In September 2025, Sylvan Esso, the electro-pop duo consisting of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, announced a significant change in their music availability. Following a year-long absence due to ethical concerns, they decided to return their music catalog to Spotify.
Reasons Behind the Departure
The duo initially removed their catalog because Spotify’s then-CEO, Daniel Ek, invested heavily in Helsing, a company developing AI military weapons systems. This move aligned them with other artists like Deerhoof who protested Spotify, arguing their streaming earnings supported defense tech. Meath and Sanborn felt this withdrawal was a moral stand, despite the wide influence and financial importance of the platform.
The Struggles and Realizations
During their break from Spotify, Meath and Sanborn witnessed the challenges of existing outside the mainstream streaming ecosystem. They revealed that staying off Spotify was unsustainable; it significantly impacted their reach and financial stability. It obstructed access to their music, as many listeners rely heavily on Spotify.
Meath noted that while she personally seeks music online, many listeners turn to their preferred streaming service first and may miss out if the music isn’t there. Sanborn reflected on the critical need for widespread access, acknowledging the financial hit and the broad impact on every career aspect under the absence of a platform monopoly.
Return to Spotify
Their catalog, including their new album ‘Ow ∞’, returned to Spotify on Sept. 18, a week after the album’s release.
The decision to return wasn’t easy. It came from a desire to reach more listeners and sustain their career. Despite the challenges, they affirmed this was the way forward, managing their own label and music distribution.
Lessons from Protest
Reflecting on their protest, Meath and Sanborn discussed the difficulty of impactful protest in today’s world. They realized actions like theirs could inspire others, yet admitted the path was tough. They grappled with feelings about the true effectiveness of their actions but remained affirmed in their choices when touching individuals.
The Importance of Streaming and Sustainability
They stressed that access to music is paramount. Being off a dominant platform like Spotify limits engagement. They dream of a sustainable music streaming environment, where options are abundant and free-market principles genuinely apply.
They encourage fans to support artists by purchasing music and merchandise directly, noting that financial backing is crucial. Concert ticket sales in advance play a vital role for bands, determining sustainability and tour viability.
Engaging with the Community
Sanborn wished for more dialogue with other protesting artists, such as King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, explaining a shared desire to effect change while also acknowledging the unique circumstances allowing Sylvan Esso to briefly leave Spotify.
A Thoughtful Return
The duo acknowledged concerns about public reaction upon their return to Spotify. They expressed a belief in the importance of human and real decisions, changing minds openly, and embracing the imperfection in protests that still generate impact.