Throughout 2025, Spotify found itself under growing public scrutiny.
A series of controversies surrounded Spotify throughout the year.
Reports revealed that CEO Daniel Ek had invested nearly $700 million in a German AI military technology company.
At the same time, ICE recruitment ads appeared on the platform.
Ongoing debates around AI usage only added fuel to the fire.
Together, these issues raised serious questions about Spotify’s transparency and credibility.
As a result, many artists around the world chose to take a firm stand.
Rather than staying silent, they decided to remove their music from Spotify altogether.
The move clearly threatened their careers.
Even so, the artists stayed true to their values and explored more ethical platforms.
Below are some of the notable musicians who made that decision in 2025.
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Massive Attack
One of the most high-profile acts to exit Spotify in 2025 was Massive Attack.
Known for consistently standing by their political and ethical beliefs, the trip-hop pioneers announced via Instagram in September that they had asked Universal Music Group to withdraw their entire catalog from the platform.
Kadhja Bonet
In August, singer-songwriter Kadhja Bonet revealed that she would remove her music from Spotify.
She shared her concerns through a detailed Instagram post.
There, she explained her issues with major streaming platforms.
As a result, she decided to release her music exclusively on Bandcamp and Qobuz.
This decision also led to her parting ways with Ninja Tune, which ended her record deal following the announcement.
Bonet emphasized that artists empower large tech companies by feeding them creative ideas and revenue.
She also expressed discomfort with ignoring alleged human rights issues linked to various streaming platforms and tech corporations.
She decided to take a firm stand.
As a result, she stopped supplying her music to Spotify.
At the same time, she also chose to withhold all new releases from Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon, and YouTube.
While some warned her that this move could harm her career, she maintained confidence that artists can help shape a more ethical future.
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard
In July, the Australian band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard removed 27 albums and live recordings from Spotify.
They addressed the decision directly through Instagram Stories.
There, they explained that learning about Spotify’s leadership investing in AI-powered military drone technology played a key role.
That information ultimately pushed them to remove their music from the platform.
They encouraged fans to support them on other platforms, with their music now available via Bandcamp.
WU LYF
UK indie band WU LYF took down their 2011 album Go Tell Fire to the Mountain from all streaming services earlier this year.
In a statement shared in September, the band reflected on a series of long-standing frustrations.
They pointed to Spotify’s algorithm and economic model, which they believe have slowly eroded the culture around music.
They also noted that recent revelations about investments in AI weaponry reinforced their choice.
In addition, the group decided not to release their new single, A New Life Is Coming, on any streaming platforms.
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Xiu Xiu
Experimental group Xiu Xiu removed their catalog from Spotify in July.
The band shared on Instagram that their decision was driven by the platform’s use of music revenue to fund AI war technology.
In the same post, they urged fans to consider canceling their Spotify subscriptions.
Izzy True
Chicago-based band Izzy True also pulled their music from Spotify in 2025.
In a video shared online, the band opened up about the reasons behind their decision.
They also hinted at what comes next.
Their upcoming album, they suggested, will live outside Spotify and instead appear on platforms like Tidal, Bandcamp, and Apple Music.
