There's music in the sighing of a reed;
There's music in the gushing of a rill;
There's music in all things, if men had ears:
Their earth is but an echo of the spheres.
from "Don Juan" (Canto XV, V) by Lord Byron

So, what do we do with these results? Where do we stand now with regard to the environmental awareness through music?


Environmental music, i.e. music that deals with environmental issues is not very popular. Though there are some websites presenting environmental songs, it is not yet a specific genre which is accepted by or at least known to the public. I am convinced that there is capability. The best musical genre to convey environmental messages is the (pop) song as it has the broadest circulation, and combines music and lyrics, thus works on two different levels. The lyrics should be easy to understand and the music not too complex. However, one must be careful not to chase those away who have sophisticated standards. Finding a balance between these contrasting groups and a style that pleases the most is challenging, I do not deny this.

 

In regard to the music industry, there have been some changes. Some bands (e.g. Radiohead) promote eco-friendly tours, and the Live Earth concerts made a contribution by raising worldwide awareness of environmental issues and creating the Live Earth Green Event Guidelines, which are now in use. Live Earth has shown that it is possible to accomplish a series of concerts and acting environmentally responsible.

However, I get the impression that changes in the music industry are kind of hidden. If they happen, they are not made public. So far, there is only little awareness of an environmentally friendly music industry. But the music industry is big business; it has a huge impact worldwide. It could play the leading role in the movement towards an earth-friendly business. In this case, it would be a top-down movement instead of the bottom-up movement which is often stated as the more important movement with regard to environmental changes. That an earth-friendly (or at least earth-friendlier) business is possible has become clear through the Live Earth concerts. By playing the main role, the music industry could not only inspire other business sectors to follow this way, it also has a potential to transform our thinking through different modes: the constant promotion of CO2 reduction, performances of artists who support “green” movements, environmental texts. All these aspects can influence the individual and lead to a small gesture/change, such as turning the lights off when one leaves the room. Added up, these changes will make a lot. 

 So far, neither the music itself nor the music industry have even roughly tapped the full potential. One-day events, such as the Live Earth concerts, are a good starting point, but definitely not enough. Besides from the necessary changes mentioned above, there should also be better marketing strategies to promote environmental musical events, to make them more popular, and surveys to examine and improve the long-term effects of environmental music and an environmentally friendly music industry. 

 I do not think that music/ music industry alone can lead to a global change in the way we think about nature, treat nature, and see ourselves in nature. Not all people are attracted by music, some prefer visual or plastic arts, others only believe in facts. These are just a few examples, I am sure that there are many more. It needs the interaction of all the different disciplines. But Music can contribute to it, especially since it mostly works on a more emotional basis and thus offers an alternative to hard facts and data. Nature itself is full of noises and "music," and has always served as a source of inspiration. Now it might be the time to "pay it back" by creating/using music as an inspiration to protect and maintain our environment.