Everything You Need To Know About Blackout Tuesday & Why Celebs Like Billie Eilish Are Supporting It
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You may have noticed several of your favorite artists posting a message about Blackout Tuesday. It will be a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with the community. This is in response to the murder of George Floyd that sparked national protests for justice in major US cities. But what exactly is it?
Music superstar Billie Eilish posted in support of Blackout Tuesday with a photo that says “It’s our responsibility to not only come together to celebrate the wins but also hold each other up during a loss.” She has been very vocal on social media in recent days about her outrage and anger regarding police brutality and racism.
Blackout Tuesday Will Be A Day Of Change For The Music Industry
On Tuesday, June 2, several major music companies have all vowed not to release any new music. Tuesday will instead be “a day of action,” to “provoke accountability and change.” This initiative was started by Atlantic Records exec Jamila Thomas and Platoon’s Brianna Agyemang. Their intention is to hold the multi-billion dollar industry at large since it has majorly profited off of black art.
The companies include Warner Music Group, Sony/ATV, Apple Music’s Ebro Darden, BMG, former Hot 97 music programming director Karlie Hustle, Interscope, Glassnote Records, Capitol Records, Island Records and independent distributor EMPIRE. Darden canceled all of his music shows along with other radio personalities who will instead use their air time to hold conversations with activists and politicians. Darden will also be participating in a virtual Town Hall meeting with black advocate Al Sharpton.
Labels like Interscope also posted that they will be contributing to organizations that help bail out protesters. Along with this, they will aid lawyers working for systemic change and giving to charities that help the black community as they participate in Blackout Tuesday.
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Why Is #TheShowMustBePaused Trending On Twitter?
Blackout Tuesday is essentially a pause for the music industry. In a world where artists are literally putting out new music every single day, it’s a break to take time away from all of that and pause to reflect on how they can better their communities. The hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused is a reflection of the fact that musicians and record labels are all looking at the bigger picture here which is justice for the black community. It is a chance for everyone, even those who are in positions of power or high social status to educate themselves and find more ways in which they can support this cause. It’s switching off all of the newest music releases and drama in the music world to focus on the very people who inspire it in the first place.
Black culture has tremendously impacted the music industry and it is an entire day to recognize how their innovations have led to some of the greatest music successes. This is such a powerful moment for competitors in the music industry to unite under common grounds. They are focusing on something that is really important.
Will Other Streaming Platforms Join The Pause?
One person on Twitter made a point to say that social media and streaming platforms should all join in and refrain from posting any new content on this day. These companies have yet to comment on whether or not they will be participating in Blackout Tuesday.
This comes after other stars like Beyonce, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Halsey and Kehlani joined Eilish in speaking out about racism. She posted a lengthy rant on Instagram to support Black Lives Matter and speak about white privilege.
For her, Blackout Tuesday will be a way to educate those who are misinformed and learn about more ways she can help the black community.
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The organizers of Blackout Tuesday encourage people to do their part by reading and spreading anti-racism resources and donating to help bail protesters out of jail.
