On March 12, French artists, DJs, and musicians united to fight the threat of the far-right government in France that they felt was a threat to democracy in their country.
More than 1,200 artists, DJs, and promoters from the French music industry came together to galvanize “the world of the night” into political action and to protest the possibility of the first far-right French government since the Second World War.
As well as performing, many of the artists gave voice to why they felt compelled to perform.
Lucas Langlais—founder of record label Unfair Music and a member of the Front Électronique (FE)—stated, “Our culture has remained silent for too long. We can no longer stand idly by without acting to defend who we are and the people we love.”
“The electronic scene has always been a refuge for diversity, whether it be sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or individual beliefs. We believe that music and dance are powerful means to resist intolerance and celebrate freedom of expression.”
The artists came together to ask fellow citizens to combat the “dangerous wave of racism and homophobia in response to the rise of the far-right in France.”
So, where are American artists today in America?
Where is Luke Combs, who so eloquently performed “Love Can Build a Bridge” in 2023 at the Grammys?
Given the divided times we live in and the heated rhetoric in American politics, an inclusive and healing message is needed now more than ever. The lyrics that Luke Combs sang should be heeded by all Americans and all politicians today:
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?
I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart's desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me
And where is Taylor Swift today? In the fall of 2024, she stepped into the fray, endorsing Kamala Harris for President, and announced she would be voting for Harris because she believes “we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”
There is a long history in America of artists stepping forward when the principles of our nation are challenged, but where are the artists, songwriters, and performers in America today?
They are strangely silent.
If today’s stars come together like they did in France last week, they can build a movement for Democracy; A movement that is not Democrat or Republican but one that dismisses old definitions of right and left and instead focuses on values, and blossoms into an optimistic vision for the future of America. As “We Are the World” did in the 1980s, today's artists can inspire citizens to become active participants in healing and change.
Imagine the passion and positive impact that celebrities could inspire in this time of social media and internet-driven divisiveness. Imagine the power of music and celebrities coming together, demonstrating unity for democracy.
I urge artists from across the political spectrum—right, left, and center—and across all genres, representing the diversity of music and people in America, to raise their voices for democracy.
This is not about being a Democrat, Republican, or Independent. It is about using the power of music to speak to the principles of Democracy—a democracy that builds on the pluralistic values that define our nation.
Music, theater, poetry, and all forms of pop culture have amazing healing and connecting powers. We know that when we join people together, their energy for good can be amplified to help power change. Music, in particular, can play an important role in celebrating what unites us—rather than dividing us—and in activating millions of Americans in a movement.
Our pop culture stars can make a difference. And now is the time to do so.
David Nevins is co-publisher of The Fulcrum and co-founder and board chairman of the Bridge Alliance Education Fund.
