Massive Attack pull music from Spotify over founder’s defence ties

The Bristol -based Massive Band, its headquarters, requested that their music be removed from Spotify, in protest against the investments made by its founder, Daniel Ek, at a defense company that produces military birds and artificial intelligence technology.

The band also requested that the Global Music Group withdraw its work from all broadcasting services in Israel, as part of the broader “no music for the group’s genocide”.

According to the band, EK has invested approximately 700 million euros (518 million pounds) at Helsing, based in Münich through the Investment Capital Fund. The band says Heling is producing artificial intelligence systems used to make military decisions and expanded in manufacturing drones, aircraft and submarines after EK investments.

Remove from Spotify is separate from the withdrawal request from broadcasting in Israel. By targeting Spotify, the massive attack objects to what is described by “major investments by CEO” in the defense industry technology. Meanwhile, Israel’s request for a direct response to the country’s behavior in Gaza, with a tremendous attack that corresponds to “no music for genocide”, a campaign supported by the Irish rap group KNIECAP and others.

The band previously used its public platform to submit ethical requirements, including when they stopped working with their agent for a long time on a controversy that includes KneeCAP, and when a concert was only organized after the sponsor removed the brand -related companies or fossil fuel societies.

Spotify’s founder and CEO, Daniel Eyk, has been pressured since 2021 in Helsing is a violent decline. This year, he spoke to the Financial Times, acknowledged criticism but stated that he believed that investments are appropriate and moral in the context of the European defense. “

A huge attack citing the legacy of artists during the South African chapter, a race for their position, claiming that the situation in Israel constitutes “war crimes and genocide” suitable for a strong protest.

In a statement on Instagram, the band said: “to support the” No Music for Genocide “initiative … We have made an official request to our registration mark … that our music be removed … in the Israel region. Not connected to this … and in light … investments by the CEO … we have submitted a separate request … that our music be available from the Spling Serferies service in all residence.”

The band’s demands raise difficult questions for broadcasting platforms, marks and investors about the intersection of commercial interests, ethical perceptions and the artist’s freedom. If the Universal has ended to the request, this step may be a precedent for other artists who want to block the content on moral or political concerns. For Spotify, the issue adds to a growing group of differences on corporate governance and investment ethics.