The Power of Music to Influence Culture
THE POWER OF MUSIC TO INFLUENCE CULTURE
"If music can get kids to wear their pants around their ankles, it can get them to clean up their lifestyles." Neal Turley
"Science and technology are in a place now for the world to go through a major overhaul. What's lacking is a change of culture… What I think the music community can do more than anybody else is inform people, act as a catalyst” Perry Farrell
“Climate scientists, struggling to communicate the dangers of complacency, are calling on the arts community to help out.”
Musicians have great influence over the masses. As trendsetters who influence culture (primarily youth, the decision makers of tomorrow), musicians lead by example.
As a collective, musicians have one of the most powerful voices on earth, and access to the ears of the global public. Music crosses all borders and boundaries.
Music also has the power to shift perceptions of climate change from a purely scientific view, to emotional understanding, and thus action.
Prominent examples include benefit concerts which are often held for victims of natural disasters, and countless songs that have instilled messages of both urgency and hope in our minds.
“…But when I hear about the hole in the sky, salt water wells in my eye” is one of the first song lyrics I can remember. It may not be your favourite song, but you’ve probably heard it. That song helped raised awareness of the most pressing issue of the time: the ozone layer.
Since then the ozone layer has started to heal. In this instance, we have mended our ways. As a culture we took enough notice and made enough noise that politicians banned the use of CFCs (the biggest contributor to ozone depletion). Recent studies show the hole is closing.
This shows two things. Firstly that there is hope; we do have the power to evolve and change. Secondly, it shows the power that music has to spread information and instil a message.
“Art and artists can help move the climate change agenda from intellectual understanding to emotional engagement, and then on to action.”
Long Horizons: An Exploration of Art + Climate Change, Julie’s Bicycle
A final note: as a creative sector leader in the digital market, green digital solutions developed by music industry will affect the entire worlds digital culture.
For further details on how to be a green musician click here
Written by Asher Christophers, director of Austep Music, August 2010
Stay tuned for more green music information by joining our community.
