The saying goes, “when you do good, you feel good,” and 2020 could certainly use a lot of good. It is a year to take a long hard look at how you’re showing up for not only yourself but others. Taking on issues from climate change to racial and health inequities artists are using their platforms to create more than music. These artists do good with the platforms they’ve created via music.
Rebekah is one of the most in-demand DJs and producers out there, and she’s making noise that stretches beyond the dark, suspenseful techno she’s known to deliver. She recently launched the #ForTheMusic campaign taking a stand against sexual abuse in the dance music community. Check out the Me Too #ForTheMusic open letter, and sign the pledge to end the culture of silence.
It doesn’t have to be Earth Day (April 22) to care for the earth. Bye Bye Plastic Foundation, an initiative founded by BLOND:ISH, aims to free the music industry of single-use plastic by 2025. She and alongside her event partner Liana Hillison recently hosted Abracadabra Festival in partnership with Twitch via AbracadabraTV. The four-day Livestream music festival and environmental fundraiser brought together more 75 artists and featured workshops with environmental thought-leaders and wellness activities. Artists included DJ Snoopadelic (Snoop Dogg), Tycho, Nicole Moudaber, Claude VonStroke and Diplo.
Warung is providing aid to local artists whose work and income have been impacted due to COVID-19. The Boston-based duo breathes new life into old apparel pieces and screen print their logo onto thrift clothes either they’ve purchased or fans send them. This reduces the waste of discarded clothing removing the need to produce new or raw materials. It also cuts down air and water pollution, landfill use, and even greenhouse gas emissions. 10 percent of the shop’s profits are donated to Kiva, a nonprofit organization. It provides relief to entrepreneurs and small businesses impacted by COVID‑19. Warung have been targeting donations to entrepreneurs with arts-focused businesses. As a response to COVID-19, an extra 15 percent of profits are being donated to Boston’s Artist Relief Fund.
Warung have released dance floor-focused grooves on labels including Anjunadeep, Yoshitoshi and Royal Plastic. Their 2019 record “Illusive” (via W&O Street Tracks) landed at #1 on Beatport’s Leftfield House & Techno chart. They’ve received support from Pete Tong, Bicep, Danny Howard, and Anja Schneider. Check out their latest EP Madness.
While not necessarily an artist, the independent Los-Angeles based record label Dim Mak has partnered with Color of Change in their mission for civil rights advocacy. Color of Change is the nation’s largest online racial justice organization. Hosting weekly live streams, their message is loud and clear: stopping racial injustices toward the Black community especially now at a time when racial tensions run high.
Tune in every Tuesday at 5pm PST via Dim Mak’s Twitch channel. The label, founded by Steve Aoki, has released music in punk, indie rock, hardcore, hip hop, and electronic dance music genres.
A “beer for a better future” is what DJ E-Clyps delivered with the limited-release of Junk Ditch Brewing Co.’s “Hyper Local Pale Ale” can. The custom beer can label featured a photo of his from the Fort Wayne protests. The limited-release beer cans’ labels also highlighted two other Black artists in Fort Wayne. “What if we put protest photos on a beer can?,” says E-Clypse. ““Not everyone is going to express themselves by protesting. Taking the movement to a beer can provides local people and businesses with a different way to support the cause.” Proceeds supported the Family & Friends Fund for Southeast Fort Wayne.
Do good, and keep spreading the positive vibes!
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