Sylvan Esso’s Spotify Return After a Year of Protest

In September 2025, Sylvan Esso, an electro-pop duo comprising Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, gained attention with their decision to remove their music from Spotify. This move came amidst concerns about the streaming service’s ties with AI weapons company Helsing. Spotify, led by its then-CEO Daniel Ek, had faced criticism for its payment structures and other controversies.

The decision to leave Spotify set a significant barrier for their audience. Many fans primarily use streaming services to discover new music, and Sylvan Esso experienced firsthand the financial and promotional impacts of their protest.

“We were really proud of our decision,” said Meath. “But it was unsustainable. Monopolies affect every part of our career.”

The duo felt the absence of Spotify affected not only finances but also the reach of their music. Despite initial determination, they realized Spotify’s role in promoting their work was unavoidable.

Returning with New Music

Sylvan Esso released their fifth studio album, Ow ∞, on September 11 through their own label, Psychic Hotline. A week later, they announced their return to Spotify. This decision was shaped by a blend of experiences and a desire to connect better with their fanbase.

“We wanted people to hear the record without barriers,” Meath explained. “Not being on Spotify limited access significantly.”

Sanborn shared that they were proud of resisting the norm for a year, emphasizing how difficult it was to operate without the platform’s reach.

The Challenges and Realizations

Experiencing challenges, the couple learned about the harsh realities of monopolistic markets. Spotify’s influence is pervasive, affecting everything from ticket sales to album visibility.

Sanborn highlighted, “We realized staying off Spotify meant changing our career drastically. Removing music is more complex than expected.”

The duo’s protest sparked conversations but also revealed the limits of their position in today’s music industry landscape.

Reflections on Artistic Decisions

Despite reservations, both artists agree they learned much about their careers through this process. Reflecting on their actions, they acknowledged the impact, albeit imperfect, of their protest.

“We hope our actions encouraged others to scrutinize their choices too,” said Meath.

For artists considering similar moves, Sylvan Esso advises understanding the stakes and aligning actions with personal and professional values.

Through their experience, they advocate for thoughtful music consumption. Supporting artists involves more than streaming; buying records and attending concerts, especially through presales, offers more meaningful support.

Thoughts on the Future

Looking ahead, the duo envisions a music industry with more diversity and fairness. They believe in the possibility of ethical streaming services that provide sustainable models. Meanwhile, they encourage fans to critically assess their consumption habits and support artists deliberately.

Ultimately, Sylvan Esso’s journey underscores the complex dynamics in music distribution today and the ongoing quest for ethical engagement within the industry.