Musically united, we stand

In a culture that has grown to worship celebrities, many strong personalities have emerged with an astonishing motivation to change the world. Musicians, with the help of their own music, have taken on the challenge of improving our world, and to spread ideology. Music throughout history has served a multitude of roles, from a form self-therapy, allowing individuals to freely express themselves, to being used as propaganda to fuel the masses. Recently, a large upheaval of musicians has emerged to fight for a larger cause and work towards worldly solutions. This change in songwriting has created a new dynamic of music and an entire new niche for the music industry. Fans are able to participate in changing the world by simply turning on their favorite song or even by just attending a show. Due to bands taking a stand, many concert venues have become safe areas for people to openly share their sexuality, political perspectives, religious beliefs, and fight for their specific cause. People from any walk of life are encouraged to congregate under the banner of a musician and use their strength in numbers to create change. All of this is possible due to the musicians that are speaking out, standing up, fighting for equality, and sharing their ideals with their fans.

An excellent example of this new celebrity-centric culture and musicians taking a stand for their cause is Tegan and Sara. This musical act is composed of two gorgeous identical twins, which have had to deal with much attention toward their sexuality. Rather than hiding who they are and ignoring the media addiction to their personal preferences, Tegan and Sara have welcomed the world of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender whole heartedly. They create a welcoming environment for the LGBT community, a place where every couple, no matter their sexual orientation, can be together and enjoy their music. Even though much of their music is not specifically concerned with sexuality, they make sure that all their audience feels welcome and appreciated. Tegan and Sara are embracing their power as celebrities to take a stand for the LBGT community, making the world a more accepting place, through the form of music.

The most well known example of a musician become philanthropist is the front man of U2, Paul Hewson, aka Bono. Through his music he has managed to gain an enormous fan base and in the process, spread his ideology. Many U2 fans now share Bono's views and opinions of politics, religion, and social standards. With Bono as a leader, this group has been able to have their voices heard and make real change to the world around them. Not only has Bono been able to influence thousands of individuals through his music with U2, but he has also managed to create some incredible organizations in the process. Bono has co-founded a variety of charitable organizations, including: the 'socially conscious clothing company' titled EDUN, a group to help create equality and justice for the people of Africa titled DADA (Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa), the "ONE Campaign" that serves to gain more funding for international aid, and Product Red that helps to raise money for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Bono, a leader in his field, has not only inspired his audience, but many other musicians to feel the need to take action and fight for a better world, and a better future. All of this change would not have been possible without the power of music to bring people together and inspire them to make a difference.

As we enter Earth Week 2010, it is important to realize the impact that music has had in creating a better world. Even though you may not realize it, much of the music you listen to may be for a cause, with the musicians honing their craft to help make the world a better place. Even if it is something as simple as the white tape that Nelly wears for his brother in jail, or as large as Madonna funding a school in Malawi, musicians are always finding creative ways to be heard, and continue to spread their message to fans. For years musicians have worked for a better world and now it is our turn to learn from their example and come together for Earth Week 2010.