Music & sustainability, episode 5 - Harmonizing with the Planet : How Sustainability Inspires European Musicians
6 min read
Music, as a universal language, has the unique ability to convey emotions, tell stories, and inspire change. In recent years, there has been a surge in global concern for the environment, prompting musicians to harness the power of their art to address pressing ecological issues.
As the final part of our Europavox series on Music & Sustainability, this article delves deeper into how sustainability has become a source of inspiration in European music. It shines a spotlight on European artists who harness their creative prowess and influence to catalyze awareness and spur collective action. After addressing the detrimental contributions of music to the climate crisis, along with potential solutions in areas like vinyl printing, touring, streaming, and the unique circumstances of DJs in this article series, we now turn our attention to the transformative power of the music itself.
1. Björk – Iceland
Icelandic singer-songwriter Björk has long been an iconic figure in both the music and environmental activism scenes. Her album ‘Biophilia’, released in 2011, stands as a testament to her innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns through music. ‘Biophilia’ is not just an album; it’s a multimedia experience. Each song on the album is accompanied by an interactive app that allows listeners to engage with the music on a deeper level. The app connects users with the natural world, forging a link between music, nature, and technology. Björk’s work serves as a vivid reminder of the intricate interdependence of all living things and the critical importance of preserving our planet.
2. Radiohead – United Kingdom
Radiohead are one of the most influential rock bands of the 21st century. Throughout their career, they’ve been vocal about environmental issues, using their music as a platform for raising awareness. In their song ‘Idioteque’ from the album ‘Kid A’ (2000), Radiohead ominously sing, “Ice age coming, ice age coming,” offering a chilling prophecy of the impending climate crisis. Beyond their lyrics, the band has taken concrete steps to reduce their carbon footprint during tours, and has supported various environmental initiatives, setting an example for their fans to follow.
3. Stromae – Belgium
Belgian musician Stromae, known for his infectious electronic pop, has also used his platform to address climate change and environmental issues. Stromae’s ‘humain à l’eau’ offers a profound reflection on the climate crisis and the enduring impacts of colonialism. The song delves into the disparities between the global North, comprised of former colonizing nations, and the global South, once colonized regions. It highlights how the so-called progress of the North contributes to rising sea levels and other climate-related issues, underscoring the systemic inequalities rooted in historical colonial relationships (“Moi parler des glaciers, Si coulés moi fâché, Je saurai où te chercher, Quand comme moi tu seras perché” // “I talk about glaciers, If they melt, I’m angry, I know where to find you, When you’ll be perching like me”).
Stromae sheds light on the ongoing impacts of neo-colonialism and the urgent need to address climate-related challenges with a global perspective, taking into account historical injustices.
4. AURORA – Norway
Norwegian singer Aurora Aksnes, better known as AURORA, infuses her music with environmental themes and a sense of wonder about the natural world. However, she also draws attention to the urgent need for ecological preservation, for example in her 2019 song ‘Apple Tree’. ‘Apple Tree’ serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the responsibility we bear in nurturing the planet for future generations.
Why does Aurora care so much about the environment? In Aurora’s own words: “It makes sense to care. It makes sense to talk about it when the planet is dying right in front of us […]. Forests are disappearing and animal breeds that have existed for millions of years, we have destroyed. It’s just such a mockery of nature and the world. […] It feels like it’s burning around us.”
Aurora does not only sing about environmental concerns but has also been actively involved in conservation efforts, using her music to draw attention to critical issues like deforestation.
5. Woodkid – France
French musician and director Woodkid is renowned for his cinematic and atmospheric music. He has a track record of addressing climate change in his work. One example is ‘Minus Sixty-One’ from his 2020 album ‘S16’. ‘Minus Sixty-One’ is a powerful and atmospheric composition, especially due to the collaboration with the Japanese children’s choir Suginami Junior Chorus, that masterfully conveys a sense of impending environmental crisis. The song’s dark and evocative tones create an eerie sonic landscape, mirroring the chilling realities of climate change: “Minus sixty-one, Now the water level rises high, In my cold paradise, Where men sit in circles and talk numbers”.
6. The 1975 – United Kingdom
The British band The 1975, led by frontman Matty Healy, have embraced climate activism as a central theme in their music and messaging. Their album ‘Notes On A Conditional Form’ (2020) features tracks like ‘The 1975’, famously featuring climate activist Greta Thunberg, and ‘People’, both of which delve into climate change, anxiety, and the state of the world. “Wake up, wake up, wake up, It’s Monday morning and we’ve only got a thousand of them left” are the opening lyrics of the song ‘People’, calling the listeners into action as the amount of time left to limit climate crisis catastrophes.
The band’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond their lyrics. They have implemented eco-friendly practices in their merchandise and touring, setting a positive example for their fans. The 1975’s fusion of music and activism serves as a rallying cry for collective action in the face of environmental crises.
7. Waterflower – Latvia
Waterflower, the brainchild of Sabīne Moore, a versatile eco-futurist artist hailing from Riga, Latvia, offers a distinctive approach to music. Moore’s experimentation involves using unconventional instruments like plants and mushrooms, pushing the boundaries of electronic music into uncharted territory.
In her latest album, ‘All Art Is Ecological’, the sonic landscape is shaped by unconventional synths, elusive drones, and tape loops, and carries hints of inspiration from artists like Björk and Julianna Barwick. Waterflower challenges us to reassess the role of art in our ecological future. Moore’s music serves as a call to action: through her distinctive fusion of sound and activism, Waterflower invites us to reexamine our connection with the environment and emphasizes the critical need to safeguard our planet for future generations. As the musician highlights in an interview: “The main goal of the album was to raise awareness about the ecological crisis and inspire listeners to think critically about their relationship with the environment. I wanted to convey a sense of urgency and encourage people to take action for a sustainable future.”
