Social responsibility became a commonly used term used as in the context of business as individuals. It stands for acting in the best interest of the society and engaging in social development activities. And as any complicated phenomenon it takes different forms. There are endless ways of being socially responsible from reducing plastic usage to doing charity for health organizations. This article will dive in possible musical approaches for people who wants to start but don't know how and examples of Gigstarter artists, who are already doing it
Reasons to be social responsible person
There are many reason to implement social responsibility in every day life. Firstly, of course, it is fulfilling a role as a resident of the state and member of society. Without people helping each other a full-fledged developing society cannot exist. Secondly, social responsible actions encourage to develop our emotional intelligence skills. It simulates us to empathy, compassion and sense of belonging displacing negative emotions. Finally, it allows us to build our self-esteem and self-perception by taking an active positive role in someone else's life. Social responsibility transmits the good sides to the individual and society in general.
Possible ways of achieving it as a musician
Unnecessary to say, being musician already is a way of serving society. Music is a universal language, which brings everyone joy and happiness and unites society as a whole. Most of the times, being an artist is not a wealthy life, but rather a choice to embrace inner self and share it with the world. However, there are multiple other ways to become social responsible in music industry.
If you are already an established artist or at least have a small budget to work with, then charity is the easiest and most accessible way of social responsibility. Nowadays, we are lucky to have as many non-profit organization as you can imagine, working in fields like mental health, children, animals, elderly people, disabilities etc. However, if you don't have funds for donation, even rethinking how to travel as a band and how to pack instruments will make a change. Make your gig environmentally friendly by using paper cups and straws, less electricity and recycling materials. Check our donation page to be socially responsible together.
Famous musicians and their approaches
Coldplay
It is hard to make a tour completely eco-friendly if you are an artist as big as Coldplay, however, they managed to put enormous effort into it. The rock band was able to cut carbon emissions by 50% by using electricity-generating bikes and dance floors installed at each show. Together with other sources of energy, they generate enough renewable power for the whole stage. When it comes to traveling, Coldplay carefully planned its tour routes in order to escape as many flights as possible. In addition, planes that musicians have to take due to having no other options, will in the majority of situations be commercial. Finally, the band will provide their fans with water refill stations, recycling bins and plant-based local food.
Selena Gomez
Environment is not the only way established musicians contribute to society. Selena Gomez, a pop singer and actor, found a closer option to her personal story. The Rare Impact Fund was founded by her as part of addressing mental health and self-acceptance problems. The organization helps to raise awareness and expand access to mental health services and education for young people around the world. The Fund is focusing on three main issues: social and emotional education, communities of practice and crisis support. Over the next ten years, the Rare Impact Fund hopes to raise $100M to help society.
Gigstarter artists
Even though Gigstarter artists are not as big as Selena Gomez or Coldplay, however they are trying to implement social responsibility in normal life on their own level. Our team made a selection of small but bright examples of members of the community, who are trying to help society in various of ways.
Eddos (NL)
Eddos is a singer songwriter who loves to play live in an intimate setting and create a strong connection with the audience. His calm warm sound is about awareness, a new world, embracing heart and little happy moments as a road trip, animals and nature. However, apart from his creative side, Eddie decided to become an ambassador to help stray dogs in a rescue shelter Santerpaws in Bulgaria. Moreover, he released a song based on Johan Wallman's book about a stray dog, which has incredible lyrics with the purpose of raising awareness about this topic.
Just Us 2 (NL)
Extensive repertoire, acoustic sound and contemporary music is all combined in the duo Just Us 2. The ensemble consists of Tom on the guitar and Lisanne singing with some rhythms on cajon. At first it seems impossible, that such an upcoming musicians can already be social responsible. However, Just Us 2 made their purpose to connect musical passion with charity. For the last years they performed on De Liedjesfabriek Song Marathon for 12 hours for sick children and spent a day playing at residential care center Nijvelt for elderly people with dementia. Their songs simply bring joy and happiness to society and leave some light in hearts of people in difficult situations.
Seamy License (BE)
Seamy License is an indie rock band that lives in the present, but draws inspiration from the music history of the 60s and 70s. However, the band doesn't play covers of pop hits, they impress with original songs, which, we promise you, are hidden gems. What impresses the most, is that they have a long background story of helping out non-profit organizations. Het Plattelandscentrum with building rural communities and Kinderkankerfonds with providing a better quality of life for children with cancer and their families are only some of the examples. It is impressive to see how music and social responsibility connect on Gigstarter.
Social responsibility adds value to musicians and songwriters and to society in general. There are many artists who has already implemented helping others into their lifestyle. Maybe it's finally time for all of us. Keep an eye on the Gigstarter music blog for future articles on this topic!
