Spotify And Helsing Respond To Massive Attack Pulling Music From Streaming
"Massive Attack have made a seperate (sic) request to our label that our music be removed from the Spotify streaming service in all territories," the group wrote on social media last week.
Massive Attack (Source: Supplied)
Both Spotify and German defence technology company Helsing have responded to Massive Attack’s recent comments upon their decision to remove music from the streaming service.
Massive Attack first announced their decision to exit the platform last week, sharing a statement on social media which noted that in support of the No Music For Genocide initiative, “Massive Attack have made a formal request to our record label (Universal Music Group) that our music be removed from all DSP streaming services in the territory of Israel.”
“Unconnected to this initiative & in light of the (reported) significant investments by it's CEO in a company producing military munition drones & Al technology intergrated (sic) into fighter aircraft, Massive Attack have made a seperate (sic) request to our label that our music be removed from the Spotify streaming service in all territories,” they added.
The move echoed King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s recent exodus from the streaming giant due to CEO Daniel Ek’s position as Chairman of Helsing, which invests in AI military drone technology.
In addition to his position at Helsing, it was reported earlier this year that Ek’s investment company, Prima Materia, held a €600 million (£446 million) investment in Helsing.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
“In our view, the historic precedent of effective artist action during apartheid South Africa and the apartheid, war crimes and genocide now being committed by the state of Israel renders the ‘No Music For Genocide’ campaign imperative,” Massive Attack continued.
“In the seperate (sic) case of Spotify, the economic burden that has long been placed on artists is now compounded by a moral & ethical burden, whereby the hard-earned money of fans & the creative endeavours of musicians ulitmately (sic) funds lethal, dystopian technologies.
“Enough is more than enough,” they closed. “Another way is possible.”
In the wake of their post, Helsing themselves issued a statement in an attempt to correct the “misinformation” surrounding the company’s activities.
“Currently we see misinformation spreading that Helsing’s technology is deployed in war zones other than Ukraine,” they wrote. “This is not correct.
“Our technology is deployed to European countries for deterrence and for defence against the Russian aggression in Ukraine only.”
On Massive Attack’s Instagram post, a comment was also left by the official @SpotifyForArtists account which aimed to point out a distinction between the streaming service and the defence company.
“Hi, Joe here from Spotify. I want to clarify a few things,” the comment began. “Spotify and Helsing are two totally separate companies. And while I can’t speak for Helsing, I’m well aware they’re not involved in Gaza.
“I know because I had the same questions myself, and asked. Helsing’s efforts are focused on Europe defending itself in Ukraine. If you want to talk about Spotify and royalty payouts, happy to have a conversation. Thank you for hearing me out.”
At the time of publication, Massive Attack’s music is still available for streaming on Spotify in Australia and the band have made no further public comment in regard to their efforts to exit the service.
More From Our Network
