Dozens of artists drop out of Texas music festival over US military sponsorships

AUSTIN, Texas (TND) — Dozens of artists have withdrawn from the upcoming South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival in Austin, Texas in protest of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) sponsorships.

At least 70 performers have chosen to abstain from the festival, according to the Austin Palestine Coalition. Many cite the DOD’s connections to Israel’s war against Hamas, including South African indie singer Shalom, who dropped out due to the U.S.’ perceived support for Israel. She argues such support enables genocide.

“I wanted to play this showcase: Attending as an official artist has long been a dream of mine. However, a dream powered by the U.S. Army, defense contractors, the CIA – Those dreams are powered by the blood of innocents,” Shalom wrote on X. “I will not be complicit in the ongoing, U.S.-sponsored genocide of the Palestinian people.”

The singer noted she doesn't support the Army or its status as a SXSW super sponsor.

“When I look back on my life, I never want to see myself on the side of the people dropping bombs, of the universal oppressors,” Shalom said. “I will do the right thing. No dream of mine will ever, ever be worth having to face myself after singing for the war machine.”

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Squirrel Flower, a Chicago-based rock musician, withdrew due to the festival’s welcoming of RTX Corporation, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies, which controls defense-systems supplier Collins Aerospace.

“Genocide profiteers like Raytheon supply weapons to the IDF, paid for by our taxes. A music festival should not include war profiteers,” the musician claimed. “I refuse to be complicit in this and withdrawal my art and labor in protest.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott dismissed the artists’ protests Tuesday, noting the state supports several military institutions.

“Bye. Don’t come back. Austin remains the HQ for the Army Futures Command. San Antonio is Military City USA. We are proud of the U.S. military in Texas,” he stated. “If you don’t like it, don’t come here.”

SXSW expressed disapproval with the governor’s sentiment.

“We are an organization that welcomes diverse viewpoints. Music is the soul of SXSW, and it has long been our legacy,” the festival posted. “We fully respect the decision these artists made to exercise their right to free speech.”

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SXSW explained the defense industry's involvement provides attendees the ability to understand how the branch’s approach impacts their lives.

“The Army’s sponsorship is part of our commitment to bring forward ideas that shape our world. In regard to Collins Aerospace, they participated this year as a sponsor of two SXSW Pitch categories, giving entrepreneurs visibility and funding for potentially game-changing work,” SXSW wrote.

The Department of Defense declined The National Desk’s (TND) request for comment Thursday. RTX did not immediately return TND’s inquiry.

Follow Ray Lewis on X for trending national news @rayjlewis or send a tip to rjlewis@sbgtv.com.