Sylvan Esso Unveils First New Track in Three Years, Withdraws from Spotify

## Sylvan Esso’s New Single and Bold Move

Electro-pop duo Sylvan Esso has made a significant comeback with their first single in three years. Released under their new label, Psychic Hotline, they have also announced their decision to remove their music from Spotify.

### The Urgency of “WDID”

The new track, titled “WDID,” delivers a powerful burst of agit-pop, characterized by intense synths and driving drums. Vocalist Amelia Meath delivers a poignant message: “It’s the northern lights/It’s wreckage all around/It’s a genocide/It’s a Burger King crown/It’s happening/It’s happening/It’s happening now.”

This assertive message aligns with Sylvan Esso’s choice to withdraw their music from Spotify. This decision stems partly from concerns over the platform’s co-founder, Daniel Ek, and his connections to Helsing, a defense technology firm known for its focus on artificial intelligence. Other artists, such as Massive Attack and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, have also stepped away from Spotify for similar reasons.

### A Stand for Artistic Integrity

In a statement, Sylvan Esso said, “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 directly funds war machines.”

“WDID” marks their first release since 2022, following their fourth studio album, *No Rules Sandy*. The duo has spent the past year collaborating on new material, although specifics remain under wraps. Fans can expect a physical version of “WDID,” with a 12-inch single expected to drop on January 9. This release will feature the b-side track “Keep On,” featuring contributions from bassist Daniel Aged and drummer TJ Maiani.

### Celebrating Milestones

Last year, Sylvan Esso honored the 10th anniversary of their self-titled debut album with a reissue that included eight new tracks. They also created a remix of the Postal Service’s classic, “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight.”

Are you excited to hear Sylvan Esso’s new sound as they embrace their independence?