Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s Music Pulled from Streaming Platforms

music from various streaming platforms. As of today, their music is no longer available on Spotify, Tidal, or even smaller platforms like Qobuz. The band has also been gradually removing their music from Apple Music, leaving only two albums, Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven and F# A# ∞, on the platform.

While no official statement has been released, this decision is part of a trend where other artists like Deerhoof, Xiu Xiu, and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard have also removed their music from Spotify due to CEO Daniel Ek’s investments in AI military drone technology through the German firm Helsing. However, Godspeed You! Black Emperor has taken a step further by entirely removing their music from all streaming services.

Currently, only one song, ‘Outro’ from the 2004 album Song Of The Silent Land by Constellation Records, remains on Spotify. This situation mirrors the experience of King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, who faced challenges in removing their music from Spotify due to past distribution agreements.

The Australian group successfully removed most of their music from Spotify within a day, except for the Satanic Slumber Party EP with Tropical Fuck Storm, which was released through Joyful Noise. Ultimately, the EP was taken down after both parties requested it.

Inquiries have been made to Collective Records for further comment on the issue. Godspeed You! Black Emperor released their eighth album, No Title As of 13 February 2024 28,340 Dead, last year. The album title reflects the death toll in Gaza as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry during the Israel-Gaza war.

Overall, the removal of music from streaming platforms by artists like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and others underscores a growing concern within the music industry about ethical implications and corporate associations. This move by the band reflects their commitment to standing up for their principles and the values they hold dear.