Massive Attack have removed their catalogue from Spotify in protest against founder Daniel Ek’s €600m (£520m) investment in Helsing, a military AI company that develops autonomous drones and battlefield technology. The band cited a “moral and ethical burden” on artists whose work indirectly funds lethal technologies.
The announcement coincided with their participation in the No Music for Genocide initiative, where over 400 artists and labels are blocking their music from streaming services in Israel. Massive Attack emphasized that their Spotify action is separate, criticizing Ek’s investment in military technology.
A Spotify spokesperson said the company and Helsing are separate entities, and Helsing stated its technology is deployed solely in Europe for defense against Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Massive Attack join other acts, including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Deerhoof, and Wu Lyf, in removing their music from Spotify due to ethical concerns over Helsing. The band highlighted historical precedents of artist boycotts, comparing their stance to anti-apartheid campaigns, and urged musicians to take meaningful action against the “unspeakable hell being visited upon the Palestinians.”
The band previously formed a syndicate with Brian Eno, Kneecap, and Fontaines DC to support artists facing censorship or legal threats for speaking out on human rights issues.
