NewDad, Cardinals, Enola Gay and Rachel Chinouriri issue statements on SXSW 2024 boycott: “Support victims of war”
nme.comNewDad, Cardinals, Enola Gay and Rachel Chinouriri have become the latest artists to boycott this year’s SXSW festival.The artists join the likes of Kneecap, Sprints, Lambrini Girls, Scowl, Gel, Okay Shalom and Squirrelflower in pulling out of performing at the festival due to the event’s association with the US army and weapons companies amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.The annual music, culture and arts showcase takes place in Austin, Texas from March 12-14.In a joint post on social media, Cardinals, Enola Gay, Gurriers, NewDad and Sprints wrote:“To be clear, we, as ‘Music From Ireland’ bands will be partaking in any official SXSW shows.
We stand in complete solidarity with Palestine and others who have spoke out against, and boycotted SXSW.“Sponsorship of the festival from the US army as well as defence contractors/those sending arms to destroy innocent lives is an act we find disgusting and reprehensible.
It is inherently wrong to taint the celebration of art with links to the genocide going on in Palestine.”They added: “We will make joint statements at the Music From Ireland showcase at the Velvet Room at 8pm on Thursday 13th and again at what would have been the Full Irish Breakfast showcase on Friday 15 at the Flamingo Catina at 1pm.”You can see the full post here:On SXSW pic.twitter.com/ED1JotfyG8— NewDad (@NewDad) March 12, 2024In a separate statement on Instagram, Enola Gay said that it was “impossible to perform at a festival where the US Army are a ‘super sponsor’ meaning SX will be platforming defence contractors…” You can read their full statement here:A post shared by Enola Gay (@enolagay_band)While Rachel Chinouriri said: “As an artist I have always shared what I have been through, however, this topic is extremely triggering for me as the daughter of two child soldiers.
I have grown up seeing the permanent effects war has had on people mentally, emotionally, physically, and to the loved ones around the people who have lived through a war in any.
