Macklemore’s new pro-Palestinian protest song has been praised by Tom Morello, who called it “the most Rage Against The Machine song since Rage Against The Machine”. The track, titled ‘Hind’s Hall’, was surprise-released on May 6 and supports the ongoing student protests in the US, covering themes such as American politics, capitalist greed, social media censorship, white supremacy, and lack of support towards the Palestinians. The three-minute track features clips from pro-Palestine protests along with images of conglomerates like McDonald’s and Starbucks, interspersed with scenes from the ongoing conflict.
All proceeds from the song, which has a similar beat to RATM’s ‘Killing In The Name’, go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).Last November, Macklemore also gave a speech at a pro-Palestine rally, during which he dubbed the conflict a “genocide”. He was among the celebrities who signed an open letter urging President Biden to call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before further lives were lost.
In other news, many labels have withdrawn from Great Escape Festival after controversy arose regarding its ties with Barclays Bank. The bank has been a source of controversy amid the current conflict in Gaza because of its financial investment in companies that supply arms to Israel. A petition started by the promoter How to Catch a Pig and the band The Menstrual Cramps has been signed by many artists such as Kneecap, Lambrini Girls, Alfie Templeman, Lip Critic, Wunderhorse, and Mary in the Junkyard, urging the festival to drop Barclays as a sponsor. Many artists also refused to play Austin’s SXSW Festival in solidarity with the victims of war amid the Israel-Gaza conflict
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