Australian rock band King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard’s announced they would be pulling their music off of Spotify.
Their departure is an act of rebellion against the often exploitative practices of streaming services and a call to prioritize artistic integrity. Will other artist follow in these footsteps?
Who is King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard?
The Australian, indie and psychedelic rock band, also known as “Gizz” or KGLW is known for their high-energy, mind-altering performances and genre-blending sounds. Furthermore, few bands have the artistic output of KGLW. With 27 albums and more than 60 live performance albums released, since 2012, Gizz is in a league of their own.
Their first album 12 Bar Bruise was released in 2012, then over the next few years would release seven more studio albums, and continue to pump out record after record, some rock, some electronic, and certainly all unique. Their most recent album called Phantom Island was released earlier this year. The title track starts jazzy, then has anthemic qualities and a bit of funk, with horns that create just the right vibe, setting the tone for the record.
Phantom Island Tracklist
1. “Phantom Island”
2. “Deadstick”
3. “Lonely Cosmos”
4. “Eternal Return”
5. “Panpsych”
6. “Spacesick”
7. “Aerodynamic”
8. “Sea of Doubt”
9. “Silent Spirit”
10. “Grow Wings and Fly”
What’s Behind the Spotify Move?
At the core of King Gizzard’s decision is a broader industry critique of how streaming services compensate artists. Despite Spotify’s vast popularity globally, it has been widely criticized for offering minimal returns to musicians. For a band like King Gizzard, who has consistently produced innovative music and a robust discography, the math simply doesn’t add up.
The band recently wrote in a statement posted to Instagram: “Hello friends. A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology. We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better? Join us on another platform.”
Gizz Embraces Independence
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s move away from Spotify can also be seen as a bold step toward artistic independence. The band has always been known for pushing the envelope. Gizz has always been permissive of fans taping and sharing their shows, and often encourage, similar to the Grateful Dead and Phish.
By stepping away from mainstream platforms like Spotify, they have the opportunity to regain control over their music and brand. This move echoes a growing sentiment among musicians seeking to reclaim their revenue streams and connect more directly with their fan base.
Bandcamp is Gaining Momentum
With platforms like Bandcamp gaining popularity as an alternative for independent artists, King Gizzard’s exit could catalyze a potential shift for listeners and artists. Bandcamp allows artists to set their prices, giving them the power to earn a living from their craft. This change could inspire other musicians to follow suit.
Gizz just completed a US Summer tour that featured playing with an orchestra for their Phanton Island release. The band will resume touring in October in Europe and Australia.
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