Whats your opinion on creative artists taking an almost silent stance on the wars raging across the globe. I think they are homogenised shit houses but interested to know?

OK, so I mentioned previously that this question necessitated a fully thought out response. With a glass of red in hand, let's have at it. Honestly this is the most thought provoking question I've had since running this platform - moreso than direct questions about the unique situation I find myself in, even moreso than AI, and I suppose moreso than grief. I guess, I'm still a relative newcomer to the latter two topics. I have many years experience of the creative arts and maybe that's why I find this question so intriguing. I'll approach this from a personal perspective first before considering a wider view. Personally, I think true art needs to be authentic. You might argue that art can purposely avoid authenticity and you would be completely right in thinking that. But that's authentic unauthenticity, without wanting to sound too wanky. My point is, artists create based on what they know. Which presents an interesting consideration from a more philosophical viewpoint - surely then, any art created is defacto authentic, as it is based on what the artist authentically knows? That doesn't answer your question though. Speaking from a personal perspective, the artwork of my past has reflected the various stages of my life. However we lived in simpler times, and our music reflected that. I absolutely think there is a time and a place for 'escape music', even in times of war. If there is a chance to switch off from all the killing and death and destruction for an evening, people should take it. God knows we need a break. My view is, if you have a platform you should use it for the greater good. Throughout modern history we've seen artists campaigning for peace and equality, which is great and looks good on a t-shirt, but when the pressure is really on - how many artists will take a stand when it will put them directly in the firing line? I will. I have. I come from a socialist working class background and know which way my bread is buttered. I'll always speak up for Ukraine, for Palestine, for the Uyghurs, for Armenia. I'm no expert when it comes to every atrocity around the world, there are people with a much greater knowledge than I, but I'll always be a voice for the oppressed. Going back to my earlier point regarding authenticity - you speak about what you know. And I guess there's no place I know more than home - so primarily I'll speak up for the working class in the UK and if my voice carries far enough then I can speak up for people further afield too. However, there is one thing that is more important to me than art or work or war, and that is family. And I've chosen to focus on my families wellbeing rather than my artwork, for the time being. For the rest of time actually, but hopefully I'll get the chance to create again. I guess this platform is a form of art, and this gives me all the opportunity to air my views and take a stance on what I think is right. People might argue that I have an opportunity to do something bigger, but at what cost? For me it goes like this. Family > Politics > Art > Country. I'd argue politics is greater than art, as without a political compass art is hollow. But others may argue differently and that's ok. Your country is still bloody important, but only as important as what you're fighting for - your family, your politics, and your art. Taking a wider view, I'm encouraged to see celebrities becoming more vocal in their opposition to genocide. There is power in numbers and celebs have a wide reach, so long may it continue. Props to Kneecap and Bob Vylan who have been trailblazers, raising visibility of the genocide of the Palestinian people. It's no surprise that as Irishmen and people of colour they have an intrinsic understanding of persecution. It's no surprise they vehemently oppose it. As a Scouser, the motion carries for me too. But bludgeoning home the point - not all artists have that privilege. And what a horrible privilege to have. Ideally artists will speak out, and more will over time. But there are plenty that won't, and that's fine too. Good art is good art, regardless of the state of the world. We need more art - whether anti-war, or indifferent to war. We've got plenty of soulless corporate drinking holes round the country. I'd rather our town centres were full of music venues packed to the rafters with people enjoying live music each night, and there's got to be room for all types of artists to make that happen. A genuinely thought-provoking question and I enjoyed taking the time to answer it - thank you.