Exposing Modern Activism in Music

The “golden era” of rock music, consisted of artists using their music as a potent tool for rebellion and societal reform, leaving a mark on the cultural landscape. However, as music continued to develop the activism that once came with rock music has waned in the modern era. Now fewer artists, to almost none, use their platforms for social change and activism. But some people may not agree with this. There are people out there who believe that musicians have continued to remain engaged in activism through evolved methods.  

To these people, the spirit of activism remains strong within the music they listen to and the creators of their favorite songs. Mostly through the creators or their favorite songs as activism is now mostly seen through social media campaigns rather than protest anthems. According to The Fox Magazine, “Vic Mensa…is giving back to his roots by using his platform to address the lack of fresh water in parts of Ghana.” While Mensa is speaking out for the people of Ghana, he is doing this through his platform. Since the “golden era” of rock consisted of people speaking through their music, this is something different to see. Now a lot of artists continue to use their social media platforms to not only speak up, but to light a path for the people who are voiceless in society. In this case, it is the people of Ghana.  

Social media is a major outlet for modern musicians to use their voices, but some even take it on stage to live audiences. At the 2024 Grammys, Phoebe Bridgers of the band ‘Boygenius’ spoke out against the former CEO of the Grammys. In the article, by x96 news, the author says, “Not only did Bridgers criticize… she also highlighted the sexual assault allegations Portnow faces, bluntly telling him to “rot in piss.” Heavy with implications, this response underscores a fierce stance against sexism within Boygenius.” Bridgers speaking out onstage was shocking to most as it was the Grammys, but she was applauded over her efforts to speak up for the people who again, do not have the voice, power, or opportunity to do so.  

However, upon closer examination, the assertion crumbles. While it may be true that a lot of modern musicians use their platforms to talk about the issues that are now present in the modern world, the depth that these artists go to with their engagements is not enough in comparison to the revolutionary changes that were witnessed during the “golden era” of rock. Activism today often feels performative or done for personal gain rather than the raw energy and commitments that helped characterize the protests of the past. For example, in 2020 when the Black Lives Matter movement was at its peak, a lot of celebrities took to their social media to speak out. Amongst these celebrities were a handful of modern musicians. In an article, by The Epitaph, some of these musicians are listed, including but not limited to “…Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Drake…” These three musicians participated in something that was called “black out Tuesday.” It was a trending hashtag across multiple platforms where people would post a black square. For this movement, the black square did nothing. It was all performative.  

Much of the “golden era” was spent influencing supporters to help make changes in the society that everyone lived in. Music was the main contender and it spoke to the listeners. Musicians cared what they were writing about and told their followers to make a difference in the world they lived in. For example, there were a lot of the “protest anthems” during the time of the Vietnam War. Many did not know what the war was about or how it was being approached, but music made that much of a difference. People listened and understood that it was not something they approved of. One major example out of many is, John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance.” He had a major following and released this to speak to his audience.  

The debate surrounding performative activism in the music industry is complex and multifaceted. While some modern musicians have been applauded and appreciated for their genuine concern and commitment to social justice causes and their impactful activism, others have faced criticism for engaging in performative gestures that prioritize publicity over genuine advocacy. Overall, the “golden era” of rock is what had major effects on the social injustices surrounding the world.  

Works Cited

Garn, T. (2024, February 15). Boygenius dismantles industry misogynist at Grammys. X96. https://x96.com/news/boygenius-dismantles-industry-misogynist-at-grammys/#:~:text=Not%20only%20did%20Bridgers%20criticize,stance%20against%20sexism%20within%20boygenius.

Penalosa, D. (n.d.). Performative activism does more harm than good. The Epitaph. https://hhsepitaph.com/12077/arts-culture/performative-activism-does-more-harm-than-good/

Smith, C. (2023, February 10). 4 modern day artists who use their music to speak on real-world issues. The Fox Magazine. https://thefoxmagazine.com/music/4-modern-day-artists-who-use-their-music-to-speak-on-real-world-issues/