Massive Attack have removed their catalogue from Spotify in protest at founder Daniel Ek’s €600m (£520m) investment in Helsing, a military AI company. Helsing’s technology uses artificial intelligence to analyse battlefield data and inform real-time military decisions, and the company also produces the HX-2 drone. Ek serves as chairman of Helsing.
The band cited a “moral and ethical burden” in which artists’ earnings could indirectly fund lethal technologies. Massive Attack’s move coincides with their support for the No Music for Genocide initiative, a campaign involving over 400 artists blocking their music from streaming services in Israel.
In a statement, the band 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 emphasized that it and Helsing are separate entities, while Helsing said its technology is used for European defense against Russian aggression in Ukraine, not elsewhere.
Massive Attack join other artists, including King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and Deerhoof, in removing music from Spotify over Ek’s investment. Unlike some independent artists, Massive Attack will not be able to host their catalogue on Bandcamp.
The band has previously supported Palestinian artists and formed a syndicate with Brian Eno, Kneecap, and Fontaines DC to protect musicians from censorship or legal threats while speaking out on political issues.
