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Massive Attack
Warren Du Perez
Massive Attack is the latest artist to pull their music from Spotify in all territories. The trip-hop duo shared the news on Thursday (Sep. 18) via a post on their Instagram.
The group announced they were a part of the ‘No Music For Genocide’ initiative which has seen over 400 artists and labels request that their music is removed from DSPs (digital service platforms) in Israel. Joining them include artists Faye Webster, Arca, MIKE, Japanese Breakfast and more.
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The duo’s statement then adds that they have requested that Universal Music Group remove their music from Spotify in all territories, owing to reported investments made by the streaming service’s CEO Daniel Ek through his investment fund Prima Materia. Since 2021, Prima Materia has been investing in Helsing, a defense company that sells AI software to inform military decisions.
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The band wrote, “Unconnected to this initiative & in light of the (reported) significant investments by its CEO in a company producing military munition drones & Al 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 band has released a number of LPs via Universal’s Virgin Records, including 1991’s Blue Lines and 1997’s Mezzanine; their last album, Heligoland, was released in 2010. Universal Music has been approached for comment on the request. At time of press, the group’s music remains on the service.
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The group’s statement provided additional context for their decision to join the No Music For Genocide initiative. “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,” the group wrote.
“In the separate 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 ultimately funds lethal, dystopian technologies. Enough is more than enough. Another way is possible.”
Massive Attack are the latest act to withdraw their music from Spotify, following King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Xiu Xiu, Hotline TNT and more.
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