The music industry will unite in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement on 2 June by taking part in Black Out Tuesday.
The likes of Universal, Kobalt, Atlantic Records, Capitol Music Group, Columbia Records, Def Jam, Elektra Music Group, HitCo, Interscope Geffen A&M, Island Records, Pulse Music Group, Reservoir, Republic Records, Sony/ATV, Sony Music, Virgin EMI and Warner Records have all pledged to cease business activity on the day.
This action comes following days of protests across the US and UK after the death of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department. Floyd died after a police officer knelt on his neck for several minutes.
Billed as ‘a day to disconnect from work and reconnect with our community,’ the campaign will boast the hashtag #TheShowMustBePaused.
In a statement by Atlantic Records, the label says that it will be working towards making future changes within Warner Music Group and the industry as a whole.
‘The music business at WMG will not go on as usual,’ the statement said. ‘While this is only one day, we are committed to continuing this fight for real change. We will be using this day to collectively reflect on what we as a company can do to put action towards change and we will be taking steps in the coming weeks and months.’
Universal Music Group quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. in its Instagram post supporting the blackout, writing: ‘there comes a time when silence is betrayal.’
Columbia wrote: ‘We stand together with the Black community against all forms of racism, bigotry, and violence. Now, more than ever, we must use our voices to speak up and challenge the injustices all around us.’
Other music companies such as Spotify and Live Nation have also announced their participation.
You can find out more about the campaign by heading to The Show Must Be Paused's website.
