Kneecap member DJ Próvaí donned a jersey in support of Palestine on the Late
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Irish music this week, with some of the finest new acts on this island prioritising their principles over their ambition. All because of a music industry event called SXSW which takes place in
Texas every March. For a few days, Austin becomes music industry HQ, with new bands performing a series of shows knowing that management, A&R, record labels and the likes are all knocking about. Deals are done and hype is created. Being invited to attend SXSW is (or at least was) considered an important stepping stone towards stardom. This year, SXSW has amongst its "Featured Partners" the US Army and various organisations associated with the development and construction of weapons. Acknowledging the US Army's association with Israel and in solidarity with the people of Palestine Irish bands began to pull out of the festival. First to do so almost inevitably were Kneecap. One of the Kneecap members at the
Late Late Show set (Image: RTE) The outspoken Belfast rap trio have already used their platform to highlight their issues with the war in the
Middle East, their DJ wearing a Palestine
Football shirt on The Late Late Show despite having reassured RTE they would remain politically neutral while appearing on the broadcaster's best-known programme. READ MORE: New album by Belfast band is a sensation READ MORE: KNEECAP announced to perform at Glastonbury Festival 2024 Fellow Belfast act Enola Gay also known for their politically outspoken lyrics followed soon after. Then fellow Nordie acts Chalk and Conchur White, alongside relatively high-profile southern acts including Gavin James, Soda Blonde and Sprints. They all deserve praise, of course. Whatever anyone reading might think about the context and politics of what is happening in Gaza, it's been horrifying to watch this war unfold. To see so many people many of them children killed or cruelly bereaved, left in squalor and completely stripped of basic
Human Rights, is horrifying, heartbreaking and disgusting. And again, regardless of your broader thoughts on that conflict, it's undeniably a cause for concern that one can now draw a direct link between companies manufacturing weaponry and a rock 'n' roll festival. Irish
Singer, Conchur White has expressed solidarity with
Gaza I'm especially impressed by the smaller acts particularly the likes of Chalk and Conchur White. They'll have made elaborate plans to travel to Texas on an errand to play SXSW, at great expense and hassle. Apart from abandoning a potentially huge opportunity with regards to their career, by stepping aside each of them risks a dent on their reputation with the powers that be. Happily, "Music from Ireland" (who were funding most of the Irish acts) did state, "if an artist chooses not to participate in SXSW this will not have a bearing on future showcasing opportunities for those artists. "[We] actively support artists' right to freedom of expression", which is certainly to their credit. I do have a slight issue with how Kneecap went about their boycott, if I'm honest. They were in the states already, having just performed on Jimmy Fallon's show and have for various reasons enjoyed huge hype over the last few few weeks and months. Compared to their contemporaries, it won't have been quite as much of a big deal for them to drop out. But by doing so, they immediately put pressure on fellow Irish acts, regardless of their individual circumstances. Gavin James pulled out of the festival (Image: MCD Productions) That's fine of course, it was perhaps even part of their intent. My issue is this did they not think to include a little note that other acts shouldn't necessary feel pressured or guilty about making their own decision with regards to taking part? Kneecap did make the point that the hassle of dropping out of a music festival is (of course) not comparable to what the people of Gaza are going through. I'm just acknowledging how it's slightly unfortunate if any of their contemporaries felt like they had no option to follow because of Kneecap's initial statement. Some of the smaller bands had already arrived in Texas, the furore taking place while they were en route from the
UK or
Ireland. They were put in an impossible situation. Regardless, each band should be reassured that walking away will likely impact their legacy in the most positive manner. They are doing the right thing and are (mostly) being praised for their actions streams and merch sales perhaps set to enjoy a little bump. They should also be reminded that this is what good art and creativity is supposed to do challenge and provoke discussion. And, when possible, stand up for those facing oppression beyond their control. I went to SXSW once, albeit a long time ago. A load of bands on display at what's essentially a giant trade show it all seemed incredibly uncool. I'm told it's worse than ever these days so there's likely no harm done by pulling out. Maybe it'll end up a blessing in disguise. I hope so. Regardless, the right side of history awaits. Endless love and respect to them all. Sign up to our Belfast Social newsletter here for the latest What's On news from Belfast Live direct to your inbox Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. Follow BelfastLive
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