King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard Pull Entire Catalog from Spotify in Protest Over Artist Compensation…read more…
In a bold move that has reignited the ongoing debate about streaming royalties, Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard have officially removed their entire discography from Spotify. The band announced the decision via social media and their official website on Thursday, calling attention to what they described as “exploitative practices” by the world’s largest music streaming service.
Known for their prolific output—releasing more than 25 albums since their debut in 2012—King Gizzard has long embraced alternative approaches to music distribution, including Bandcamp, vinyl releases, and direct-to-fan sales. Their withdrawal from Spotify marks one of the most high-profile acts of resistance by an established band in recent years, adding to a growing chorus of artists dissatisfied with the platform’s compensation model.
“We Can’t Support a System That Doesn’t Support Us”
In a statement shared on Instagram, the band wrote:
> “We love making music. We love our fans. But we can’t support a system that doesn’t support us. Streaming, as it stands, benefits corporations far more than it does the people who actually make the music. We’ve decided to pull our catalog from Spotify until the economics of streaming change.”
The statement quickly garnered support from fans and fellow musicians alike. Social media was flooded with messages praising the band’s stance and calling for other artists to take similar actions. Some even likened the move to Neil Young’s 2022 removal of his music from Spotify over COVID misinformation.
Spotify did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the platform has consistently defended its royalty model, claiming it pays over 70% of its revenue to rights holders. However, many independent artists argue that the money rarely reaches the musicians themselves in a meaningful way.
The Economics of Streaming: A Flawed System?
At the core of King Gizzard’s protest lies a contentious issue: artist compensation. On average, Spotify reportedly pays between $0.003 and $0.005 per stream. That means an artist needs roughly 250 streams to earn a single dollar. For smaller and independent musicians, those numbers often fall well short of sustainable income—especially when split between band members, managers, labels, and publishers.
While King Gizzard is by no means a small band—they’ve sold out tours across the globe and boast a dedicated cult following—they’ve consistently advocated for artist-first economics. Their Bandcamp page, for example, often features “pay what you want” pricing models, giving fans the option to directly support their work.
Stu Mackenzie, the band’s frontman and de facto spokesperson, spoke candidly in a recent interview with NME about the decision:
> “We’ve been thinking about this for a long time. It’s not about boycotting technology or being nostalgic for the past. It’s about equity. It’s about sustainability. If we can’t earn a fair living from millions of streams, then something’s broken.”
Fans React: Support and Frustration
Reaction to the announcement was swift. Many longtime fans applauded the move, noting the band’s history of transparency and anti-corporate ethos. “It’s classic Gizz,” one Reddit user commented. “They’ve always done things their way, and this just proves how much they care about the art.”
Others, however, expressed frustration. Spotify remains the most convenient way for many listeners to access music, and King Gizzard’s discography—sprawling and diverse—is particularly suited to algorithmic discovery and curated playlists.
“I respect the move, but as a fan, it’s hard,” tweeted one listener. “I use Spotify to listen to them every day, and now I’ll have to find another way. Still, I get it.”
To soften the blow, the band quickly updated their website with direct links to alternate platforms like Bandcamp and YouTube, encouraging fans to follow them elsewhere. They also hinted at a possible new subscription model or “fan club” approach that would give supporters exclusive access to new material, rarities, and behind-the-scenes content.
A Ripple Effect?
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are not the first artists to criticize streaming platforms, but their action may inspire others to follow suit. The band’s combination of independence, artistic respect, and global reach gives their decision added weight in the industry.
Musicians like Thom Yorke, Taylor Swift (at one point), and David Crosby have all voiced concerns over streaming royalties. In 2021, the UK Parliament even held hearings to investigate the streaming model, concluding that artists were not fairly compensated and recommending reform.
King Gizzard’s protest could add renewed urgency to these conversations. Music industry analyst Mark Mulligan told Rolling Stone:
> “This is significant because it’s not just a protest—it’s a removal. This is a band with a massive output and international acclaim. If others follow, Spotify will have no choice but to reconsider how it values the people who make the music it profits from.”
A History of Doing Things Differently
This latest action aligns with King Gizzard’s unconventional approach to the music business. They’ve released entire albums for free under open licenses, encouraged fans to remix their music, and even once issued a vinyl pressing challenge—urging fans to make their own physical versions of an album using master files the band provided.
In 2022, they released five albums in a single month, defying traditional release strategies. Their open, community-driven ethos has cultivated one of the most loyal fan bases in modern rock.
And now, with their Spotify exit, they may be spearheading a new kind of digital rebellion—one where artists reclaim their value and redefine the way music is shared and consumed.
What Comes Next?
While the long-term impact of King Gizzard’s decision remains to be seen, the move is already prompting renewed discussion within the music industry. Whether this triggers a larger wave of artist-led exits from Spotify or sparks meaningful change in the streaming model, the band’s decision has made one thing clear: for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, music isn’t just art—it’s activism.
Fans can still access the band’s discography via Bandcamp, YouTube, and other independent platforms. And accord
ing to the band, more music is coming—just not through Spotify.
