Alexis Krauss Discusses Artist Struggles and Why Sleigh Bells Can’t Boycott Spotify, Wasserman, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster

Artists face tough choices in the music industry; Alexis Krauss explains why Sleigh Bells can't afford to boycott major companies.

The Reality Behind Boycotting Big Music Companies

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like for artists navigating the tangled web of the music industry, Alexis Krauss from Sleigh Bells recently laid it all out with refreshingly candid honesty. As calls to boycott titans like Wasserman, Spotify, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster gain momentum, Krauss stepped up to share why her band simply can’t take that route — not without risking their very livelihood.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, she addressed the growing movement against these companies, emphasizing the harsh truth that for many mid-tier bands, walking away isn’t an option. It’s a reality check that cuts deep for anyone who’s tried to carve out a career in music while staying true to their values.

The Wasserman Controversy and Artist Reactions

The pressure cooker started boiling when several artists, including Chappell Roan, Water For Your Eyes, and Wednesday, severed ties with talent agency Wasserman. This was after CEO Casey Wasserman was thrust into the spotlight for his email exchanges from 2003 with convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell—decades before her horrifying crimes came to light.

Wasserman later issued a public apology, expressing deep regret over the emails. However, the backlash didn’t subside, with Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast among those calling for his resignation. These revelations stemmed from recently released government files related to the late Jeffrey Epstein’s case.

Alexis Krauss’s Personal Reflection on Industry Ethics

Krauss opened up about her 28 years in the music world, describing the system as “exploitative, morally bankrupt and at times criminal.” She reflected on her early days as a teenager in a band, recalling how her image was digitally altered without consent to make her look thinner—a telling example of the pressures artists endure to fit industry standards.

Despite being part of a band that strives to work ethically and with integrity, she admitted feeling trapped by corporate systems prioritizing profit over people. The urge to “burn it all down” and boycott runs strong, but the financial reality is a different story.

“My band can’t afford to. Our ability to make a living in this industry is dependent on our engagement with these companies. This might not be the case for all artists but for a mid-tier band like ours, I struggle to find a way around it.” — Alexis Krauss

Why Leaving Wasserman Isn’t a Simple Choice

Regarding Wasserman, Krauss shared a nuanced view: while she’d love to leave, loyalty and trust in their agent keep them tied. She emphasized that the agents at Wasserman “are not the villains” and that decisions must consider the well-being of families and artists alike.

She also acknowledged that not every sync deal aligns perfectly with her personal values, yet the income from these deals helps pay for essential things like health insurance for her and her child. For artists barely scraping by, she stresses, it’s unfair to expect them to fix systemic issues singlehandedly.

The Spotify and Ticketmaster Dilemma

The debate extends beyond Wasserman. Many artists have pulled their music from Spotify recently, following revelations about the streaming giant’s financial ties to controversial military tech companies. Meanwhile, Live Nation and Ticketmaster face lawsuits and scrutiny over alleged unfair ticket resale tactics and market dominance.

Krauss expressed a desire to withdraw Sleigh Bells’ music from Spotify and boycott ticketing giants but admitted it’s not feasible. Streaming is a lifeline, and their touring barely breaks even. It’s a stark reminder that, for many musicians, the infrastructure they criticize also keeps them afloat.

Sleigh Bells’ Latest Work and Ongoing Journey

Keeping the focus on their music, Sleigh Bells released their latest album, Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, in April 2025. The album features the energetic single “Wanna Start A Band?” and was supported by a US and Canadian tour last summer.

The Bigger Picture: A Call to Wealthier Artists

Krauss ended her statement by urging more affluent musicians to hold these powerful institutions accountable. “At some point you just don’t need anymore money,” she said, highlighting a divide where some artists can afford to make radical choices that others simply can’t.

Still, her love for her band, bandmate, and their dedicated team fuels her perseverance, even if it means “simultaneously supporting a depraved system.” It’s a complex balancing act many artists face today—navigating personal ethics while fighting to survive.

FAQ

• What companies are artists calling to boycott?
  Wasserman talent agency, Spotify, Live Nation, and Ticketmaster have all faced calls for boycotts due to various controversies.
• Why can’t Sleigh Bells afford to boycott these companies?
  As a mid-tier band, their income and ability to tour depend heavily on these platforms and companies, making it financially impossible to fully divest.
• What was the controversy involving Wasserman’s CEO?
  Casey Wasserman faced backlash over emails from 2003 with Ghislaine Maxwell, a convicted sex trafficker, leading some artists to cut ties with the agency.
• Have other artists removed their music from Spotify?
  Yes, several artists have pulled their music after reports emerged about Spotify’s investment ties to companies involved in military AI and drone tech.
• What legal issues are Ticketmaster and Live Nation facing?
  They have been sued over alleged illegal ticket resale tactics and face criticism for dominating the concert market.

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