Massive Attack have removed their catalogue from Spotify in protest against founder Daniel Ek’s €600m (£520m) investment in Helsing, a military AI company. Helsing develops AI software for battlefield decision-making and produces the HX-2 military drone. Ek also serves as chairman of the firm.
The band cited a “moral and ethical burden” on artists, arguing that revenue from their work ultimately funds lethal technologies. Their action coincides with the No Music for Genocide initiative, in which more than 400 artists and labels are blocking their music from streaming services in Israel.
In a statement, Massive Attack said: “The economic burden that has long been placed on artists is now compounded by a moral and ethical burden, whereby the hard-earned money of fans and the creative endeavours of musicians ultimately funds lethal, dystopian technologies. Enough is more than enough. Another way is possible.”
Spotify responded by stating that the company and Helsing are separate, and that Helsing’s technology is focused on European defence against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Helsing also denied claims that its technology is deployed elsewhere.
Massive Attack join acts such as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Deerhoof, and Wu Lyf in withdrawing music from Spotify over Ek’s investment. Unlike independent acts on Bandcamp, Massive Attack cannot host their music on the platform due to being on a major label.
The band previously formed a syndicate supporting Palestinian artists, alongside Brian Eno, Kneecap, and Fontaines DC, to protect musicians from legal and career threats while speaking out against human rights abuses.
