Massive Attack Withdraws Catalog from Spotify in Objection Against Chief Executive’s Defense AI Funding
The iconic trip-hop act has emerged as the latest musical act – and the first signed to a large label one – to remove their complete discography from Spotify. This move comes in response to CEO Daniel Ek’s investment of €600m in Helsing, a defense technology firm.
Background on Ek’s Investment
Earlier this year, Ek’s investment company Prima Materia headed a capital raise for Helsing. The organization’s platform uses AI systems to analyze battlefield and defense equipment inputs from conflict zones, aiming to influence immediate combat strategies. Helsing furthermore manufactures its proprietary unmanned aerial vehicle, the HX-2. Ek holds the role of the chairman of Helsing.
No Music for Genocide and Broader Campaigns
Massive Attack issued their statement simultaneous with signing up for the recently launched movement named No Music for Genocide. This project involves over 400 artists and record companies who are restricting their content from digital platforms in Israel.
Separate to this effort and in light of the stated major investments by its CEO in a company developing combat drones and AI systems integrated into military jets, Massive Attack have made a separate request to our record company that our music be taken down from the Spotify app in globally.
We believe, the past example of impactful musician protests during the era of segregation and the oppressive policies, atrocities and genocide now being perpetrated by the state of Israel establishes the No Music for Genocide campaign crucial.
In the separate case of Spotify, the monetary pressure that has long been put on artists is now intensified by a conscience issue, whereby the hard-earned money of fans and the artistic work of musicians eventually funds lethal, oppressive technologies.
We will not stay silent.
Change can happen.
The Firm’s Reply
The defense tech firm released a response saying: “Currently we see false claims spreading that Helsing’s technology is deployed in war zones other than Ukraine. This is untrue.
“Our technology is implemented to European countries for defense and for defence against the Russian invasion in Ukraine only.”
Increasing List of Artists Taking Part
The group has joined other groups who have previously withdrawn their music from Spotify, such as Down Under act King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, North American experimental band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, stateside act Hotline TNT, alternative act Deerhoof, and UK-based group Wu Lyf.
In contrast to those artists, Massive Attack will not be able to make available their music on Bandcamp, which is limited to indie acts. Once switching to Bandcamp and making their albums as free-to-download, King Gizzard’s full 27-album collection took the first 27 spots on the site.
Wider Endorsement for the Campaign
The protest campaign also features acts including MJ Lenderman, Amyl and the Sniffers, Rina Sawayama, Jockstrap, KeiyaA, John Glacier, Erika de Casier, Smerz, Wednesday, Nourished by Time, Mike, Yaeji, and Faye Webster. Those involved have either modified their availability regions or asked their publisher to geo-block their music.
Over three decades ago, the evil of apartheid violence fell in South Africa, supported from a distance by public boycotts, actions, and the withdrawal of work by artists. Association with the government was considered unacceptable. In 2025, the identical now applies to the oppressive state of Israel.
Past Actions
The band had earlier established a coalition for musicians advocating in support of the Palestinians, in partnership with renowned figures such as Brian Eno, Kneecap, and Fontaines DC. The goal was to shield musicians from being intimidated into silence or professional repercussions by entities like UK Lawyers for Israel.
On the topic of the alliance, Massive Attack stated: “This joint effort is really about offering some kind of unity to those musicians who are witnessing day after day in a live-streamed horror, but are worried about using their influence to express their horror because of the level of suppression within their industry.”
