Sylvan Esso Returns to Spotify After a Year of Protest

Sylvan Esso’s fifth album, Ow ∞, released on Sept. 11 through Psychic Hotline, marks a significant return for the electro-pop duo. The album’s release coincided with an announcement: their entire catalog is back on Spotify after a year’s absence. During their absence, Sylvan Esso, comprising Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, protested Spotify due to its ties with Helsing, an AI military systems company.

Daniel Ek, Spotify’s former CEO, faced criticism for investing in Helsing. This was part of the broader controversy surrounding Spotify, which included other artists like Neil Young, Deerhoof, and Massive Attack rebelling against the platform. Sylvan Esso’s year without Spotify brought challenges and insights as they engaged publicly with their decision.

Announcing Their Return

Meath and Sanborn’s decision to return to Spotify came after realizing the impact of their absence. The duo detailed their journey in an interview with NPR reporter Brian Burns. Meath admitted the initial choice felt right, but they underestimated the breadth of influence Spotify holds in the music industry. Despite their pride in making a stand, the duo acknowledged that monopolies deeply affect artists’ ability to reach audiences.

Sanborn expressed regret over the isolation from the platform. Despite the financial hit, they persisted, learning much from the experience. The decision to return reflects a recognition of Spotify’s role in exposing their music to listeners.

Impact on Career

Spotify has become vital for distributing new music. Sylvan Esso realized that pulling their catalog made accessibility difficult. As they released Ow ∞ through their label, creating barriers to reaching listeners was counterproductive.

Physical music sales aren’t the only concern; Spotify influences ticket sales and overall visibility. Sylvan Esso highlights Spotify’s significance for artists planning tours and building their careers.

Reflections on Protest Effectiveness

Throughout the interview, Meath and Sanborn discussed protest’s effectiveness. Removing their music from Spotify sparked reflections on meaningful change. Despite uncertainty in outcomes, the duo found the act valuable.

Sanborn shared his inner conflict, questioning if their protest mattered. However, feedback from fans showed their actions resonated. The couple reaffirmed their commitment to doing what feels right, even if imperfect.

Looking Forward

Sylvan Esso encourages artists to reflect on their priorities. They advise pursuing happiness, recognizing music industry challenges. They underscored the penalty faced by those opting out of Spotify, emphasizing its wide influence.

Stream listeners can easily switch platforms, supporting artists by attending live performances and buying merchandise. Sylvan Esso stresses pre-sales as crucial during tours. The duo navigates complex decisions, balancing principles with practicalities.