🇵🇸 Mohammed Assaf – May 2023
His protest track “Ana Dammi Falastini” (“My Blood is Palestinian”) was removed from Spotify and Apple Music by the distributor, allegedly citing it as “inciting against Israel.” The removal sparked international uproar; the track was reinstated days later. —
Al Jazeera
🇭🇰 “Glory to Hong Kong” – May 24, 2024
The protest anthem was globally removed from Spotify and Apple Music due to a Hong Kong court injunction banning the song. Later, reuploaded versions (a cappella, orchestral, English) appeared on platforms. —
Wikipedia
🇧🇷 Adele (via Brazilian court ruling) – December 18, 2024
A Brazilian judge ordered the global removal of Adele’s song “Million Years Ago” from all streaming platforms (Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music) after songwriter Toninho Geraes claimed plagiarism. Universal Music appealed. —
Reuters
🇳🇱 Kalahari Oyster Cult (label) – June 26, 2025
Dutch indie label pulled its entire catalog from Spotify in protest against the platform’s ties to AI defense investments, denouncing “tools of war, surveillance, and violence.” —
The FADER
🇺🇸 Deerhoof – June 30, 2025
Pulled their catalog from Spotify, citing ethical objections to Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investment in AI military tech via Helsing. Urged followers to support artists via Bandcamp or other independent channels. —
The FADER
🇺🇸 Xiu Xiu – July 24, 2025
Announced plans to remove all music from Spotify, describing the service as a “garbage hole armageddon portal.” Removal ongoing due to label logistics. —
SF Chronicle
🇦🇺 King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard – July 25, 2025
Removed nearly entire catalog from Spotify in protest of CEO Daniel Ek’s defense-tech investments. Released new demo collection exclusively on Bandcamp. —
Pitchfork
🇨🇦 Chad VanGaalen – July 26, 2025
Removed his catalog from Spotify, citing ethical concerns and frustration with the platform; labels Sub Pop and Flemish Eye assisted with takedown. —
Billboard Canada
🇨🇦 Cindy Lee – August 1, 2025
Fully removed from Spotify/Apple Music; entire catalog moved exclusively to Bandcamp, with vinyl reissues announced. —
Pitchfork
🇨🇦 Godspeed You! Black Emperor – August 17–18, 2025
Removed nearly their entire discography from major streaming services (Spotify, Tidal, Amazon; Apple Music pending), keeping distribution on Bandcamp; move aligns with their long-standing political stance. —
Pitchfork
🇺🇸 Hotline TNT – August 22, 2025
Pulled their music from Spotify, saying the platform “does not align with the band’s values… A cooler world is possible.” —
Pitchfork
🇨🇦 Sarah Harmer – August 28, 2025
Removed her catalog from Spotify, joining the summer’s wave of exits tied to objections over Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in AI-linked defense tech. —
Billboard Canada
🇺🇸 Seattle Artists Collective – September 8, 2025
Over 30 Seattle-based indie artists signed a letter announcing they will pull music from Spotify. Concerns cited include AI-generated fakes, misuse of catalogs, low royalties, and Daniel Ek’s investments in military AI. —
Seattle Times
🇺🇸 The Mynabirds – September 2025
Announced exit from Spotify as part of the September wave of departures, citing opposition to AI fakes, low royalties, and ethical misalignment with Spotify’s leadership. —
The FADER
🇬🇧 WU LYF – September 2025
Confirmed departure from Spotify in solidarity with other indie artists, denouncing CEO Daniel Ek’s investment ties to AI military technology. —
The FADER
🇺🇸 Kadhja Bonet – September 2025
Joined the exodus from Spotify, motivated by low streaming payouts and concerns over platform ethics and AI-generated content. —
The FADER
🇺🇸 Young Widows – September 2025
Removed their music from Spotify, citing solidarity with other indie acts and dissatisfaction with royalties. —
The FADER
