Stacey Abrams recently shared her views with Yahoo Entertainment, calling the notion that pop stars should “stick to music” as “extraordinarily reductive.” In the weeks leading up to the 2024 election, musicians like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift have faced both praise and backlash for their political activism. Beyoncé endorsed Kamala Harris at a rally, while Taylor Swift voiced support for Harris on Instagram, prompting former President Donald Trump to publicly criticize her. Other artists, such as Chappell Roan, received mixed reactions for speaking out in ways that reflect nuanced political views.
Abrams emphasized that artists, like all individuals, have the right to speak on issues impacting their communities. “We wouldn’t tell a businessperson to stay silent because their job is to make money,” Abrams stated, questioning why artists should be expected to set aside their personal experiences and views.
Abrams and Selena Gomez, who together produced the documentary Louder: The Soundtrack of Change, explore how female musicians have historically advocated for social change. The film, now streaming on Max, traces the legacy of activism through music, from Loretta Lynn’s “The Pill,” a bold anthem for birth control, to Kathleen Hanna’s riot grrrl movement and Rhiannon Giddens’s work featuring narratives of enslaved people. Gomez, featured in the documentary, spoke about realizing the significance of her platform and her commitment to social causes, recalling a 2020 interview with Abrams that inspired her political involvement.
Abrams shared that the documentary originated from her and Gomez’s mutual passion for activism through art, placing women musicians at its center. She highlighted the critical role women play in driving progress, noting that “protest music is one of the ways we make that happen.” Music, she explains, has a unique ability to tell stories that resonate deeply, uniting communities and inspiring lasting change.
Director Kristi Jacobson emphasized how music serves as a powerful tool for activism by fostering shared experiences. The documentary includes scenes of artists making bold political statements during performances, like the Chicks criticizing President George W. Bush and Billie Eilish calling out older politicians for their stance on women’s rights. Despite the different political leanings of some musicians, including Azealia Banks and M.I.A., the film underscores that, as Nina Simone once said, an artist’s duty is “to reflect the times.”
Whether these political statements will influence voter behavior remains uncertain, but there’s no doubt that celebrities’ political stances are reshaping conversations and leaving a lasting mark on fans and broader culture.
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