Music has always been a driver of cultural transformation. It’s not just a backdrop to revolutions—it’s often the spark that ignites them.
From the soulful cries of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” exposing the horrors of lynching in America, to the defiant chants of Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” during the BLM movement, music is activism’s most potent ally.
Today, in a world of fleeting soundbites and shallow hashtags, this generation of artists is stepping up, using their art and influence to challenge the status quo and drive real social change.
The Soundtrack of Resistance: A Legacy of Revolution
Every major movement has had its anthem. During the Civil Rights Movement, artists like Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, and Bob Dylan provided a musical spine for the fight against systemic racism.
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Much of the power of our Freedom Movement in the USA has come from this music. It has strengthened us with its sweet rhythms when courage began to fail. It has calmed us with its rich harmonies when spirits were down.”
More recently, anthems like Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” have laid bare the complexities of racial inequality and gun violence. This isn’t a coincidence. Music has a unique ability to bridge divides and connect people emotionally, which is crucial in sparking collective action. Collective singing has a history of lifting the spirits of movement participants, fostering a powerful sense of unity among them, and inspiring the hope and courage needed to persevere through adversity.
Social Media as a Megaphone for Change
What sets today’s artists apart is the direct line they have to millions of followers through social media. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow musicians to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to their audiences. This unfiltered access enables them to raise awareness, mobilize action, and challenge authority in real time.
Take Lizzo, for example. Beyond her music, she’s a vocal advocate for body positivity, mental health, and racial equality. Her viral TikTok videos, like her collaboration with Dove on the #NoDigitalDistortion campaign, have empowered countless individuals to embrace their authenticity and love themselves unconditionally.
Artists Leading by Example
The most impactful artists are those who back their words with action. Billie Eilish, whose Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour was designed to be eco-conscious, with no single-use plastics and partnerships with environmental nonprofits like Reverb. Eilish didn’t just sing about climate change—she reshaped the industry standard for how touring can reduce its carbon footprint.
Pledging to plant one new tree for every tour ticket sold, Coldplay is another group leveraging their music for an incredible cause. Their last tour achieved a 59% reduction in emissions compared to their previous tour, with nearly half of their fans traveling to shows using sustainable methods like walking, biking, or public transport.
Coldplay’s 10-night stint at London’s Wembley Stadium this summer will be 100% powered by renewable energy, marking a world first for a show of this scale!
Music Is the Movement, Not the Marketing
There’s a growing skepticism around performative activism—when companies or individuals make token gestures of support without genuine action. But artists who step into the arena of activism risk their careers, alienate certain audiences, and put their reputations on the line. Why do they do it? Because they believe in the power of culture to shape the future.
As H.E.R. said during her 2021 Grammy acceptance speech for “I Can’t Breathe,” “We are the change that we wish to see, and that fight that we had in us the summer of 2020—keep that same energy.” Her song became a rallying cry for protests worldwide, transcending art to become a tool of resistance.
Leveraging Music for Social Activism
Platforms like Propeller are proving that when paired with innovative strategies, artists can take their activism to new heights—transforming fans into active participants in causes they care about.
Create Activism Opportunities Through Music
Chappell Roan’s collaboration with Propeller demonstrates how artists can incentivize activism by tying meaningful actions to exclusive fan experiences. Whether donating to LGBTQ+ organizations or supporting reproductive rights, fans became deeply engaged with causes they might not have otherwise explored, all while vying for the chance to meet their idol.
Artists can use similar approaches to direct their fan base toward impactful actions like signing petitions, joining nonprofits, or supporting underfunded initiatives.
Incentivize Good Deeds Without Losing Authenticity
Propeller’s model of rewarding activism raises an interesting question: does the motivation behind the action matter if the results create meaningful change? The answer often lies in authenticity. Artists who genuinely align with the causes they promote—like Roan supporting LGBTQ+ and women’s reproductive rights—build trust and inspire fans to go beyond performative gestures.
Use Music as a Rallying Cry for Action
Music’s emotional power can amplify the urgency of activism. As fans take action through platforms like Propeller, the music itself becomes intertwined with their efforts. For example, nonprofit organizations like iVoted use concerts to incentivize voting, demonstrating that music experiences can motivate fans to show up for civic engagement.
The Beat Goes On
This isn’t just about music. It’s a reminder that every platform, whether a song, a business, or a personal brand, has the potential to spark change. We need disruptors more than ever—those who will speak up and act when everyone else is silent. Today's artists are leading the way by demanding systemic change and making room for marginalized voices.
Join Rolling Stone Culture Council to amplify your voice in music, connect with other artists, and shape the future of sound. Click here to apply today!