FEATURE:
Cease and Resist
PHOTO CREDIT: Anderson Santos/Pexels
Are Enough Artists Speaking Out Against Injustices and Evils in the World?
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EARLIER this week…
PHOTO CREDIT: Pok Rie/Pexels
Nadine Shah took to social media to say that she does not care whether her career is damaged or she loses fans because of her support for Palestinians and her repeated calls for a permanent ceasefire. This genuine anger and passion that she holds. Someone who wants an end to slaughter and this vile evil. It seems like a natural reaction we all should take. That said, when you are in the public eye or in an industry like music, there is a risk about speaking out and up. Even though it should not lead to fans reacting negatively or labels getting upset, it sometimes can be the way. It is not even a political statement or side: it is a stance for humanity and one against genocide. Fans took to social media to support Shah and her post. At a time when we are seeing some of the most horrific and disturbing genocide and destruction on a daily basis, it made me wonder why there is not a louder chorus out there. On a positive side, artists are pulling out of Download and Latitude. They also pulled out of The Great Escape in May. The reason is that Barclays are among the sponsors of these festivals. The bank is investing in companies associated with the Israeli military. It has made them (Barclays) targets. You can read more here. It is good that artists are taking a stand. After seeing Nadine Shah’s post and her continued commitment to end the genocide and call for change, artists are choosing missing out on a festival slot because of their objection to Barclays and their connections with Israel. At least there is that sense of defiance and moral stance. I do wonder whether artists need to be more vocal.
It is great that artists are standing strong. I do feel more artists should be doing more. Using their social media platforms to highlight what is happening in Gaza. It is not just the genocide there that should be highlighted. In terms of rights for the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community. The continued hatred against the transgender community. There is also the environmental destruction we are seeing. Throw into the mix the political ineptitude and insanity we are seeing in so many countries (including the U.K.), and you have to wonder whether artists are reacting enough. Of course, there are some that are speaking out. Big names in music such as Dua Lipa have called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Others call out politicians and ensure that their voices are heard. Consider the size of the industry and how urgent it is to do something. We are seeing people take to the streets in protest. In other areas, there is a lot of discourse and action. Aside from some festival withdrawals, is there enough anger and discussion?! One reason why Nadine Shah’s post was so startling and impassioned is that she must have been getting some heat and flack given her protest and disgust. Is there too big a risk for artists doing this?! Shah is someone who puts principles above fans’ reaction or her career. I know SPRINTS, Massive Attack and Annie Lennox have shown their support for those affected in Gaza. However, you have to wonder why many artists are either silent or, when it comes to action, not doing quite enough. You cannot force anyone, I know. It is a lot. Even so, things are so horrifying and bleak now! It is important that the industry speaks up. Not only in calling for an instant and permanent ceasefire. There is so much political turmoil, discrimination and misogyny that also is perhaps not being tackled and spotlighted.
PHOTO CREDIT: Marta Branco/Pexels
Some of the risk factors includes fans retracting support for an artist. They might also be abusive too. It can have a huge impact on the artist’s health. Labels might also feel that any protest or personal statement might be political. Something that risks dividing fans and maybe damaging their chances of radio play. It is tough for all artists to maintain a living. They have to please fans, get gigs, get airtime and also sell units. There is so much to balance. Many do not share political opinions because it might alienate some fans. It can be risky. Even if voicing anger and upset at the situation afflicting Palestinians is not political, there are some who feel it is not an artist’s place to get involved. That they should only be focusing on music and not this. I feel we have reached a point when there is no turning back in that respect. Why are more not breaking ranks and taking risks for something that is far bigger than music?! It is not that artists do not care. Even if politicians call it a ‘conflict’ or ‘war’, and our world leaders are sick and pathetic, as they either show sympathy towards Israel or do not call out genocide, artist are better than that! So many news channels talk about this ‘war’ and are covering it like Israel is being affected and should be cared about. They are not getting angry or doing the right thing. It is a callous and horrible thing to see nobody in the media or politics with any real shred of decency and humanity. It means that artists need to show their superiority and use their voices now. It is not really good enough to stay silent. As I say, things beyond the genocide. Politics, the environment, the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community, women’s equality and more. I can appreciate it is very hard for them to potentially take such a risk and strike out and show their hurt. To call out for change and everyone to do the same. We are at a moment when everyone throughout the music industry needs…
PHOTO CREDIT: cottonbro studio
TO show their anger!