Sabres Of Paradise Pull Music from Spotify in Protest of Artist Compensation and AI Investments
Electronic music group Sabres Of Paradise have removed thier entire catalog from Spotify, joining a growing wave of artists protesting the platform’s policies regarding artist compensation and its CEO Daniel Ek’s financial involvement with AI technology used in weaponry. The move, announced this week, aligns the group with a campaign advocating “No Music For Genocide,” and follows similar actions by artists including Massive attack, Fontaines D.C., and Amyl and the Sniffers.
The protest centers on Spotify’s financial practices, which artists argue undervalue their work while simultaneously enriching the company. spotify reported profits exceeding €1 billion (£860 million) in a recent financial cycle, but has simultaneously implemented measures like laying off staff, increasing subscription prices, and demonetizing songs with fewer than 1,000 streams – a policy enacted in 2023. This comes as Spotify announced a 12% increase in paid subscribers, reaching 281 million, and a 7% revenue increase to $4.27 billion (£3.25 billion) in the third quarter of 2023.
Sabres Of Paradise, known for their critically acclaimed albums released via Warp Records between 1993 and 1995, are also protesting Ek’s investment in AI technology with potential military applications. The group’s decision follows Wu Lyf’s removal of their latest single in response to the same concerns. Ek announced in September he will step down as Spotify CEO on January 1, 2026, with co-presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström set to take over.
The protest highlights a broader industry debate about the sustainability of music streaming and the ethical responsibilities of tech companies. The “No Music For Genocide” campaign specifically aims to disrupt Spotify’s revenue stream in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, alleging complicity through financial ties.
