A collective of (largely) British artists and executives has issued an open letter calling for solidarity – and rejecting silence – in the face of racism and intolerance directed at any and all minorities.
In an accompanying release, the group highlights “the racist responses to BLM and sustained antisemtic outbursts” as two main reasons behind the move.
Within the letter is the statement: “We, representatives from the music industry, write to demonstrate and express our determination, that love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred, must and will always be our common cause.”
Artists to have signed the letter include:
The 1975, Nile Rodgers, MNEK, Rita Ora, Clean Bandit, Labrinth, Lewis Capaldi, Little Mix, Ashnikko, NAO, Years & Years, Jess Glynne, Jonas Blue, Niall Horan, Lily Allen, Biffy Clyro, James Blunt, Naughty Boy, Grace Carter, Yungblud and Joy Crookes
Whilst executives, companies and organisations supporting the message include:
Kanya King CBE (MOBO Award Founder), Grace Ladoja MBE (manager), Darcus Beese OBE (President and CEO, Island Records), Grace Carter, Paul Epworth (Producer), Amber Davis (Head of A&R, Warner Chappell UK), Wayne Hector (Songwriter), Kamille (Songwriter), Adele Roberts (Broadcaster- BBC Radio 1), Sam Roman (Songwriter), Tim Blacksmith (Executive), Danny D (Executive), Dumi Oburota (Executive- owner Disturbing London), Guy Moot (Co-Chair/ CEO Warner Chappell Publishing), Jackie Davidson MBE (Manager), Jamz Supernova (Broadcaster- BBC Radio 1 Xtra), Markell Casey (Publisher), Louis Bloom (President of Island Records), David Ventura (CO-MD Sony ATV UK), Nick Raphael (President, Capitol Records UK), Phil Christie (President, Warner Records UK), Michael Adex (Manager- Aitch), Rebecca Allen (President of EMI Music), Tiffany Calver (Broadcaster- BBC Radio 1/ 1xtra), Emma Banks (CAA), Joe Gossa (Executive- Black Butter), Matt Bates (Primary Talent), Jamie Oborne (Manager- The 1975), Stuart Camp (Manager- Ed Sheeran), Keith Harris OBE (Manager – Stevie Wonder), Roberto Neri (EVP, Downtown Music Holdings/Chairman of MPA), Tony Harlow (Warner Music UK Chairman & CEO), Merck Mercuriadis (Executive), Isabel Garvey (Abbey Road Studios), Universal Music UK, Warner Music UK, Sony Music UK, Beggars Group, BPI, AIM, Ivors Academy, MMF (Music Managers Forum), The Musicians Union and UK Music.
The letter, reprinted in full below, has been sent to key media outlets tonight, and the organisers hope it will feature heavily in tomorrow’s (August 2’s) UK news cycle.
We, representatives from the music industry, write to demonstrate and express our determination, that love, unity and friendship, not division and hatred, must and will always be our common cause.
In recent months through a series of events and incidents, the anti-black racists and antisemites, plus those who advocate islamophobia, xenophobia, homophobia and transphobia, have repeatedly demonstrated that they clearly want us all to fail. Whether it be systemic racism and racial inequality highlighted by continued police brutality in America or anti-Jewish racism promulgated through online attacks, the result is the same: suspicion, hatred and division. We are at our worst when we attack one another.
Minorities from all backgrounds and faiths have struggled and suffered. From slavery to the Holocaust we have painful collective memories. All forms of racism have the same roots – ignorance, lack of education and scapegoating. We, the British music industry are proudly uniting to amplify our voices, to take responsibility, to speak out and stand together in solidarity. Silence is not an option.
There is a global love for music, irrespective of race, religion, sexuality and gender. Music brings joy and hope and connects us all. Through music, education and empathy we can find unity. We stand together, to educate and wipe out racism now and for our future generations.Music Business Worldwide