B05 - Social Media, Social Movements, and Online Advocacy
Activism in the Music Industry
Activism has been intertwined with the music industry for a long time. For decades, artists have used their platforms to advocate for social and political change. The 1960s are widely recognized as a period of cultural shifts, and the music industry played its role in the change. But musicians have continued to align themselves with social justice movements. In the 70s, musicians like John Lennon and Marvin Gaye continued to fight for change. The 80s saw LiveAid, a first-of-its-kind, double-venue benefit concert seen by an estimated 1.9 billion people across 150 countries. Queen, David Bowie, Elton John, U2, Paul McCartney, Tracy Chapman, and many more musical acts showed their support and performed, helping to raise over $100 million for famine relief for African nations. In the 90s, riot grrrls were making feminist punk, grunge took an anti-establishment stance, and rappers questioned culture within the hip-hop genre.
Musicians like Bob Dylan, Nina Simone, and John Lennon helped define eras of activism, while contemporary artists such as Billie Eilish and Killer Mike continue the tradition through their lyrics, performances, and public statements. Musicians like Lady Gaga and Chappell Roan advocate for the LGBTQ+ community; Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar advocate for the black community; Taylor Swift and Lizzo advocate for feminism and women in music. Social media has further amplified artists' voices, allowing them to mobilize fans instantly and raise awareness about global issues. As long as there is social injustice, musicians and artists will be a community in support of social activism.
However, activism in the music industry is not without challenges. Some artists face backlash for their views, while others are accused of “performative activism.” And of course, the industry's corporate structure often complicates genuine efforts for change. Despite these challenges, music remains a powerful force in activism.
60s & 70s — Influential Songs & Artists
The 1960s and 1970s were a defining era for social activism in the music industry, with artists using their platforms to challenge war, racism, sexism, and government corruption. It was mainly the genres of folk, rock, and soul where musicians led the charge, writing anthems that inspired movements and mobilized change.
Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind (1963) and The Times They Are A-Changin’ (1964) became rallying cries for civil rights and anti-war activists. Nina Simone’s Mississippi Goddam (1964) directly addressed racial injustice in the South, while Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On (1971) tackled war and poverty. Joan Baez and Pete Seeger also played major roles in the folk movement, performing at protests advocating for racial equality.
Chappell Roan’s Advocacy for Developing Artists
A recent example of activism within the music industry is Chappell Roan’s advocacy for small artists and the systemic challenges they face. During her acceptance speech for Best New Artist at the 2025 Grammys, Roan took the opportunity to highlight the lack of financial support and healthcare for developing artists. Recounting her own experience of being dropped by a label without job experience or insurance, Roan emphasized the need for record labels to provide a livable wage and healthcare to their artists.
In her speech, Roan stated: “I told myself if I ever won a Grammy, and I got to stand up here in front of the most powerful people in music, I would demand that labels, and the industry profiting millions of dollars off of artists, would offer a liveable wage and healthcare, especially to developing artists.” Roan spoke out of her own experience being signed as a minor and later dropped by her label in the midst of the pandemic, with no job experience and no way to afford healthcare. “It was so devastating to feel so committed to my art, and feel so betrayed by the system,” Roan said.
She ended her speech with a question that artists have been asking for years:
“Labels, we got you, but do you got us?”
Though Roans rhetoric gained applause at the event and online, some were unimpressed by her call-to-action. Former label executive Jeff Rabhan criticized her stance, claiming Roan “...hasn’t lived in the industry long enough to understand its intricate workings,” despite Roan first being signed to a label a decade ago. Rabhan additionally suggested that true industry involvement requires significant personal investment. In response, Roan pledged $25,000 to support struggling artists who had been dropped by their labels, and challenged Rabhan to match her donation via Instagram story. Her second story posted read: “Mr. Rabhan I love how in the article you said ‘put your money where your mouth is’ Genius !!! Let’s link and build together and see if you can do the same.”
Quickly after Roan’s Instagram posts, musicians Noah Kahn and Charli XCX both matched her donation amount of $25,000 to developing artists. This is a prime example of social media's role in amplifying social rights issues.
