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IU's "The Winning" and H.E.R. 2024 World Tour

February 24, 2024

IU, South Korea's beloved singer-songwriter and actress, has once again captivated the hearts of fans worldwide with the release of her sixth mini-album, "The Winning."

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The 2024 Oscar Best Original Score Nominees: A Symphony of Talent and Legacy

February 21, 2024

The race for the Best Original Score at the 96th Academy Awards is diverse and compelling to say the least. This year's nominees have painted aural landscapes that are integral to the success of....

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Mariah Carey Masterclass Review: Vocal Production

February 19, 2024

The Mariah Carey Masterclass, aptly titled "The Voice as an Instrument," promises an intimate look into the artistry behind the iconic singer and songwriter's success. Mariah Carey begins the class...

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Shakira Unveils 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran': A Beacon of Empowerment and Personal Rebirth

February 16, 2024

In an era where the global music landscape continually evolves, few artists have managed to redefine their musical and personal journey as profoundly as Shakira. With the announcement of her...

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The Impact of Spotify's New Royalties Model on Music Creators

February 12, 2024

Spotify's upcoming overhaul of its royalties model marks a significant shift in the way the streaming giant compensates artists, aiming to funnel more earnings towards more popular artists, labels...

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How Tracy Chapman Wrote Fast Car

February 9, 2024

Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" is not just a song; it's a cultural phenomenon that transcends its initial release. Its ascent to global acclaim was catalyzed by a pivotal moment: Nelson Mandela's 70th...

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How Tyla's "Water" is Making a Splash in the U.S. African Music Craze

January 29, 2024

‍The U.S. music scene has been captivated by the African music craze, and at the forefront is Tyla, a young South African singer whose song "Water" has taken the world by storm...

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Understanding Music Publishing for Music Creators

January 28, 2024

Understanding music publishing is crucial for artists looking to make their music a viable long-term career. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of music publishing and how it can...

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Maximize Your Music Royalty Earnings With Songtrust

January 28, 2024

Navigating the world of music royalties can be daunting, especially for independent artists and newcomers. Songtrust has emerged as a popular solution, favored by a range of artists from beginners...

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Rick Rubin's Tips for Creative Growth

January 27, 2024

Rick Rubin, a legendary music producer, is known not just for his exceptional work in the music industry but also for his profound insights into creativity and personal growth...

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Sonical.ly Masterclass Review: Nas Teaches Hip Hop Storytelling

January 23, 2024

ntroductionIn the ever-evolving landscape of music education, Nas' Masterclass emerges as a beacon for those intrigued by the art of hip-hop. Nas, a figure synonymous with lyrical finesse...

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Post Malone's Successful Songwriting Techniques

January 22, 2024

Songwriting and Inspiration: Post Malone often draws inspiration from his personal experiences, emotions, and the world around him. His songwriting process can start with a concept, a feeling...

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Xiu Xiu Pulls Music from Spotify Over AI Investments; It’s a Bold Stand

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Why This Isn't Just Another Band Getting off of Spotify

The experimental rock group Xiu Xiu formally declared that they would be removing their music from Spotify in response to the platform's investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered combat drones.They wrote on Instagram: "Spotify invests in AI war drones with music money." This action puts them in line with Deerhoof, another group that withdrew following the disclosure of Daniel Ek, the CEO of Spotify, investing €600 million in the military technology firm, Helsing.

What's Actually at Risk

  • The investment from Spotify was made through Ek's fund, Prima Materia, a private investment firm which spearheaded a €600 million round for Helsing, a business that develops AI-powered military software used in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
  • Removal is underway, according to Xiu Xiu, but they issued a warning about "procedural complications." In protest, they asked fans to cancel their subscriptions.

This is about moral integrity, not money. These musicians are taking a radical stance, believing that music should not be used to finance weapons.

Fans and Social Media React
  • On Instagram and X (Twitter), fans voiced concern:
    “Xiu Xiu taking their music off Spotify… I respect them for this, but of course nothing will change unless it’s someone like Taylor Swift threatening to remove their music from the platform..”
  • Reddit threads question whether such pullouts could spark broader artist boycotts; but others worry it won’t move Spotify’s needle.

This isn’t the first time artists have taken a stand. Taylor Swift famously pulled her music from Spotify years ago, demanding fairer pay structures. While she later returned, the move sparked global conversations about streaming ethics. Yet without widespread support from other major artists, little structural change followed.

Why This Is Important to Us All

  1. Money vs. Art: Listeners are forced to decide whether to support platforms that use AI that is funded by the military as a result of this incident.
  2. New Resistance: Leading grassroots ethical action in music, Xiu Xiu and Deerhoof are trailblazers rather than well-known artists.
  3. What Will Be Spotify's Next Step? Are other artists going to follow?

Final Take

Xiu Xiu’s decision to leave Spotify isn’t a publicity stunt, it’s a principled move. It’s a moral stand. They’re sparking a conversation about what streaming supports, and showing that even smaller artists can demand accountability.

Xiu Xiu Pulls Music from Spotify Over AI Investments; It’s a Bold Standxiu-xiu-pulls-music-from-spotify-over-ai-investments-its-a-bold-standLienor KatasJul 27, 2025The experimental rock group Xiu Xiu formally declared that they would be removing their music from Spotify in response to the platform's investment in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered combat...