Brit Awards 2024: Artists Voice Concerns Over Reform UK Rise & Political Art
Manchester, UK – The Brit Awards weren’t just a celebration of music; they became a platform for artists to voice growing anxieties about the political landscape, specifically the rising influence of Reform UK. Several prominent musicians used the red carpet and acceptance speeches to express concern, framing political engagement as essential for artists in a climate they described as increasingly precarious.
CMAT, nominated for International Artist of the Year, was particularly outspoken. She dismissed the notion that art should remain separate from politics, stating, “Everything is politics. But more than ever, art is politics as you don’t get to make art in a fascist state. Fascism is on the rise in every single country in the world.” She specifically cited Ireland, the UK and the United States as nations experiencing this troubling trend.
Her comments came in direct response to recent statements made by Wim Wenders, president of the Berlin International Film Festival, who suggested that cinema should “stay out of politics.” CMAT labeled Wenders’ position as “cowardice,” arguing that successful artists often distance themselves from the struggles of working-class and oppressed communities, enjoying a “luxury” that allows them to avoid difficult conversations. “It’s showing that these people are extremely separate from how normal people live their everyday lives,” she said.
The sentiment wasn’t isolated. Wolf Alice bassist Theo Ellis emphasized the power musicians have to inform their audiences, stating, “[Musicians] have the power to expose people to information they might not have got somewhere else.” He pointed to a perceived lack of comprehensive coverage in traditional media, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, as a reason why artists are increasingly taking on the responsibility of raising awareness.
Ellis elaborated on the broader political context, describing the recent Green party victory in the Gorton and Denton byelection – with Reform UK finishing second – as indicative of “how extreme times are.” He added that the rise of Reform UK itself is “a really terrible thing that people should take very seriously.”
Wet Leg frontwoman Rhian Teasdale offered a concise but pointed perspective: “I think that to be apolitical is political.” Guitarist Joshua Omead Mobaraki echoed this sentiment, expressing direct opposition to Reform UK: “Yeah, I don’t want Reform UK to win any seats.” He celebrated the election of Hannah Spencer of the Green party, calling her “sick” and “so cool,” and expressing hope for the future.
Self Esteem, nominated for Artist of the Year, painted a stark picture of the current climate, stating, “This country’s getting scarier and scarier. It’s really serious now.” While acknowledging the anxieties some artists may feel about speaking out, she affirmed her own commitment to doing so, saying, “I just can’t not say what I think because it’s too frightening.” She expressed being “genuinely terrified that we’re going into a dark place, darker than where we are already,” directly linking this fear to the current polling performance of the party.
The political commentary wasn’t confined to the red carpet. During the awards ceremony itself, Max Bassin of the US band Geese used their acceptance speech for the International Group award to voice support for Palestine with the statement, “free Palestine, fuck Ice.” Host Jack Whitehall also injected a political note, referencing a recent internal dispute within the Labour party with a playful jab at Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
These expressions of concern reflect a growing trend of artists using their platforms to engage with political issues. The willingness of musicians at a high-profile event like the Brit Awards to openly criticize a rising political force signals a potential shift in the relationship between the entertainment industry and the political sphere. The artists’ comments underscore a belief that remaining silent is no longer an option, particularly in the face of what they perceive as a growing threat to progressive values and democratic principles. The Green party’s recent byelection win, as highlighted by several artists, offers a glimmer of hope, but the overall tone was one of urgency and apprehension about the direction the UK is heading.
Loyle Carner, nominated in the hip-hop category, offered a more nuanced perspective, acknowledging the ease of negativity but emphasizing the importance of expressing hope and generosity, particularly towards marginalized communities. “There’s enough shit on the news that’s making me feel sad,” he said, suggesting a desire to counterbalance the prevailing sense of despair.