Bristol-based band Massive Attack has requested that their music be removed from Spotify, protesting investments made by its founder, Daniel Ek, in a defence company producing military drones and AI technology.
The band have also asked that Universal Music Group withdraw their work from all streaming services in Israel, as part of the broader “No Music for Genocide” campaign.
According to the band, Ek invested approximately €700 million (£518 million) in Münich-based firm Helsing through his venture capital fund. Helsing, the band says, produces artificial intelligence systems used in military decision-making and has expanded into manufacturing drones, aircraft, and submarines following Ek’s investment.
The removal from Spotify is separate from the request to withdraw from streaming in Israel. By targeting Spotify, Massive Attack are objecting to what they term “significant investments by its CEO” in defence industry tech. Meanwhile, the Israel request is in direct response to the country’s conduct in Gaza, with Massive Attack aligning themselves with “No Music for Genocide,” a campaign also backed by Irish rap group Kniecap among others.
Support authors and subscribe to content
This is premium stuff. Subscribe to read the entire article.
