Sylvan Esso, the electro-pop duo comprised of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn, recently released their fifth studio album, Ow ∞ (pronounced “ow infinity”), through their own label, Psychic Hotline. The album launched on September 11. A week later, they announced the return of their entire catalog to Spotify on September 18.
In September 2025, Sylvan Esso caught attention by removing their music from Spotify. This decision came after revelations about Spotify’s then-CEO, Daniel Ek, having investments in Helsing, a company involved in designing military weapons systems. The duo was part of a larger movement of indie artists withdrawing from the platform in protest. A year later, they shared insights about their decision to return.
“It was such a fascinating exercise to just do the thing that we thought was morally correct,” Amelia Meath mentioned. “We underestimated the extent to which Spotify touches every aspect of our career.”
NPR’s Brian Burns spoke with Meath and Sanborn about their decision-making process. Both artists expressed pride in their initial protest but acknowledged the challenges it posed to their career. “It became clear that, for us, it just wasn’t sustainable to remain off Spotify,” admitted Sanborn.
The couple reflected on the impact of their protest. While it was financially significant, affecting ticket sales and visibility, it also inspired reflection among their audience. Sanborn noted, “When something isn’t perfect, it gets weaponized against the idea of any action whatsoever. We don’t want that to be our experience of resistance anymore.”
Regarding Spotify’s role in music distribution, Meath recognized its importance in reaching a broader audience. They aimed to eliminate barriers for listeners to access their work. “Spotify touches every aspect, from physical sales to ticket sales,” she explained.
Meath and Sanborn emphasized that their actions weren’t meant to pressure other artists. “For people who give Spotify money, it’s easy to stop giving them money. That’s how change could happen,” Sanborn observed.
When asked about public reaction to their move back to Spotify, they acknowledged possible criticism but valued transparency. “One of the most human things you can do is say that you have changed your mind, and own it,” Meath said.
Finally, they discussed ways fans can support musicians, like buying albums or concert tickets in advance. Sanborn stressed, “Buy a ticket to a show in advance. It’s a huge help for a band.” The duo remains committed to their artistic vision while navigating the complexities of the music industry.