7am Spotify and the AI arms race
Oct 11, 2025
Liz Pelly, an author and journalist renowned for her work on Spotify and AI, dives deep into Daniel Ek's surprising connections to the military AI sector. She discusses how Spotify's playlist strategy has reshaped music consumption and concerns over AI-generated tracks impacting artists' royalties. The conversation highlights the growing artist backlash against the platform's defense ties, leading to account cancellations. Pelly advocates for user-centric models and direct support options to help independent musicians thrive amidst these challenges.
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Spotify's Ties To The Defense Sector
- Daniel Ek moved from early investment in Helsing to chairing a major AI military firm, showing deeper ties to defense tech.
- Spotify's leadership and hires signal institutional links between the company and the military-industrial complex.
Spotify Was Built From Advertising Roots
- Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon built Spotify from an ad-industry background, not a music-first origin story.
- Promotional narratives positioned them as music saviors despite their advertising roots.
Playlists Became Cultural Gatekeepers
- Spotify's editorial playlists became powerful cultural gatekeepers that shaped music discovery and promotion.
- Internal initiatives like 'perfect fit content' show playlists were also used to commission cheap, curated music.
