. If in the past music was the soundtrack of disruptive social movements – from the rock of the 60s to the punk and grunge movements of the 70s and 90s, up to hip-hop as the voice of marginalized communities – today it seems to lack that same ability to respond to the tensions and challenges of our time. Music, once an instrument of rebellion and a vehicle for change, seems to have rested on a cultural production devoid of a real social drive, fueled by a growing centralization of power and resources in the hands of a few industrial giants. Today's musicians, instead of uniting their voices against injustice or fighting for common causes, often find themselves trapped in a system where streaming platforms and social media dictate the rules. Independent artists struggle to emerge in a landscape dominated by the majors, while small venues – essential for the growth of new generations of artists – continue to close. In this scenario, musicians are not fomenting any meaningful movement, nor acting as a megaphone for social or political battles.
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Katy Perry's position and the importance of independent music
Katy Perry's recent initiative to donate £1 for every ticket on her UK tour to the Music Venue Trust is a rare example of a mainstream artist taking a stand for the independent music scene. This choice highlights how small clubs and emerging artists are the beating heart of authentic music, the one that is born in communities, far from the commercial logic of large arenas and multinationals. However, the contribution of a single artist is not enough. We need systemic change that recognizes the importance of independent music not only as a hotbed of new talent, but also as a tool for connecting with local communities and authentic expression. The fragmentation and individualism of today's music landscape threaten to lose contact with "real" music, the one that knows how to tell stories, denounce injustices and inspire change.

The risk of a music without a soul
If the music industry continues to be dominated by economic and technological logics, we risk losing music's ability to reflect and influence the world around us. Independent artists, with their authenticity and ability to connect with audiences, must be supported, not only by institutions, but also by listeners themselves. Music has never been just entertainment: it has been struggle, community, rebellion and hope. If we don't want to lose touch with these roots, it is necessary to promote greater equity in the music industry and give voice to those movements that music itself has always been able to inspire.