Sylvan Esso Leaves Spotify Over War Funding; Releases "WDID"

The source details the musical duo Sylvan Esso's decision to remove their entire catalog from the streaming platform Spotify while simultaneously releasing a new self-released single titled “WDID.” This move is explained by the duo, consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, who stated they cannot continue to put their music on a platform that "directly funds war machines" due to its founder Daniel Ek’s investment in a weapons contractor. Sylvan Esso is the latest in a series of artists, including Deerhoof and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, to pull their music from Spotify in protest of Ek's venture capital firm Prima Materia's investments in the defense sector. The duo released the new track independently through their own label, Psychic Hotline, marking a decisive shift away from the streaming giant.