Social network Bluesky, an alternative to X built on open source technologies, has scored a big win in terms of attracting notable users to its platform.
Boomer here. I was part of the “take it to the streets” movement in the 60s. (And don’t let anyone tell you that protesting doesn’t work). We organized without social media, we were fearless, and we were focused. We NEVER expected anyone to use their influence to help. Don’t throw your anger onto others for what you are not willing to do. Something else we had going for us…musicians. We had musicians that wrote the most amazing anti-establishment songs. They were like a call to arms. Where are the poets and musicians?
Relatively few musicians are counting dollar bills. Publishers are, Spotify and the tech-bros who have inserted themselves between musicians and their fans are. But the musicians writing protest music are busking on TikTok in the evenings after working day jobs to afford rent. I hate to recommend a sinking ship, but unironically, if you are looking for music about the current moment, it’s on TikTok. Some of it makes it’s way to other platforms, but the average person won’t find it because music discovery on the mainstream music platforms is curated by corporations who are out to make money for the big record labels.
Boomer here. I was part of the “take it to the streets” movement in the 60s. (And don’t let anyone tell you that protesting doesn’t work). We organized without social media, we were fearless, and we were focused. We NEVER expected anyone to use their influence to help. Don’t throw your anger onto others for what you are not willing to do. Something else we had going for us…musicians. We had musicians that wrote the most amazing anti-establishment songs. They were like a call to arms. Where are the poets and musicians?
Jesse Welles is worth looking into. I have a feeling you will enjoy them.
As the child of boomers, I couldn’t agree more. This is something I’ve been struggling to find as well.
For those that need some musical/cultural inspiration as I did:
Best overall peaceful protest vibes:
Rage Against the Machines station on Spotify.
This is what inspires me, if you have anything that inspires you please share! Let’s give each other hope to change the world.
Musicians be counting dollar bills
Relatively few musicians are counting dollar bills. Publishers are, Spotify and the tech-bros who have inserted themselves between musicians and their fans are. But the musicians writing protest music are busking on TikTok in the evenings after working day jobs to afford rent. I hate to recommend a sinking ship, but unironically, if you are looking for music about the current moment, it’s on TikTok. Some of it makes it’s way to other platforms, but the average person won’t find it because music discovery on the mainstream music platforms is curated by corporations who are out to make money for the big record labels.
Well, some of them at least. Everyone else runs their shows at a loss.
We need them to be counting stars ✨ instead of Dollars 💵