The spark for Deerhoof’s exit was Ek’s $700 million investment in Helsing, a German defense firm specializing in AI software for military applications, including drones and fighter aircraft systems. Ek, through his venture capital firm Prima Materia, led a 600 million euro funding round for Helsing, announced in June 2025, and now serves as the company’s chairman. Helsing’s technology, designed to enhance battlefield capabilities, has benefited from a global surge in military spending, particularly amid heightened geopolitical tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
For Deerhoof, this investment crossed a moral boundary. “We don’t want our music killing people,” the band declared, emphasizing their refusal to be complicit in what they see as war profiteering. The band’s statement also critiqued the broader implications of AI in warfare, arguing that it enables “computerized targeting” and “extermination” for profit, removing human compassion from the equation. This sentiment resonates with a growing number of artists and activists wary of AI’s expanding role in military applications.
Spotify’s Controversial Track Record
Deerhoof’s departure is not just about Ek’s investment but also reflects long-standing frustrations with Spotify’s business model. The platform has faced criticism for its meager artist payouts, with many musicians earning fractions of a cent per stream. Saunier, in an interview, noted that Spotify constituted a small portion of Deerhoof’s income, as the band relies heavily on touring. This financial independence made the decision to leave Spotify “pretty easy,” though they acknowledged that other artists, more reliant on streaming revenue, might not have the same flexibility.
Beyond payouts, Spotify has drawn fire for practices like “ghost artists” and its Discovery Mode, which critics argue prioritizes algorithmic playlists over genuine artistic discovery. The band’s statement lambasted Spotify as “creepy for users and crappy for artists,” suggesting that its model is unsustainable and exploitative. Deerhoof’s critique aligns with broader artist discontent, as seen in past boycotts by musicians like Neil Young and Joni Mitchell over Spotify’s deal with podcaster Joe Rogan, though most eventually returned to the platform.
A Band with a Conscience
Deerhoof, formed in 1994, has built a career on defying mainstream conventions. With 20 albums released through indie labels like Kill Rock Stars, Polyvinyl, and Joyful Noise Recordings, the band has cultivated a loyal following through its experimental sound and grassroots approach. Their latest album, Noble and Godlike in Ruin (2024), was praised for its chaotic yet brilliant energy, a testament to their refusal to conform. This ethos extends to their Spotify decision, which they framed as a rejection of capitalist imperatives to “take over the world” for the sake of discoverability.
The band’s move was supported by their labels, who will handle the logistical and financial burden of removing Deerhoof’s music from Spotify. The process, while complex, is underway, with the band aiming to complete the takedown “as soon as possible.” Deerhoof’s statement also took a satirical swipe at corporate partnerships, announcing a fictional collaboration with DoorDash to “soften the blow” of leaving Spotify—a tongue-in-cheek jab at profit-driven values they oppose.
The Bigger Picture: AI and the Music Industry
Deerhoof’s exit highlights a broader debate about AI’s role in both music and society. The music industry is grappling with AI-generated content, from “slop” songs flooding platforms like Spotify to AI-driven recommendation algorithms that shape listener habits. Meanwhile, AI’s military applications, as seen with Helsing, raise ethical questions about the technology’s societal impact. Deerhoof’s statement warned of a “hideous fait accompli” where participation in platforms like Spotify implicates users in a system that funds AI weaponry and other controversial ventures.
The band’s decision places them among a small but vocal group of artists taking a stand against Spotify. While they stopped short of calling for a mass boycott, Deerhoof predicted that “most people aren’t going to take the billionaires’ side” as these ethical dilemmas come to a head. Their move also draws attention to alternative platforms like Bandcamp, where artists retain greater control and revenue, and where Deerhoof encourages fans to seek their music.
What’s Next for Artists and Streaming?
Deerhoof’s departure from Spotify is a bold gesture, but its impact on the broader industry remains uncertain. For smaller artists, leaving a platform with Spotify’s reach is a tougher call, given its role in music discovery, however flawed. Yet, Deerhoof’s stand could inspire others to reevaluate their relationship with streaming giants, particularly as concerns about AI, data privacy, and corporate ethics grow. The band’s critique of Spotify as a “digital get-rich-quick scheme” destined for obsolescence suggests a future where artists prioritize platforms that align with their values.
As the music industry navigates this turbulent landscape, Deerhoof’s decision serves as a reminder that art and ethics are deeply intertwined. By walking away from Spotify, the band is betting that music’s enduring value lies not in algorithmic playlists or corporate profits but in the human connection it fosters—a connection they refuse to let be tainted by the specter of AI-driven warfare.
