing movement towards more conscientious artistic expression.

FAQs

Why did Sylvan Esso leave Spotify?

Sylvan Esso left Spotify due to ethical concerns regarding the platform’s funding of war-related activities, as articulated in their public statement.

What is Psychic Hotline?

Psychic Hotline is the independent label founded by Sylvan Esso, under which they are releasing their new music.

Who are the other artists that have left Spotify?

Other artists who have departed from Spotify include Deerhoof, Hotline TNT, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Xiu Xiu, among others.

What are the implications of these exits for the music industry?

The exits indicate a growing discontent among artists regarding streaming platforms and may lead to a shift towards more ethical music distribution practices.