In a bold move that has captured the attention of music lovers everywhere, Sylvan Esso has unveiled their first new track in three years, titled "WDID." This marks a significant milestone for the duo, as it is also their inaugural release under their own label, Psychic Hotline. You can listen to the track below.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Alongside this new single, Sylvan Esso has made a controversial decision to withdraw their music from the Spotify streaming service. This choice has sparked discussions across the music industry, as many artists are reevaluating their relationships with streaming platforms.
In a statement, band members Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn explained their reasoning: "As we prepare to release new music, we have to decide what we want to be a part of and what we don’t. To that end, with Sylvan Esso being on our own label for the first time, we have decided to remove our music from Spotify. While no solution is perfect, we simply can’t continue to put our life’s work in a store that, in addition to all its other glaring flaws, directly funds war machines." This statement raises important questions about the ethics of music distribution and the responsibilities of artists in the digital age.
Sylvan Esso joins a growing list of artists, including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Xiu Xiu, and Deerhoof, who have also chosen to leave Spotify in light of CEO Daniel Ek's investments in the AI weapons company, Helsing. This trend highlights a significant shift in how artists are approaching their platforms and the implications of their choices.
"WDID" was crafted in the duo's own studio, Betty’s, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with additional production contributions from Jake Luppen. The song features striking visuals created by artists Aaron Anderson and Eric Timothy Carlson. Musically, the track is characterized by an intense energy that flirts with industrial sounds, as Meath poses the thought-provoking question, "What do I do when I run out of money?" while lamenting that "the algorithm only wants my body."
In addition to the digital release, "WDID" will also be available as a physical 12-inch single on January 9th, accompanied by a captivating b-side titled "KEEP ON." This b-side, described as "loose and hypnotic," was developed through a week of improvisation with bassist Daniel Aged and drummer TJ Maiani. Fans can currently pre-order the single online.
Earlier this year, Sylvan Esso collaborated with Maggie Rogers to cover "Anthems For a Seventeen Year-Old Girl" for a tribute album honoring Broken Social Scene's iconic work, "You Forgot It In People." This collaboration showcases the duo's versatility and commitment to celebrating influential music.
As we reflect on Sylvan Esso's bold choices and their new music, it raises an intriguing question: How do you feel about artists pulling their music from major streaming platforms? Is it a necessary stand for artistic integrity, or does it limit accessibility for fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
