✊Music and Social Protest Unit 12 – Tech and Social Media in Protest Music

What's This Unit About?

• Explores the intersection of technology, social media, and protest music in the modern era
• Examines how advancements in tech have revolutionized the creation, distribution, and impact of protest songs
• Delves into the role of social media platforms in amplifying the reach and influence of protest music
• Investigates the historical context and evolution of protest music alongside technological developments
• Analyzes case studies of viral protest songs that have sparked global movements and raised awareness about social issues
• Discusses the democratization of music production and the empowerment of independent artists through accessible tech tools
• Highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding the use of tech and social media in protest music
• Explores future trends and the potential impact of emerging technologies on the landscape of protest music

Key Concepts and Terms

• Protest music: Songs that address social, political, or economic issues and aim to inspire change or raise awareness
• Viral songs: Tracks that gain widespread popularity and reach through rapid sharing on social media platforms
• Hashtag activism: The use of hashtags on social media to organize, promote, and engage with social or political causes
• Streaming platforms: Digital services (Spotify, Apple Music) that allow users to access and listen to music online
• DIY music production: The creation of music independently using affordable and accessible technology tools
• Algorithm-driven recommendations: The use of algorithms by social media and streaming platforms to suggest content to users based on their preferences and behavior
• Censorship and content moderation: The practice of controlling or suppressing content deemed inappropriate or offensive on social media and other digital platforms
• Digital activism: The use of digital tools and platforms to organize, mobilize, and advocate for social or political change

Historical Context

• Protest music has a long and rich history, with roots in various genres (folk, hip-hop, punk) and social movements
• The advent of recording technology in the early 20th century allowed protest songs to be captured and distributed more widely
• The 1960s saw a surge in protest music, coinciding with the civil rights movement and anti-war sentiment
• The rise of the internet and digital music distribution in the late 1990s and early 2000s transformed the music industry
• Social media platforms, which emerged in the mid-2000s, have become powerful tools for sharing and discovering protest music
• The proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet access has made it easier for people to create, share, and engage with protest music on the go
• Recent years have seen a resurgence in protest music, fueled by social and political unrest and the ease of digital distribution

Tech's Impact on Protest Music

• Advancements in music production software and hardware have made it more accessible for individuals to create and record music independently
• Digital audio workstations (DAWs) and virtual instruments have democratized music production, allowing artists to create professional-sounding tracks without expensive studio equipment
• The internet has enabled the rapid distribution and promotion of protest songs, bypassing traditional gatekeepers (record labels, radio stations)
• Streaming platforms have made it easier for listeners to discover and access protest music from around the world
• Social media has provided a platform for artists to engage directly with their audience and build a following around their message
• The rise of video-sharing platforms (YouTube) has allowed protest songs to be accompanied by powerful visual imagery and shared widely
• Technological advancements have also raised concerns about surveillance, censorship, and the potential for protest music to be co-opted or commodified

Social Media's Role in Spreading the Message

• Social media platforms have become essential tools for sharing and promoting protest music
• Artists can use social media to post their songs, share behind-the-scenes content, and engage with their followers
• Hashtags allow protest songs to be easily discovered and shared by users who are interested in specific causes or movements
• Social media algorithms can amplify the reach of protest songs by recommending them to users who have engaged with similar content
• Fans and activists can use social media to organize listening parties, protests, and other events around protest songs
• Social media has also been used to document live performances of protest songs at rallies and demonstrations
• The viral nature of social media has allowed protest songs to spread rapidly across borders and inspire solidarity movements in other countries
• However, social media can also be a double-edged sword, with the potential for misinformation, trolling, and backlash against protest artists

Case Studies: Viral Protest Songs

• "This Is America" by Childish Gambino (2018): A powerful critique of racism, gun violence, and the black experience in America, accompanied by a provocative music video that went viral on social media
• "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar (2015): Became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement, with its message of resilience and hope in the face of systemic oppression
• "Quiet" by MILCK (2017): Performed by a choir of women at the Women's March in Washington, D.C., the song's message of empowerment and unity resonated with millions of viewers online
• "Zombie" by Fela Kuti (1976): A scathing critique of the Nigerian military's violence and corruption, the song's message continues to resonate with protesters in Nigeria and beyond
• "Bella Ciao" by various artists: An Italian folk song that has been adapted and repurposed by protesters around the world, from anti-fascist partisans in WWII to recent pro-democracy movements in Asia
• "Glory" by Common and John Legend (2014): Written for the film "Selma," the song became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song

Creating and Sharing Protest Music Today

• With the widespread availability of music production software and hardware, it's easier than ever for individuals to create and record their own protest songs
• Many artists are using affordable home studio setups and collaborating remotely with other musicians and producers
• Social media and digital distribution platforms have made it possible for protest songs to reach a global audience without the need for a record label or traditional promotion
• Artists can use social media to build a community around their music and message, engaging directly with fans and activists
• Live-streaming performances on platforms like Instagram and Facebook have become a popular way for artists to share their protest songs in real-time
• Crowdfunding platforms (Kickstarter, GoFundMe) have enabled artists to finance the production and promotion of their protest music independently
• Open-source and creative commons licensing has allowed protest songs to be freely shared, remixed, and adapted by other artists and activists

Challenges and Controversies

• The use of social media and technology in protest music has raised concerns about surveillance and the potential for activists to be targeted by authorities
• There have been instances of protest songs being censored or removed from social media and streaming platforms due to their controversial content or pressure from governments
• The viral nature of social media can sometimes lead to the oversimplification or co-optation of complex social and political issues
• The algorithms used by social media and streaming platforms can create echo chambers and filter bubbles, limiting the reach and impact of protest music
• The commodification of protest music by corporations and advertisers has been criticized as inauthentic and exploitative
• The digital divide and unequal access to technology and internet connectivity can limit the ability of marginalized communities to create and share protest music
• The rapid pace and short attention span of social media can make it difficult for protest songs to have a lasting impact and sustain long-term movements

What's Next? Future Trends

• The continued advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning could be used to create and curate protest music in new ways
• Virtual and augmented reality technologies may provide new platforms for immersive and interactive protest music experiences
• The rise of blockchain and decentralized platforms could give artists more control over the distribution and monetization of their protest music
• The increasing use of biometric data and emotion recognition technology could be used to create personalized and adaptive protest music experiences
• The growth of the gig economy and freelance culture may lead to more artists creating and sharing protest music as a form of activism and self-expression
• The intersection of protest music and gaming culture, such as the use of in-game performances and virtual concerts, may become more prevalent
• The role of protest music in shaping and responding to the challenges of climate change, pandemics, and other global crises will likely continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies and platforms