Once upon a time there have been a charity event named “Live Aid.” More than 60 highly famously artists and bands like Black Sabbath, The Beach Boys, David Bowie, Madonna, Tina Turner and Queen teamed up in favour for fundraising concerts to relief hunger in Ethiopia. 1984, one year before, Jerry Dammers, the singer of the magnificent Special A.K.A. wrote the anti-apartheid-anthem “Free Nelson Mandela”, the South-African politician, whom still have been imprisoned at that time. Not to forget initiatives like “Rock Against Racism” in 1976 or “Rock the Vote” in 1990.

And now? Since Popstars turned into Superstars the vast majority of them gone quiet on almost everything that eventually could be considered at anything that sounds like protest songs. Political statements by prominent artists are hardly to be heard, more or less leaving the stage alone for Ms Taylor Swift, whom at least venture her political opinion and recommendations publicly.

However, meanwhile the music biz evolved into the era of the superstar economy, while western democracies simultaneously exploring the rise of extremist parties and populistic politicians. With this in mind, whom is to blame: Three generations of lawyers as politicians watching too much “House of Cards”, two generations of popstars only making music to become millionaires or just one new generation of single-minded voters trapped in a propaganda bubble on social media?

Moderator: Manfred Tari

Speakers: Ruth Koleva, Ivan Milivojev, Ruud Berends, chaired by Manfred Tari

Westway Lab – April 11, 2024 -Guimarães – Portugal

https://www.westwaylab.com/en/evento/20240411-parliament-of-pop-the-silence-of-the-popstars/

Since multiple crisis are changing the daily life of societies, driving politics and policies in terms of crisis management, it is no surprise that even the shiny little world of pop music is out of tune.
While the media reports on popstars in private jets on short haul flights, simultaneously popstars like Brian Adams, Coldplay, Sting sign an open letter to EU Leaders to adopt laws against the global deforestation. Alternatively, Kanye West joins a dinner with a right winger and the former US-President, not to forget to mention that famous artists in China, Egypt, Russia or Turkey are facing jailtime due to critical comments in their home countries.
With this in mind, how relevant is the matter of engagement aside from music in historic times? Why does artists and the music community should address their audience with different issues than just the pleasure of music in order to make the world a better place? And, what are the benefits and risks of activism by artists and the music community to raise awareness for other topics than just music?
Mit:
Celia Palau-Lodge – Programme Manager – Palestine Music Expo
Rob van Wegen – Sustainbility Manager – ESNS
Benjamin Feyen – General Secretary – CCFG – European Parliament
Moderation: Manfred Tari