Artificial intelligence is a hotly contested topic, especially in music. Back in June, Deerhoof took a massive stance against the rapidly evolving technology.
After learning about the CEO of Spotify, Daniel Ek’s alleged investment into AI-centered company Helsing, Deerhoof responded with a boycott. Despite their latest album, Noble And Godlike In Ruin, performing well on the streaming platform, Deerhoof decided to pull their catalog down from its server.
Yesterday (July 9), Deerhoof doubled down on their decision, outlining the reasoning in a post on Instagram.
“Deerhoof took all of five minutes to decide that AI war wasn’t our vibe,” read the upload. “But not that the movement to quit Spotify is growing, I decided to read u on it more thoroughly. What I’ve discovered is that this issue at this very moment placing humanity at a major crossed.”
It continued: “Entrusting human life and death to corporate algorithms is simply unacceptable, no matter how much money Daniel Ek stands to make. An urgent choice faces the human race, right now.”
At this time, Deerhoof’s entire discography has not yet been completely wiped from the platform. Still, a large portion has been removed (with the exception of 2001’s Half Bird, 2005’s Green Cosmos, 2016’s Balter/Saunier, and 2017’s Mountain Moves).
Shortly after Deerhoof’s initial announcement, their label, Joyful Noise Recordings, issued a statement in full support of their decision.
“Joyful Noise supports Deerhoof in their decision to pull their catalog from Spotify,” opened the note on Instagram. “Last week, Daniel Ek, CEO of Spotify, invested a sizable chunk of his Spotify fortune to fund the AI warfare company Helsing, of which he is also now the chairman. As a label, we too are sickened by the fact that our releases have inadvertently contributed to the global war machine.”
The representative continued: “Since the dawn of streaming, independent artists and labels have essentially been forced to participate alongside various streaming entities in order to survive, entities that are often funded by sources that do not align with our values.”
To close out the message, the label wrote: “As an independent record label, we serve the artist. It is ultimately their decision to present their material on whichever platforms they choose. It is with this in mind that we hold no judgment towards any artist that wishes to keep their music on the platform.”