Taking a Stand: Sylvan Esso Removes Music from Spotify in Protest
Sylvan Esso, the musical duo consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, recently made a significant decision to remove all of their previous music from Spotify. This move was motivated by their concerns about the platform's various flaws, including its alleged support of war machines. The announcement coincided with the release of their new single, "WDID," which marks their debut on their own label, Psychic Hotline.
The statement released by Sylvan Esso emphasized their desire to align their actions with their values as they prepare to release new music. As they transition to being on their own label for the first time, they felt compelled to withdraw their music from Spotify due to the platform's perceived shortcomings, particularly its alleged support of war-related activities. The duo expressed their commitment to striving for a better world, even though it may not be fully realized yet.
Since their debut album in 2013, Sylvan Esso has released several albums, including "What Now" in 2017, "Free Love" in 2020, and "No Rules Sandy" in 2022. The couple, who got married in 2016, have decided to join a growing number of artists who are taking a stand against Spotify and its CEO Daniel Ek. Ek's involvement in a defense technology company that produces military drones has sparked criticism and led to artists like Sylvan Esso, Deerhoof, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Hotline TNT removing their music from the platform in protest.
The decision to remove their music from Spotify is part of a broader movement among artists who are voicing their opposition to the platform's alleged support of military-related activities. Xiu Xiu's Jamie Stewart was one of the first artists to speak out against this issue, highlighting the importance of not allowing music to be used to support harmful actions for financial gain. Sylvan Esso's decision reflects their commitment to standing up for their principles and advocating for a more ethical music industry.
In conclusion, Sylvan Esso's choice to remove their music from Spotify underscores their dedication to ethical considerations and aligning their actions with their values. As they embark on a new chapter in their music career, the duo's decision to withdraw from the platform serves as a statement of protest against what they perceive as unacceptable practices within the music industry.