Why Artists and Fans Are Quitting Spotify

A new movement known as “Death to Spotify” is spreading among independent musicians and fans who say the world’s biggest streaming platform has stripped music of its value.

What began as a small series of talks in Oakland, California, has turned into a broader boycott campaign, calling out Spotify’s low artist payouts and its reliance on algorithm-driven playlists that favor background music over creativity.

The backlash intensified after reports that Spotify’s billionaire co-founder, Daniel Ek, invested in Helsing, a German company developing artificial intelligence for military technology. Major acts including Massive Attack, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, and Deerhoof have pulled their music in protest.

Organizers say the goal isn’t just to delete the app but to encourage listeners to think about how they engage with music — and how streaming profits are distributed.

Many artists are now turning to Bandcamp, vinyl releases, or direct fan support as alternatives. Critics argue Spotify’s model “flattens culture,” creating a passive, profit-driven experience rather than genuine musical discovery.