King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Become Latest Act to Pull Music from Spotify

In a bold and ethical stand, Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have removed nearly their entire music catalog from Spotify, citing strong opposition to the company’s leadership and values. The move follows public backlash over Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in AI-powered weapons technology, a decision that has sparked outrage among socially conscious artists and listeners alike.

A Moral Decision Beyond Music
This isn’t just about streaming payouts. King Gizzard made it clear: they don’t want their art associated with a platform whose CEO supports the development of military-grade AI weaponry. As an independent band that controls its own distribution through labels like Flightless and KGLW, they had the freedom to pull out fast—and they did.

Spotify Faces Growing Artist Boycott
King Gizzard now joins a growing list of artists—including Deerhoof and Xiu Xiu—who have stepped away from Spotify in recent months. Many cite not only low royalty payments but also the platform’s unethical affiliations and profit-driven algorithm that marginalizes smaller, experimental creators.

This growing wave of protests is highlighting a major shift in the music industry: artists are demanding more than just fair pay—they want accountability, transparency, and values that align with their creative missions.

What’s Next for Fans?
The band is now encouraging fans to stream and support their music on platforms like Bandcamp, where they are releasing exclusive demo albums and rare tracks. Unlike Spotify, Bandcamp offers artists a much larger share of revenue and greater control over their music.

Supporters can also purchase physical albums or stream from alternative platforms like Tidal, which are becoming more appealing to artists seeking ethical streaming options.

Final Thoughts
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s decision to remove their music from Spotify sends a powerful message: today’s musicians care not just about streaming numbers, but about the values behind the platforms they partner with. In an era where technology and ethics intersect more than ever, artists are drawing lines—and fans are paying attention.