The music industry is taking a day to pause and raise awareness about all the mishaps that are occurring in America. The world is being shaken to its core and musicians from different parts of the world are speaking out and standing in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. It’s been decades since we’ve had such riots and loitering like this take place in the most prominent streets of America. But enough is enough. Emotions are flying high right now as violence is erupting due to George Floyd’s murder, frustration, anger, and an unjust system. Big-named artists and label companies have broken their silence and are taking matters into their own hands as the gatekeepers of the culture to speak out and have pledged to join the grassroots campaign. MusicPromoToday has gathered for you a compilation of all these allies vocalizing their truth.
Following the murder of George Floyd and protests that are taking place all across the United States, dozens of music industry members have pledged to join a grassroots campaign to make June 2nd “Black Out Tuesday.”
Black Out Tuesday will be a day where the music industry will disconnect from work and reconnect with the community, using the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused. The campaign is supported by many people like Dirty Hit Records’ Jamie Oborne, the former music director of Hot 97 Karlie Hustle and the host of Beats 1 Ebro Darden.
The first to report about Black Out Tuesday was Variety as they set out this statement.
“a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community” and “an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change.”
“Due to recent events please join us as we take an urgent step of action to provoke accountability and change,” the viral post states.
“As gatekeepers of the culture, it’s our responsibility to not only come together to celebrate the wins, but also hold each other up during a loss.”
Darden wrote on social media in support of Black Out Tuesday, “All of my shows are cancelled. I will air replays of conversations with community activists, politicians and revolutionary music.”
Iconic record labels are also raising their voice and speaking out against the killing of Floyd including Columbia Records, Universal Music Group, Warner Music, Sony Music and many more.
UMG wrote on social media: “In the words of Dr. King, ‘There comes a time when silence is betrayal.’ When you have a responsibility to raise your voice for change. That time has come.”
“There’s no place in this world for hate and violence. In the face of bigotry and prejudice, we’re proud of the way our artists, songwriters and employees have spoken out. At UMG, we’re committed to being a force for constructive change.”
Columbia Records also voiced, “We stand together with the Black community against all forms of racism, bigotry, and violence. Now, more than ever, we must use our voices to speak up and challenge the injustices all around us.”
In addition the record labels, musicians and gospel singers Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond have turned the latest ‘Verzuz’ battle into a healing session during this very frustrating and painful week.
He said “Darkness everywhere, seemingly everywhere.” “Today we pray for light because we have seen too much darkness, from Trayvon to George Floyd. From 100K people dead from Covid … Lord knows we’ve seen too much darkness.”
LL Cool J also delivers an important rap that addresses racisim and the murder of George Floyd.
The rap included: “For 400 years you had your knees on our necks / A garden of evil with no seeds of respect / In America’s mirror all she sees is regret / Instead of letting blood live they begging for blood let.”
You too can participate in the movement by using your voice to speak your opinion and using the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused. Support your favorite artists who are also voice their opinions by streaming their music and understanding this cause. The black community has been entertaining us and occupying the music industry for decades. It’s time we show our support and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters.
In the last decade, we’ve been present during dark times. We’ve vocalized and stood with the black community during black history month, black excellence month, and worked with leaders in the industry who have lost their friends, families, and loved ones due to the unjust system. We at MusicPromoToday stand by in solidarity with our black colleagues, artists, clients, and collaborators in support of the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
Subscribe To Our Music Marketing Newsletter!
News about music marketing strategies to the music business and beyond.
Delivered to your inbox once a week.
