Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Thursday Band Sparks Uproar Over Spotify's Controversial Ads

10/17/2025

49 4

Summary

Story summary

On October 16, 2025, the New Jersey band Thursday and Epitaph Records opposed Spotify's ICE ads offering $50,000 signing bonuses and called for their removal.
They cited ethical concerns and urged platforms to reflect music-community values.
Spotify said it would not pull the ads, asserting compliance with advertising policies.
The controversy spurred the independent music scene to unite.

1 of 1

Story summary

On October 16, 2025, the New Jersey band Thursday and Epitaph Records opposed Spotify's ICE ads offering $50,000 signing bonuses and called for their removal.
They cited ethical concerns and urged platforms to reflect music-community values.
Spotify said it would not pull the ads, asserting compliance with advertising policies.
The controversy spurred the independent music scene to unite.