A group of Chicago-based musicians have signed an open letter, citing concerns about data privacy, AI, and the company’s business practices. The letter expresses frustration with Spotify’s compensation model for artists, the proliferation of unlabeled AI-generated music, and the company’s algorithm-driven model that relies heavily on user data collection. Despite the CEO’s venture capital investment in a military AI company, the musicians believe they can make a difference by leaving the platform.
Organized by Sam Cantor and Austin Koenigstein, the letter has nearly 70 signees and aims to spark conversations about how music is distributed and listened to. The artists hope that their move will inspire other musicians to take action and challenge the status quo.
In response, Spotify representatives have stated that they will continue to be a platform for artists to find an audience and build a career, citing independent artists as earning more from the service than any other streaming platform. However, multiple signees have expressed concerns about the company’s approach to music, including its prioritization of playlists over albums and use of “ghost artists.”
As AI and personal media consumption become increasingly important, many artists are looking for ways to reclaim control over their work and connect with fans on a more meaningful level. Some believe that by taking action, they can inspire change in the industry.
Key points:
* A group of Chicago-based musicians have signed an open letter criticizing Spotify’s business practices
* Concerns include data privacy, AI, compensation model, algorithm-driven model, and ghost artists
* The move aims to spark conversations about how music is distributed and listened to
* Spotify representatives have defended the company’s approach, citing independent artists’ earnings
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/music/2025/09/25/chicago-musicians-leave-spotify-artificial-intelligence-data-privacy-concerns