No Music For Genocide

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No Music For Genocide: A Simple Overview

What it is
No Music For Genocide is an international cultural boycott started in September 2025 by musicians and record labels. The campaign asks artists to remove their music from Israeli streaming platforms by geo-blocking, as a way to protest Israel’s actions in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinians.

Why it started
The movement grew out of concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and calls for easier, more visible action from the music industry. Supporters say it is a way for artists to stand up against what they see as oppression and for the music world to refuse to normalize or financially support Israeli entities during the conflict. Amnesty International and the United Nations have described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide, a framing that helped inspire the campaign.

How it works
The campaign uses geo-blocking to limit access to music on Israeli platforms and within Israel. The goal is to apply economic and symbolic pressure on the music industry to sever ties with Israeli entities and to push for political change.

History and growth
- The movement publicly launched on September 18, 2025, after months of organizing among artists worried about Gaza and the music industry’s response.
- It positions itself within the broader Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and works with groups like PACBI.
- At first, about 400 artists and labels joined. The effort quickly grew, with many more artists and labels signing on and reports saying participation exceeded 1,000 by October 2025.
- Notable initial and later supporters include Massive Attack, Rina Sawayama, Japanese Breakfast, Björk, Paramore and Hayley Williams, Lorde, Idles, MUNA, Pinegrove, Elisapie, BadBadNotGood, Hyperdub, Clairo, Nao, Lucy Dacus, Aurora, Wolf Alice, the estate of Ryuichi Sakamoto, My Bloody Valentine, Hot Chip, Shygirl, Denzel Curry, and more.

Participants and labels
A wide range of artists and independent labels joined the boycott, covering various genres and regions. The list reflects a broad effort across the music industry to take a stand rather than a single genre or market.

Reception
- Support: Palestinian artists and cultural groups welcomed the movement, saying it gives artists a clear way to act and strengthen Palestinian voices.
- Criticism: Some argue cultural boycotts can harm ordinary people or hinder cultural exchange rather than pressure governments. Others question whether the situation should be labeled genocide, though many human rights groups and international bodies have used that term in reference to the Gaza crisis.

Why it matters
The campaign aims to show that artists can take a tangible stand, influencing audiences and potentially pressuring governments to change policies. It highlights how people can connect art and politics to protest violence and oppression.

Website
nomusicforgenocide.org