Sylvan Esso has restored its catalog to Spotify after a year-long protest over founder Daniel Ek‘s military technology investments, with singer Amelia Meath saying the duo could not sustain the absence financially.
The North Carolina electro pop duo pulled its music from the platform last year and was among several artists to do so. In an Instagram video, Meath said leaving Spotify has “felt really good, it’s also been incredibly hard.”
“Here is what I want you to know,” Meath said. “Our political views have not changed. We do not want to support the business of war […] but I’d rather you didn’t listen to our music on there. Please don’t.”
“I still really believe in the decision to take our music off of there, and we just can’t figure out how to keep it off right now,” Meath said. “I get that Spotify is where 82% of streaming happens, but I don’t like it. […] And I’m really frustrated, but this is the reality. This is the financial reality right now.”
Meath thanked fans who continued to support the band after the catalog was removed and pointed listeners to Bandcamp, Qobuz, Subvert, and local record stores. Sylvan Esso is scheduled to perform tonight at Rough Trade East in London, with another show at a secret location later this week.
