When Rock the Vote was founded over twenty years ago, our mission was nestled in the heart of the music business. Our first campaign, Censorship is Un-American, was pushed to block efforts toward music censorship. While we have grown a lot in the past two decades, we are still rooted in the crossroads of music and politics, and musicians continue to be some of our greatest supporters. In our fourth year of participating in the SXSW Festival, we have been able to converse with these musicians, from up-and-coming bands to headlining artists, and exchange ideas about current issues pressing the young people with whom both Rock the Vote and musicians connect.
For the third year in a row, Rock the Vote partnered with BMF Media to interview artists at the Alternative Apparel Café in Austin, alongside VH1 and Antenna Magazine. Asahi even donated a guitar that all the artists autographed to raise money for Rock the Vote. Over the course of three days, we got to hear from musicians about the importance of young people voting, what they remember about the first time they voted, and what they would do if they were elected President. Many voiced their opinions on how young people in the Middle East are fighting and even dying for the right to vote, and how lucky they are as Americans to be given the right to vote by just turning 18. They also discussed issues from healthcare to improving education, taxation to the environment, and legalizing marijuana.
Besides hanging out with musicians at SXSW, Rock the Vote also had the opportunity to be involved with the film portion of the festival. After the premiere screening of Fambul Tok, a documentary about the civil war in Sierra Leone directed and produced by Sara Terry, Rock the Vote invited everyone to an after party to share their thoughts on the film’s message over food and drinks.
Thanks to all the artists below who came out to support Rock the Vote. Check back soon for all their pictures and videos!
A-Trak
Allison Baver (Olympic Speed Skater)
Andy Grammer
Army Navy
Asher Roth & Nottz
Big Boi
Blue October
Caitlin Moe
Chromeo
Elizabeth and the Catapult
Eyes Lips Eyes
Fitz and the Tantrums
Freddie Gibbs
Grouplove
Groupo Fantasma
Hieroglyphics
Infantree
J*DaVey
Killer Mike
Love Inks
Melanie Fiona
Mia Moretti
Middle Class Rut
Moby
Portugal, The Man
Quiet Life
Rockie Fresh
Royal Bangs
Shinobi Ninja
Sick of Sarah
Superhumanoids
Sweaters
Tabi Bonney
The Airborne Toxic Event
The Canvas Waiting
The Click Clack Boom
The Eastern Sea
The Gregory Brothers (Autotune The News)
The Hounds Below
The Lonely Forest
The Silent Comedy
Tog
