Spotify Faces Artist Backlash Over CEO’s AI Military Investment

Spotify, the world's largest music streaming platform, is under scrutiny following revelations that CEO Daniel Ek has invested €600 million (approximately $700 million) into Helsing, a European defense technology company specializing in artificial intelligence for military applications.

This substantial investment, made through Ek's venture capital firm Prima Materia, has ignited a wave of criticism from artists and industry observers who question the ethical implications of such financial decisions.

Artists argue that their creative work is being used to fund technologies designed for warfare, a notion that clashes with the values many musicians uphold. The controversy has led to some artists removing their music from Spotify in protest, highlighting longstanding concerns about the platform's treatment of artists and its broader corporate practices.

This article examines the details of Ek's investment, the reactions from the artist community, and the potential ramifications for Spotify's future.

A Closer Look to Daniel Ek's Investment in Helsing

In June 2025, Daniel Ek's investment firm, Prima Materia, led a €600 million funding round for Helsing, a German defense technology startup. Helsing develops AI software intended to enhance military decision-making and has been involved in creating technologies for drones, submarines, and other military equipment. Ek's involvement with Helsing dates back to 2021, but this latest investment significantly increases his stake and influence, as he now serves as the company's chairman.

Ek has defended his investment, stating that bolstering Europe's defense capabilities is crucial amid growing geopolitical tensions. He emphasized the importance of AI, mass, and autonomy in modern warfare, asserting that these elements are shaping the future battlefield.

Artists Respond: "We Don't Want Our Music Killing People"

The artist community has reacted strongly to Ek's investment. San Francisco-based indie rock band Deerhoof announced plans to remove their entire catalog from Spotify, expressing their disapproval of their music being associated with military applications. In a statement, the band declared, "We don't want our music killing people," highlighting their ethical concerns over the use of their art to support warfare technologies.

Other artists have echoed similar sentiments. Melbourne folk singer Leah Senior decided to pull her latest album from Spotify, stating that Ek's investment was the final straw in a series of grievances with the platform. The band Sleep Party People also removed their music, citing discomfort with being connected to AI weapons development.

Concerns About Artist Compensation

The controversy surrounding Ek's investment has reignited discussions about Spotify's compensation model for artists. Many musicians have long criticized the platform for its low royalty payments, which often amount to fractions of a cent per stream. This financial model has been a point of contention, leading some artists to seek alternative platforms that offer more equitable compensation.

The perception that Spotify profits are being funneled into military ventures, while artists struggle to earn a sustainable income, has exacerbated these concerns. Critics argue that this allocation of resources reflects a misalignment between the company's financial priorities and the interests of the artists who provide its core content.

Ethical Implications and Public Perception

The intersection of art and warfare raises complex ethical questions. Artists and listeners alike are grappling with the idea that their engagement with Spotify may indirectly support military technologies. This realization has prompted some to reconsider their relationship with the platform, exploring alternatives that align more closely with their values.

Public perception of Spotify may also be affected as awareness of the company's investments grows. Consumers increasingly consider the ethical practices of the companies they support, and associations with military applications could influence user behavior and brand loyalty.

The Broader Context: Tech Industry and Defense

Ek's investment in Helsing reflects a broader trend of technology companies engaging with defense industries. As AI and other advanced technologies become integral to modern military strategies, tech firms are increasingly involved in developing tools for defense applications. This convergence raises questions about the responsibilities of tech leaders and the potential consequences of their ventures into military domains.

The situation with Spotify serves as a case study in how such investments can impact public perception and stakeholder relationships, particularly when the core business is rooted in creative and cultural sectors.

Potential Impact on Spotify's Future

The backlash from artists and ethical concerns may have long-term implications for Spotify. If more artists choose to remove their music, the platform's content diversity could diminish, potentially affecting user engagement. Additionally, public scrutiny may prompt Spotify to reevaluate its investment strategies and corporate governance to maintain trust with both artists and consumers.

The company may also face pressure to increase transparency about how revenues are allocated and to ensure that its business practices align with the values of its user base. Failing to address these issues could result in reputational damage and a shift in the competitive landscape as users explore alternative platforms.

Final Thoughts

The controversy surrounding Daniel Ek's investment in a military AI company has sparked a significant response from the artist community and raised important ethical questions about the intersection of technology, art, and warfare. As Spotify navigates this complex landscape, the company faces the challenge of balancing its business interests with the values and expectations of its artists and users.

The outcome of this situation may set a precedent for how tech companies engage with defense industries and the importance of aligning corporate actions with stakeholder values.