Why Sustainability Rocks Matters: The Role of Music in Protest: A Century of Social and Environmental Activism

Will Oulton, Founder, Sustainability Rocks

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Why Sustainability Rocks Matters
The Role of Music in Protest: A Century of Social and Environmental Activism

Will Oulton, Founder, Sustainability Rocks

Music has, since the beginning of culture, been part of the human pleasure experience providing an entertaining medium to express something important to the writers. Artists have always found inspiration from the events and times that they live in, today is no exception. With so many social and environmental challenges around the world, threatening our way of life and existence, music and voicing our sustainability challenges still go hand in hand. This is why I created Sustainability Rocks and why Sustainability Rocks matters.

Here is a bit of this history!

The Early 20th Century: Roots of Protest Music
The early 20th century saw the emergence of protest music as a response to social injustices and political unrest. Labour movements and civil rights struggles in the US gave rise to songs that voiced the frustrations and hopes of the marginalized. Folk artists like Woody Guthrie captured the spirit of the working class with songs like “This Land Is Your Land,” which critiqued the disparities between the rich and the poor which persists today on an even greater scale.

The 1930s and 1940s: The Rise of Folk Music
The Great Depression and World War II were pivotal periods for protest music. Folk singers like Pete Seeger and Lead Belly used their music to address the struggles of the working class and the fight against fascism. Songs such as “We Shall Overcome” became anthems of solidarity and resistance.

The 1950s and 1960s: Civil Rights and Anti-War Movements
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s brought a wave of protest songs that sought to challenge racial segregation and injustice. Artists like Nina Simone and Bob Dylan became voices of the movement, with songs like “Mississippi Goddam” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” resonating with the calls for equality and freedom.

The Vietnam War and Environmental Concerns
The Vietnam War sparked widespread public opposition, and music played a crucial role in expressing anti-war sentiments. Protest songs like “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival and “Give Peace a Chance” by John Lennon and “Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen became rallying cries against military intervention. At the same time, environmental awareness began to grow, with songs like Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” and Marvin Gaye’s haunting “Mercy Mercy Me” highlighting the consequences of ecological degradation.

The 1970s and 1980s: Expanding Horizons of Protest, Apartheid and Fear of Nuclear Conflict
The protest music of the 1970s and 1980s addressed a broader range of issues, from women’s rights, apartheid to nuclear disarmament. My favourite, punk rock, emerged as a powerful vehicle for dissent, with bands like The Clash and Dead Kennedys using their music to challenge political and social norms. Songs like “London Calling” and “Holiday in Cambodia” captured the rebellious energy of the era. In contrast, Eddy Grant released the upbeat pop reggae song “Gimme Hope Jo’anna” which was an anti apartheid song where “Jo’anna” was not a woman but a reference to Johannesburg.

The deteriorating US/Soviet relationship in the early 80’s raised fears of a nuclear war. Liverpool band Frankie Goes to Hollywood released their hit “Two Tribes”, a berserk dance record about nuclear annihilation that became the 4th biggest selling single of the 80’s.

The 80’s was a time of many many bands highlighting political, social and human rights issues of the day such as U2 – “Bullet in the Blue Sky”/”Pride”, Specials AKA – “Nelson Mandela”, The Beat – “Stand Down Margaret”, Stiff Little Fingers – “Alternative Ulster” Peter Gabriel with “Biko”/ “Here Comes the Flood” and it was the decade where we witnessed Live Aid a stadium event highlighting the suffering from famine in Africa.

The Rise of Hip-Hop and Cultural Resistance
The late 1970s saw the birth of hip-hop, a genre that would become a potent form of protest in the following decades. Artists like Public Enemy and N.W.A. used their music to confront systemic racism, police brutality, and economic inequality. Tracks like “Fight the Power” and “Straight Outta Compton” became anthems of urban resistance.

The 1990s and 2000s: Globalization and Environmental Advocacy
As globalization accelerated in the 1990s, protest music began to address issues of global justice and environmental sustainability. Bands like Rage Against the Machine and artists like Ani DiFranco tackled corporate greed, political corruption, and environmental destruction. Songs like “Killing in the Name” and “Subdivision” spoke to the interconnected struggles of people around the world.

Environmental Activism in the New Millennium
The early 2000s saw an increased focus on environmental issues, with musicians using their platforms to raise awareness about climate change and ecological conservation. Artists like Radiohead and Björk became vocal advocates for sustainability, with songs like “Idioteque” and “Earth Intruders” reflecting their environmental concerns.

The 2010s and Beyond: Digital Age and New Frontiers of Protest
The advent of the digital age has transformed the landscape of protest music, making it more accessible and widespread. Social movements like Black Lives Matter and Fridays for Future have harnessed the power of music to amplify their messages. Artists like Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish have used their music to address issues of racial inequality, mental health, and climate change. Songs like “Alright” and “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” resonate with the urgency of societies currentstruggles.

Where we are Today
We are living in unprecedented times for sustainability and sustainable investment. Political pushback and attacks are intensifying as we continue to see social and environmental issues worsen. It is a time to gather, remember the importance of the work we do, not get downhearted and fight back. As former Sex Pistol John Lydon once said, “Anger is an Energy”.

The power of music to inspire change and unite people in a common cause remains as potent as ever. This is the essence of Sustainability Rocks!! Come and join us for Sustainability Rocks 2025 on October 9th at The 100 Club, London and sing your hearts out. We all need some fun and the Sustainability Rocks tribe is certainly all for that!

I will end this with the title from a song by my personal musical hero, Joe Strummer of The Clash which I am sure we all feel right now: “I’m so Bored with the USA”!

Secure your 2025 tickets here!