Post-hardcore band Young Widows has joined a growing protest movement by removing their entire catalog from Spotify, citing ethical objections to CEO Daniel Ek‘s substantial investment in military artificial intelligence technology. The Louisville trio announced their departure in September 2025, explicitly condemning what they described as technology designed for warfare and genocide.
Ek, who serves as chairman of AI defense startup Helsing, led a massive $693.6 million funding round through his venture capital firm Prima Materia in early 2025. Helsing develops artificial intelligence systems for military applications including drones and submarines, positioning itself as essential for “democratic sovereignty” despite its focus on weaponry. The investment surge followed increased interest in military AI applications during Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
Helsing’s AI-driven warfare systems attract millions in Ek’s funding while marketing democratic values amid Russia’s Ukraine invasion.
“We refuse to let our art finance machines designed to kill the innocent,” the band stated in their withdrawal announcement, highlighting their disgust at streaming profits potentially supporting military technology. Young Widows emphasized that while all streaming platforms have flaws, Spotify’s direct connection to weapons development crossed an ethical line they couldn’t ignore. The band expressed strong opposition to genocide and all forms of war in their statement.
The band joins a substantial roster of artists making similar exits between June and September 2025, including King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and Hotline TNT. Unlike previous Spotify boycotts that centered on royalty rates or content moderation policies, this wave of departures specifically targets the platform’s leadership’s involvement in war technology. Young Widows also cited their objection to AI-generated music that diminishes the legacy of authentic artists.
For Spotify’s nearly 700 million users, the departures represent a growing tension between convenient music access and ethical consumption. Artists removing their catalogs sacrifice streaming revenue and visibility to uphold their principles regarding AI’s appropriate uses. Musicians like Young Widows are now exploring sync deals as alternative revenue streams that offer more control over how their music is used. Some musicians have opted to register with performance rights organizations to better control how their music is monetized across remaining platforms. Several musicians have additionally expressed concern about AI’s impact on artistic expression and legacy, arguing that technology should enhance human creativity rather than replace it or facilitate violence.
Alternative streaming platforms have reported modest increases in both artist and listener migration as the controversy continues to reverberate throughout the music industry.
