✊Music and Social Protest Unit 11 – 21st Century Protest Music: Modern Movements

Key Themes and Movements

• 21st century protest music addresses a wide range of social, political, and economic issues including racial injustice, gender inequality, climate change, and globalization
• Black Lives Matter movement has been a major catalyst for protest music, with artists using their platforms to speak out against police brutality and systemic racism (Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé)
• Women's rights and empowerment have been central themes, with female artists challenging gender norms and advocating for equality (Pussy Riot, Janelle Monáe)
  • Songs often tackle issues such as sexual harassment, reproductive rights, and the gender pay gap
• Environmental activism has gained prominence, with artists raising awareness about climate change and promoting eco-friendly practices (Billie Eilish, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez)
• LGBTQ+ rights have been championed by artists who identify as part of the community or as allies, promoting acceptance and equality (Sam Smith, Troye Sivan)
• Economic inequality and the wealth gap have been addressed, with artists criticizing capitalist systems and advocating for fair wages and worker rights (Rage Against the Machine, The Coup)

Historical Context and Influences

• 21st century protest music builds upon the legacy of earlier movements such as the Civil Rights era, anti-war protests of the 1960s, and the punk rock revolution of the 1970s and 80s
• Technological advancements, particularly the rise of social media and streaming platforms, have transformed the way protest music is created, distributed, and consumed
  • Artists can now reach a global audience instantly and engage with fans directly
• Political events such as the 9/11 attacks, the Iraq War, and the election of Donald Trump have served as catalysts for protest music, inspiring artists to speak out against injustice and oppression
• The influence of hip-hop and rap has been significant, with the genres' emphasis on storytelling, social commentary, and political activism shaping contemporary protest music (Kendrick Lamar, Run the Jewels)
• Folk and singer-songwriter traditions continue to play a role, with artists drawing on the protest songs of the past to address current issues (Bob Dylan, Joan Baez)
• Globalization has led to increased cultural exchange, with artists incorporating diverse musical styles and collaborating across borders to create protest music with international appeal (M.I.A., Tinariwen)

Notable Artists and Songs

• Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, with its message of resilience and hope in the face of adversity
• Beyoncé's visual album "Lemonade" explored themes of black womanhood, infidelity, and empowerment, while her performance at the 2016 Super Bowl paid homage to the Black Panthers
• Childish Gambino's "This Is America" critiqued gun violence, racism, and the commodification of black culture through its provocative music video and lyrics
• Janelle Monáe's "Americans" celebrated diversity and called for unity, while challenging the notion of the "American dream"
  • Her album "Dirty Computer" explored themes of identity, sexuality, and oppression
• Pussy Riot, a Russian feminist punk rock group, has been known for their guerrilla performances and political activism, often facing arrest and imprisonment for their protests against Vladimir Putin's regime
• Run the Jewels, a hip-hop duo consisting of Killer Mike and El-P, has addressed issues such as police brutality, systemic racism, and economic inequality in their music ("Walking in the Snow," "Close Your Eyes (And Count to Fuck)")

Musical Styles and Techniques

• 21st century protest music encompasses a diverse range of genres, including hip-hop, rock, pop, folk, and electronic music
• Sampling and remixing have become common techniques, allowing artists to recontextualize existing music and create new meanings (The Avalanches, Girl Talk)
  • Samples from speeches, news broadcasts, and other political audio are often incorporated to enhance the message
• Electronic production and digital manipulation have expanded the sonic palette, enabling artists to create immersive and experimental soundscapes that reflect the urgency and chaos of modern times (Anohni, Oneohtrix Point Never)
• Collaborative projects and features have become more prevalent, with artists from different genres and backgrounds coming together to create powerful statements (Beyoncé's "Lemonade," Kendrick Lamar's "To Pimp a Butterfly")
• Live performances and music videos have become increasingly important as platforms for protest, with artists using visual elements, choreography, and staging to convey their messages (Childish Gambino's "This Is America," Beyoncé's Super Bowl performance)
• Acoustic and stripped-down arrangements have also been employed to create intimate and emotionally resonant protest songs (John Legend's "Glory," Lady Gaga's "Til It Happens to You")

