Massive Attack Pulls Music From Spotify Over CEO's Military AI Investments

Massive Attack, a celebrated British trip-hop, have pulled their entire catalogue from Spotify, becoming the first major-label act to protest its founder Daniel Ek’s €600 million (Rs 5,700 crore) investment in military AI firm Helsing.

The protest follows revelations that Helsing develops AI battlefield software and military drones, with Ek serving as its chairman. They join artists such as King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Deerhoof, Hotline TNT, and Wu Lyf in removing music from the platform.

In a statement, Massive Attack said their move was independent of the No Music for Genocide campaign, which they also support. That initiative includes over 400 artists who have blocked or restricted their music in Israel.

A Spotify spokesperson said: “Spotify and Helsing are two totally separate companies.” Meanwhile, Helsing responded by clarifying that its technology is used only in Europe to deter Russian aggression in Ukraine, not in Gaza.

While many independent artists have shifted to Bandcamp, Massive Attack cannot due to their major-label contract. Their withdrawal adds momentum to growing calls within the music industry for accountability over ties to military AI.