Speak up or sell out?

If you're not speaking out for us, you're against us! Right? Well, it’s not that simple. Artists hold immense power to champion social causes, but the stakes are higher than ever. Boycotts like SXSW and The Great Escape made headlines, but let’s be real—not every artist can afford to take a stand, and what’s the real payoff anyway? This panel dives into the balancing act between raising your voice for the right cause and dealing with conflicts—corporate sponsorships, peer pressure, and business interests. We’ll learn lessons from the various approaches that artists and their teams have taken when faced with apparent conflicts of interest. From moral conflicts to the practical realities of keeping the business afloat, we’ll explore the strategies that work and the risks that come with speaking out. This is not about taking sides; it’s about learning from those who've walked the tightrope of conscience and commerce.