King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Exit Spotify

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Pulls Back Catalog from Spotify, Joins growing Artist Exodus

Melbourne, AU – In a meaningful move signaling a growing disillusionment with streaming giant Spotify, acclaimed psychedelic rock outfit King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard has reportedly removed its extensive catalog from the platform. This decision, while unconfirmed by the band directly, aligns with a recent trend of artists voicing concerns over the platform’s royalty payouts and its impact on self-reliant music.

the only King Gizzard release exclusively available through an external label, the 2022 collaborative EP Satanic Slumber Party with Tropical Fuck Storm, remains on Spotify via Joyful Noise Recordings. This suggests a targeted action rather than a complete withdrawal from all digital platforms.

jake Saunders, label manager for Joyful Noise Recordings, commented on the situation, noting that thier involvement with Satanic Slumber Party was a direct deal with Tropical Fuck Storm, and that they would honor the wishes of both artists regarding platform availability. “We serve the artist, and its their right to decide what platforms to sell their music on,” Saunders stated.

Saunders further elaborated on the challenges faced by independent labels and developing artists on Spotify.He highlighted that for acts still building their live presence and those that don’t fit the mainstream “algorithmic mold,” Spotify can feel like a form of captivity. He emphasized the importance of artist agency,stating,”Labels and artists that are still developing their live show and don’t fit the algorithmic mold are essentially being held hostage by Spotify.”

Evergreen Insights:

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s reported departure from Spotify underscores a critical conversation within the music industry: the sustainability of artist income in the age of streaming. This move, while specific to one band, resonates with a broader sentiment among musicians and independent labels who are re-evaluating their relationship with major streaming services.The core of the issue lies in the economics of streaming. For many artists, particularly those who are not global superstars, the per-stream royalty rates offered by platforms like Spotify are frequently enough too low to constitute a significant source of income. This forces many musicians to rely heavily on touring, merchandise sales, and direct-to-fan platforms to make a living.

Furthermore, the article touches upon the power imbalance between artists and major tech platforms. Labels like Joyful Noise Recordings, which prioritize artist control and utilize option revenue models such as robust webstores and subscription services, are finding ways to thrive outside the dominant streaming ecosystem. Their ability to cater to artists with unique creative visions, even if they are “not-so-Spotify-friendly,” demonstrates the viability of diversified business strategies in the modern music landscape.

As the industry continues to evolve, the actions of artists like King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard serve as a potent reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding fair compensation, artist autonomy, and the future of music distribution. The value of direct artist-to-fan engagement and the exploration of alternative revenue streams will likely remain crucial for artists seeking to maintain creative control and financial stability. The desire for platforms that align with artists’ values, rather than solely prioritizing algorithmic reach, is a sentiment that will likely continue to shape the music industry for years to come.

What are the ethical concerns surrounding Daniel Ek’s investment in AI drone technology that prompted King Gizzard’s protest?

King Gizzard & The Lizard wizard Exit Spotify: A Protest Against AI drone Technology

Why Did King Gizzard Remove Their Music?

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have made a significant move, pulling their entire discography from Spotify. this isn’t a dispute over streaming royalties – a common issue for artists – but a direct protest against Spotify CEO Daniel Ek’s recent investment in AI drone technology. As reported on July 28, 2025, by Result, the band cites ethical concerns surrounding the development and potential misuse of this technology as the primary reason for their departure from the platform. This decision impacts access to all King Gizzard albums, singles, and live recordings previously available on Spotify.

The Connection: Daniel Ek & AI Drone Investment

The controversy centers around Daniel Ek’s personal investment in a company developing advanced AI-powered drone technology. While the specifics of the company and the technology remain somewhat opaque, concerns have been raised about its potential applications in surveillance and even autonomous weaponry.

Ethical Concerns: King Gizzard, known for their socially conscious lyrics and outspoken views, have publicly expressed their discomfort with contributing to a platform whose CEO is financially supporting technology they deem ethically problematic.

AI & Music Industry Impact: This situation also highlights a growing debate within the music industry about the role of Artificial Intelligence. While AI is being used for music creation and mastering, the band’s protest focuses on the broader implications of AI development.

Spotify’s Stance: Spotify has not yet issued an official statement regarding Ek’s investment or King Gizzard’s decision.

Where Can You Still Listen to King gizzard?

Despite leaving Spotify, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s music remains accessible through various other platforms:

Bandcamp: The band has a strong presence on Bandcamp, offering direct-to-fan sales and streaming options. This is frequently enough seen as a more artist-friendly platform.

Apple Music: All King Gizzard albums are currently available on Apple Music.

YouTube Music: fans can stream King Gizzard’s music on YouTube Music.

Physical Media: Vinyl, CDs, and other physical formats remain available through the band’s website and record stores.

Other Streaming Services: Deezer, Tidal, and Amazon Music also continue to host King Gizzard’s catalog.

the Broader Implications for Artists & Streaming

King Gizzard’s bold move sets a precedent for other artists who may have ethical objections to the business dealings of streaming platform executives. This situation raises important questions:

1. Artist Agency: How much control do artists have over where their music is distributed, especially when it comes to the personal investments of platform leadership?
2. Ethical Consumption: Does the public have a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of the platforms they use to consume music?
3. Option Platforms: Will this encourage more artists to explore alternative, artist-owned platforms like Bandcamp?
4. Streaming Service Accountability: shoudl streaming services be more obvious about the investments of their executives and how those investments align with the values of their artists and users?

King Gizzard’s History of Activism

This isn’t the first time King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have taken a stand on social and political issues. The band has consistently used their platform to:

Environmental Awareness: Their album Butterfly 3000 explores themes of environmental destruction and climate change.

Political Commentary: Several songs address political corruption and social injustice.

Support for Indigenous rights: The band has publicly supported Indigenous land rights and environmental protection efforts.

This history of activism underscores the sincerity of their current protest and demonstrates their commitment to using their music and platform for positive change. The band’s decision to remove their music from Spotify is a clear signal that they prioritize their ethical principles over maximizing streaming revenue.

Understanding the Rise of Artist-Driven Platforms

The move by King Gizzard highlights a growing trend: artists seeking greater control over their distribution and revenue. Platforms like bandcamp offer:

Higher Revenue Share: Artists receive a substantially larger percentage of sales compared to major streaming services.

Direct Fan Connection: Bandcamp allows artists to build direct relationships with their fans.

Creative Freedom: artists have more control over how their music is presented and sold.

This shift towards artist-driven platforms could reshape the music industry landscape, empowering artists and fostering a more sustainable ecosystem for self-reliant music. The “King Gizzard Spotify exit” may well be a catalyst for further change.