Yungblud and The 1975 are amongst the hundreds of artists that have signed a new call-to-action letter for an end to racism within the music industry. Released yesterday night (1st August 2020), the letter is a critical plea to dismantle the systematic racism and intolerance immediately, prevalent issues that span previous generations and unfortunately remain ever-present in the modern music world.
Incorporated within the letter is the important hashtag, #NoSilenceInMusic. An apt title, the initiative advocates speaking out against any form of racism, homophobia, transphobia and antisemitism present within the music industry.
Along with being co-signed by hundreds of artists, producers and managers, the #NoSilenceInMusic letter has received support from music label giants Sony Music, Island Records, Warner Music and Universal Music.
The open letter examines the disgusting acts of racism and intolerance towards minorities that the world has witnessed in recent months and the unlawful silence against such awful acts. The letter states: “In recent months through a series of events and incidents, the anti-black racists and antisemites, plus those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they clearly want us all to fail. Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division.”
The letter maintains that remaining silent against such issues is advocating the oppression the music industry is trying to wipe out, saying “We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.”
Presenting a pathos of unity through art and standing together against the systematic oppression of minorities, the letter also says “There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender. Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. Through music, education and empathy we can find unity. We stand together, to educate and wipe out racism now and for our future generations.” The letter can be read in full here.
Many beloved UK artists, including the Smile hitmaker Lily Allen, pop princess Rita Ora, indie darling Circa Waves and rising stars Sports Team, have displayed allegiance against racism in the industry and co-signed the vital letter. Other industry players that have pledged their support to the #NoSilenceInMusic letter are vocalist Ella Eyre, pop group Years & Years, musician and producer Tom Misch and pop songstress Jess Glynne. The full list of which artists signed the open letter can be found here.
On the 22nd July, indie band The 1975 also showed their support for the WarChild UK, a charity that works to protect children against the negative impacts of the coronavirus crisis. Posting to Instagram, the Manchester quartet showed their support to the charity, and included a direct link to the WarChild UK website to help with donations.