Lyrical Content and Messaging

• 21st century protest music often employs direct and confrontational language to address social and political issues head-on
• Storytelling and personal narratives are used to humanize the experiences of marginalized communities and create empathy among listeners (Kendrick Lamar's "FEAR.," Janelle Monáe's "Django Jane")
  • These narratives often draw from the artists' own lives and the experiences of those around them
• Metaphors, allegories, and symbolism are employed to convey complex ideas and emotions, allowing for multiple interpretations and encouraging deeper engagement with the music (Childish Gambino's "This Is America," Beyoncé's "Formation")
• Calls to action and messages of empowerment are common, urging listeners to take a stand against injustice and work towards positive change (Kendrick Lamar's "Alright," Janelle Monáe's "Americans")
• Intersectionality is often explored, with artists addressing the ways in which different forms of oppression (such as racism, sexism, and classism) intersect and compound each other (Beyoncé's "Lemonade," Pussy Riot's "Make America Great Again")
• Humor, irony, and satire are sometimes used to critique and subvert dominant power structures, exposing their absurdities and contradictions (The Coup's "The Guillotine," Run the Jewels' "Talk to Me")

Digital Age Impact and Distribution

• The rise of streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube has made protest music more accessible than ever, allowing artists to reach a global audience instantly
  • This has democratized the music industry and empowered independent artists to share their messages without relying on traditional gatekeepers
• Social media has become a crucial tool for artists to engage with fans, share their music, and mobilize support for causes they care about
  • Platforms like Twitter and Instagram allow artists to communicate directly with their followers and participate in online activism
• Viral marketing and online challenges have been used to spread protest music and its messages, with fans creating their own content and remixes to amplify the impact (Childish Gambino's "This Is America" dance challenge, Kendrick Lamar's "DNA." remix contest)
• Crowdfunding and direct-to-fan sales have enabled artists to finance their protest music projects independently, bypassing traditional record labels and maintaining creative control (Amanda Palmer, Residente)
• The digital age has also facilitated collaborations between artists from different parts of the world, allowing for the creation of global protest anthems that transcend borders and languages (Pussy Riot's collaborations with international artists, M.I.A.'s "Borders")

Global Reach and Cultural Exchange

• 21st century protest music has a global reach, with artists from around the world addressing issues that resonate with audiences across borders
• The internet and social media have facilitated cultural exchange, allowing artists to learn from and collaborate with their peers in other countries
  • This has led to the incorporation of diverse musical styles, instruments, and languages into protest music
• Translation and subtitling of protest songs have made them accessible to non-native speakers, expanding their potential impact and fostering international solidarity (Residente's "Latinoamérica," DAM's "Meen Erhabe?")
• Protest music has played a role in global social movements, such as the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, and the Hong Kong protests, serving as a unifying force and a means of expressing collective grievances (Emel Mathlouthi's "Kelmti Horra," Denise Ho's "Raise the Umbrella")
• International music festivals and events have provided platforms for protest artists to share their messages with diverse audiences and build networks of support (Glastonbury Festival, WOMAD)
• The global reach of protest music has also led to increased scrutiny and censorship in some countries, with artists facing persecution, imprisonment, or exile for their work (Pussy Riot in Russia, Tiken Jah Fakoly in Ivory Coast)

Legacy and Ongoing Influence

• 21st century protest music builds upon and extends the legacies of earlier movements, drawing inspiration from the civil rights era, anti-war protests, and punk rock revolution
• Contemporary protest artists often pay homage to their predecessors, covering classic protest songs or collaborating with veteran activists and musicians (Mavis Staples, Neil Young)
  • This intergenerational exchange helps to keep the spirit of resistance alive and relevant
• The influence of 21st century protest music can be seen in the work of younger artists, who continue to push boundaries and address social issues in their music (Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Keedron Bryant)
• Protest music has inspired and galvanized social movements, providing anthems and rallying cries for activists on the ground (Kendrick Lamar's "Alright" at Black Lives Matter protests, Pussy Riot's "Make America Great Again" at Women's Marches)
• The themes and messages of 21st century protest music have permeated popular culture, sparking conversations and debates beyond the realm of music (Childish Gambino's "This Is America" and its commentary on race relations)
• As social and political issues continue to evolve, so too will protest music, adapting to new challenges and finding innovative ways to resist oppression and promote change
  • The ongoing influence of 21st century protest music lies in its ability to inspire, educate, and mobilize people towards a more just and equitable world