COMMENT
Can music be used as an effective tool for mutual aid?
Charity-based releases & compilations are no new concept, but are they actually doing the right thing?
Increasingly, our social feeds are filled with requests for mutual aid. Whether an e-SIM, GoFundMe or even a direct deposit, there's no shortage of global causes that require our urgent attention and funds.
But can the purchase of music be an effective tool for mutual aid?
Naarm/Melbourne & Berlin-based agency Weaver has built a community of DJs, producers and performers across the globe. Their first ever compilation, featuring 17 tracks from artists across their roster, has dedicated 50% of its profits to be split evenly between donations for Pay The Rent (Australia) and the MA'AN Development Centre (Gaza).
Mixmag ANZ spoke with a series of artists featured on the release, to get their read on music as a tool for mutual aid.
Monfreaq
Music has always been an important part of bringing people together and spreading a message for justice. I think it’s important in it’s ability to deeply touch people, and from this emotional response it can spark action on a worldwide scale
Basscamp
JAIME: Music has always been used for social and political commentary. Now is no exception and we need artists to continue to be brave and speak out about issues we see. Be brave! The world is scared of our freedom to say what needs to be said in these time.
LUKE: I don’t think music itself can assist with the issues faced by people overseas and in so called ‘Australia’, but it’s the people & communities that music can foster that make the differences. The power of taking a stance and showing solidarity can never go understated.
Suki
Music can provide platform and reach, with modern music instantly able to spread information world wide. In a lot of ways, digital music is the perfect tool to provide a means of distribution of information to an incredibly extensive and instant audience. When we use music and the platforms associated to highlight important issues of the world, we are not only able to show public solidarity, but also encourage other members of the music community to do the same.
Simrana
It starts from the values we share between our peers. When artists, agents and managers care about social issues, it sets a standard that encourages our audiences and other collectives to do the same.
Jeku
Music is a very powerful and personal experience to lot of people, and because of that, delivering a message or highlighting current world issues like the genocide in Gaza has a greater impact on people than some other forms of media.
Most of us live in very privileged life compared to some, and it should also be our duty to help in any small way we can!
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Weaver Compilation Vol. 1 is available via Bandcamp & all streaming services.
Jack Colquhoun is Mixmag ANZ's Managing Editor, find him on Instagram.
