In protest of founder and CEO Daniel Ek’s military investments, Massive Attack have joined a growing number of artists removing their music from Spotify.
The trip hop duo of Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall follow in the footsteps of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Deerhoof, and Xiu Xiu who’ve pulled their music catalogue from the streaming giant’s platform. Based on a “moral and ethical burden” in relation to Ek’s Prima Materia’s investments in the defense company Helsing, the company that develops military strike drones, underwater surveillance systems, and artificial intelligence software designed to enhance weapons systems and improve battlefield decision-making.
Taking to social media, the Massive Attack statement reads:
“In light of the (reported) significant investments by [Spotify’s] CEO in a company producing military munition drones and AI technology integrated into fighter aircraft, Massive Attack have made a separate request to our label that our music be removed from the Spotify streaming service in all territories.” “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 endeavors of musicians ultimately funds lethal, dystopian technologies.” “Enough is more than enough. Another way is possible.”
Claiming that their tech is “deployed in war zones other than Ukraine,” on Thursday (9.18.25), Helsing said misinformation was being spread, and a statement on the company’s website read:
“Currently we see misinformation spreading that Helsing’s technology is deployed in war zones other than Ukraine. This is not correct. Our technology is deployed to European countries for deterrence and for defence against the Russian aggression in Ukraine only.”
In protest, King Gizzard shifted their catalogue to Bandcamp, telling their fans:
“Hello friends. A PSA to those unaware: Spotify CEO Daniel Ek invests millions in AI military drone technology. We just removed our music from the platform. Can we put pressure on these Dr. Evil tech bros to do better? Join us on another platform.”
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Phillennium – Public Domain