The Kaipher Editorial Team 
Military Investment Sparks Artist Exodus
Artists are removing their music from Spotify in protest of CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in military AI technology. Since June, bands such as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Xiu Xiu, Deerhoof, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor have withdrawn their catalogs after reports that Ek’s investment firm Prima Materia led a €600 million funding round for Helsing—an AI-driven defense startup developing strike drones and battlefield systems—valuing the company at $12 billion (Los Angeles Times).
Ek’s Role at Helsing Under Scrutiny
Daniel Ek serves as chairman of Helsing, into which he and Prima Materia have poured over $700 million since 2021. Helsing’s rapid rise follows a June 2025 investment that magnified its valuation, drawing criticism from artists and human-rights advocates alike (Euronews).
Prominent Artist Statements
- King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard posted on Instagram: “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?”
- Deerhoof, credited with kicking off the boycott, declared, “We don’t want our music killing people. We don’t want our success being tied to AI battle tech” (Computing UK).
- Experimental outfit Xiu Xiu called Spotify a “garbage hole violent armageddon portal” and urged fans to cancel subscriptions (Euronews).
- Over 30 Seattle artists signed an open letter condemning Spotify’s leadership and demanding ethical accountability.
Timing Coincides With Lossless Audio Launch
The boycott aligns with Spotify’s rollout of its long-awaited lossless audio feature: 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC streaming for Premium users, launched September 10 at no extra cost after years of delay (CNET). Despite the audio upgrade, ethical objections have overshadowed technological improvements.
Industry and Investor Reactions
Music industry executives warn that high-profile defections could erode Spotify’s reputation just as it battles Apple Music and Amazon Music for market share. Investor interest in Spotify remained steady in early trading following the boycott news, though some analysts—citing potential subscriber churn—downgraded the stock target (CNBC).
Spotify’s and Helsing’s Responses
Both Spotify and Helsing have declined to comment on the departures. Ek told the Financial Times he’s “not concerned” about backlash, asserting that supporting European AI defense firms is “the right thing for Europe.”
