It's Earth Day - Let Us Build A Conscious Dancefloor

This Earth Day, we reflect on the time we've spent away from the dancefloor and how it's been an opportunity for the music industry to embrace the Earth and learn new sustainable habits

Words by Megan Venzin

Instagram feeds looked different last summer. In lieu of party scenes and LED-encrusted stages, music fans memorialized their experiences out in the wild. Digital photos of winding rivers, vibrant wildflowers and jagged mountaintops took #nofilter to a new level.

Monstercat artists looked to their surroundings to elevate content in 2020 too. The backdrop to WHIPPED CREAM’s early live streams put the breathtaking Canadian wilderness on full display. Mazare blasted dnb from a fortress in the heart of Italy’s historic northeast region. These kinds of nature-laced performances set the mood in unprecedented times. 

With festival season paused, treks through national parks and snorkel excursions to coral reefs offered fresh thrills to those fortunate enough to embark on socially distant escapes. The pandemic reshaped what we considered to be hot destinations, and how we convened in the company of “podmates.” Ultimately, the great outdoors extended an extra layer of safety to any responsible plan.

Mother Earth provides wonders when other familiar joys -- spending time with family, grabbing drinks with friends, or attending in-person events -- are not available. But a year away from those outlets and more time in the brush have opened a rare door for introspection. How can we repay the planet that gives so much to us?

Tell us how you've stepped up your "green game" in the comment section here.

Good Times at High Costs

Large-scale events are awe-inspiring, no doubt. But the state-of-the-art sound systems, enormous lighting rigs and international talent all come at a price to the environment. Without thoughtful design and high levels of attendee compliance, festivals have the potential to create thousands of pounds of trash, and immense carbon footprints. 

It’s tempting to drown the troubling facts in adrenaline-pumping beats. But let’s be real: the music industry needs to have a conversation about sustainability that we’ve been putting off for some time. With events still mostly on hold, now is a great time to encourage the dialogue.

“Our audience is youthful and full of life,” says Monstercat’s Head of Live Programming, Dan Scarcelli. “There’s a lot in the future that has been promised to them and if the way we treat our planet is not addressed, they might very well not get those opportunities.”Image by Diego Camejo

To unpack some of these heavy truths and spotlight an important nonprofit, Scarcelli hosted an Earth Day roundtable featuring label artists, Jauz and HALIENE, who premiered their new single “Oceans and Galaxies” at the end of the livestream. Austin Gallagher, CEO and Founder of Beneath the Waves, a nonprofit focused on promoting ocean health, was also on hand to lend his perspective on how the music industry and fans can work together to improve environmental balance.

“The planet’s getting a little hot and that’s a result of 30 to 40 years of unregulated partying as a species,” Gallagher explained during the chat. The good news, the “natural optimist” says, is that we still have time to fix it, if we take action now. Image by Sami Kattan

Music Makes A Difference

So how can performers, imprints and festival brands leverage their platforms to propel action on issues like sustainability and conservation?

“Obviously caring about the oceans and the environment is great, and a lot of people will help because of that, but there’s also a lot of people who want to be part of something bigger than themselves,” Jauz commented, when asked how artists can galvanize audiences to take action. 

Performers have a voice, and can lead by example. To discuss these topics publicly via social media -- or in this case in an organized roundtable -- goes a long way. However, when artists and labels also give fans tools to do something tangible, the impact goes even further. 

“It can feel insurmountable as well for some people,” HALIENE added. “You just hit them with this huge amount of information, and they’re like, ‘well what am I supposed to do about that?’” 

Industry players should lend information to their followers about practical lifestyle modifications, or create easy ways for them to become involved in environmental movements.

“We are definitely a passionate generation,” HALIENE added. “When we get going on something we’re kind of unstoppable, which is a good thing.”

Last year, Monstercat raised more than $4,500 on behalf of One Tree Planted. That contribution alone helped the reforestation-focused 501c3 plant 3,338 trees. This outcome was made possible because fans generously gave direct donations or purchased limited edition t-shirts for which 100% of the proceeds were donated. 

The label will take a similar approach for Earth Day 2021. To commemorate the release of “Oceans and Galaxies”, Monstercat is collaborating with Jauz and HALIENE on a limited edition merch drop, and 25 percent of all proceeds will go directly to Beneath the Waves. 

The music industry is uniquely poised to present these kinds of win-win scenarios that pair convenience with community. Let’s see more of that as we move forward. 

It’s also time to recognize that silence is no longer an option -- artists, promoters, booking agents and festival organizers can’t just “stick to the music,” as our environment and the byproducts of this artform are so clearly intertwined.

9 Ways to Make An Impact Today

Breathe! It’s impossible to address issues like climate change and rising sea levels overnight. BUT, we can all make small tweaks to build a better, more sustainable future for our planet. (and a conscious dancefloor while we’re at it!). Here are some ways you can make a difference right now:

• Focus on empowerment. SHOW someone how to be a part of the solution rather than telling them they are the problem.

• Adopt a green-rider. This one’s for the artists! Bye Bye Plastic wants to eliminate single-use plastics from the DJ Booth. Join more than 1,500 artists in adopting a plastic-free eco-rider. 

• Educate yourself. By reading this blog, you’re already doing the hard work! Continue to educate yourself and learn how your actions can have lasting impact. Make a personal effort to read at least 1 article a day pertaining to Climate Action.

• Eliminate single-use plastics from your lifestyle. Do your best to ditch plastic cups, cutlery and takeout containers. A sturdy bamboo flatware set and reusable straws are must-haves for festival lovers. 

• Monitor output. Keep a log or mental note of all the items you throw out in a week and determine if there are alternative methods to reduce your waste.

• Consider transportation options. Can you bike to your destination instead of driving a car? When it’s safe to do so, carpool with friends or take public transit to your next music event. If flying is unavoidable, pay a small fee to offset your carbon footprint -- just remember that offsetting is not a solution, but it does make a difference.

• Wear ethically-sourced clothing. Not all clothes are created equal. Garments made from fair-trade hemp, linen, bamboo and organic cottons offer friendlier options. Elevate your “night-out look” with faux-leathers and faux-furs in respect of our animal friends. 

• Think like a “flexatarian.” You don’t have to swear off burgers forever, but maybe try an alternative and see if it sticks. At the very least, think about the journey each food item on your plate took to get to you. Appreciate it!

• Attend environmentally-conscious events. Monstercat’s Compound takes steps to provide attendees with features like refillable water stations and bicycle storage. Look for these kinds of offerings in addition to partnerships with green waste teams and carbon-offsetting programs. 

Even when shows are back at full capacity, we’ll still benefit from quiet escapes into nature that reconnect us with the essence of our humanity. Let’s band together to ensure those places continue to flourish, and that our social feeds remain full of memories we create hand-in-hand with our remarkable world.

Listen to "Oceans & Galaxies" here! 

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