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-driven battlefield systems and drones, with Ek serving as chairman. The band cited a “moral and ethical burden” on artists whose work ultimately funds lethal technologies.
The announcement coincided with the band joining the No Music for Genocide initiative, a campaign involving over 400 artists and labels blocking their music from streaming services in Israel. Massive Attack emphasized that their Spotify action is separate, driven by objection to Ek’s investment in military AI.
Spotify stated that the company and Helsing are entirely separate and that Helsing’s technology is deployed solely for defense in Europe, particularly against Russian aggression in Ukraine. Helsing also denied involvement in any other conflict zones.
Massive Attack join other acts—including King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Hotline TNT, Deerhoof, and Wu Lyf—in removing music from Spotify over Helsing ties. Unlike independent artists, Massive Attack cannot host their catalogue on Bandcamp.
The band highlighted historical parallels with anti-apartheid boycotts, calling for musicians to take a stand against what they describe as the “genocidal state of Israel,” and encouraging collective action to support Palestinian rights.
