Over the previous week, greater than 60 bands have dropped out of SXSW in protest of the competition’s ties to the US Military and the protection business. The competition had largely remained silent in gentle of those cancellations, however at present they’ve addressed the protest on social media after Texas governor Greg Abbott tweeted about the state of affairs.
In his tweet that linked away to a information article concerning the protest, Abbott wrote: “Bands pull out of SXSW over U.S. Military sponsorship. Bye. Don’t come again. Austin stays the HQ for the Military Futures Command. San Antonio is Navy Metropolis USA. We’re happy with the U.S. army in Texas. In case you don’t prefer it, don’t come right here.”
“SXSW doesn’t agree with Governor Abbott,” the competition’s representatives wrote again in response. “We’re a company that welcomes numerous viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has lengthy been our legacy. We totally respect the choice these artists made to train their proper to free speech.”
In a thread, they continued:
Throughout the globe, we’re witnessing unspeakable tragedies, the rise of repressive regimes, and the rising unfold of violent battle. It’s extra essential than ever that we come collectively to unravel these better humanitarian points.
The protection business has traditionally been a proving floor for most of the techniques we depend on at present. These establishments are sometimes leaders in rising applied sciences, and we imagine it’s higher to know how their strategy will impression our lives.
The Military’s sponsorship is a part of our dedication to carry ahead concepts that form our world. In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this 12 months as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch classes, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for probably game-changing work.
We’ve and can proceed to help human rights for all. The state of affairs within the Center East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened significance of standing collectively in opposition to injustice.
Throughout the globe, we’re witnessing unspeakable tragedies, the rise of repressive regimes, and the rising unfold of violent battle. It’s extra essential than ever that we come collectively to unravel these better humanitarian points.
We’ve and can proceed to help human rights for all. The state of affairs within the Center East is tragic, and it illuminates the heightened significance of standing collectively in opposition to injustice.
SXSW kicked off final week. The music portion of the occasion bought underway on Monday, and can run by way of Saturday. The Austin band Good Seems are one of many newest to drop out of their official showcases on the competition, and lead singer Tyler Jordan mentioned their determination throughout an on-air tv interview with Spectrum Information 1:
