The 1975, Yungblud, Jessie Ware Among UK Artists Uniting To Fight Racism
Released last night, a letter co-signed by hundreds of UK artists, managers, producers and record labels calls for the end of racism and intolerance.
The 1975, Yungblud, Little Mix, and Jessie Ware are just a few of the key players from the UK music scene who have come together to co-sign an urgent call to speak out against racism and intolerance.
A letter, supported by artists, managers, producers and UK record labels such as Universal Music, Warner Music and Sony Music, was released last night, 1 August along with a call-to-action hashtag, #NoSilenceInMusic.
Other artists who have co-signed the letter include: Lily Allen, Nile Rodgers, Sports Team, Mabel, Ella Eyre, Two Door Cinema Club, James Arthur, Clean Bandit, NAO, MNEK, Goldie, Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Naughty Boy, Rita Ora, Tom Misch, Circa Waves, and DJ Yoda.
The collective statement reads as follows:
“We, representatives from the music industry, write to demonstrate and express our determination that love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred, must and will always be our common cause.
“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. We are at our worst when we attack one another.
“Minorities from all backgrounds and faiths have struggled and suffered. From slavery to the Holocaust we have painful collective memories. All forms of racism have the same roots – ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating. 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.
“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.”
Listen to the best of The 1975 on Apple Music and Spotify.
