Jakarta – Indonesian band The Thorny Tongue Assembly pulled its catalog from Spotify on September 24, 2025, citing concerns over the platform’s CEO, Daniel Ek‘s, investment in Helsing, a European military startup. The move joins a growing trend of musicians withdrawing from Spotify over ethical objections.
The band stated in a press release received by AFP on Thursday, September 25, 2025, that all releases from “re-anamnesis” to the first part of “NKKBS,” along with single releases-excluding songs bound by label contracts-are no longer available on Spotify. They emphasized continued availability on platforms like Believe, stating their commitment to supporting listeners.The Thorny Tongue Assembly’s decision reflects a refusal to indirectly contribute to the tools of war, a stance they say clashes with the spirit of their music.
While some musicians are leaving Spotify, many remain on the platform, recognizing its promotional value, especially for emerging artists. The situation has also spurred discussion of alternative streaming services, including Bandcamp, Qobuz, Apple Music, YouTube Music, YouTube, and The Storefront. some musicians and fans are also revisiting physical album purchases, signaling a potential resurgence of that format.