Holding Artists Accountable

I don't expect my favorite artists to speak out on every political and economic event. That is unrealistic...
but I do expect them to speak up when it matters most.

Hey there,

If you are a fan of music, I hope you walk away from this email with at least 1 artist you can spread this message to.

In light of the recent events in Minneapolis, it's been pretty difficult to focus on...anything. If you're reading this email, you likely already know where I stand regarding this current administration and the threat they represent to everything I stand for.

Despite this, as an artist, I'm far more frustrated with a group of people I thought I knew and aligned with much more than it appears I actual do.

Artists -- specifically musicians. Especially independent artists.

As an artist, I understand that we all have song schedules, release plans, merch drops, etc planned oftentimes months in advance, so when tragedies and atrocities arise out of thin air, it's difficult to find the time and space speak out.

And as a married man, full-time software engineer, & dog dad, I understand there's only 24 hours in a day (even less when you exclude time spent working and sleeping). It's not fair to ask people to fill all free hours of their day researching current events and absorbing information (especially when it's as bleak as its been the last 14 months).

For those reasons, I don't expect my favorite artists to speak out on every political and economic event. That is unrealistic...

...but I do expect them to speak up when it matters most.

To me, now is one of those time, and I am disappointed to see most artists I follow aren't present...but I'm extremely proud of the ones that are. Here are a couple of great examples of artists using their platforms to advocate for issues they think matter.

• "why would ice kill a white woman" by Vic Mensa - Link
• "stupid prizes" by Redveil - Link
• "Post coming out culture" by Chasexusa - Link

And, of course, you will continue to hear from me when I deem it matters most.

If you agree with that artists should speak up more, please share the quote at the beginning of this email with an artist you would like to see use their platform for good.

That's all. Thank you, and please
Stay safe.

— Suti