Winston Marshall and Speaking Your Truth

Last week, the music biz was abuzz with the news that Winston Marshall, the Mumford & Sons banjoist, quit the band after controversy over a tweet from March.

The tweet was in praise of a book that was critical of the far-left. The mob went crazy, accusing him of being a fascist (he doesn’t come close) and it ultimately blew back on the band.

So, Win made the decision to step away so that he could continue to speak freely. 

When I heard this, my heart sank.

Not just ‘cus I love the band- but because of what this says about the society we’re living in as a whole and the music industry in particular.

Our world has become so divided. People have fallen victim to binary, all or nothing thinking.

What does it say when we leave no room for different opinions?

What does it say when someone who says something people don’t agree with is forced into making a heartbreaking decision and walking away from something that he loves?

That doesn’t sound like liberalism to me. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion needs to also include diversity of thought. 

We don’t live in a binary world. We live in a world with so many different lived experiences and people with complex identities and makeups. 

There’s no way for us all to think the same way about everything!

When we immediately “cancel” someone for thinking differently - we close off our own thinking and our own ability to be inclusive and learn from others. Even when we don’t agree.

One of the reasons I’ve loved working in the music industry is because I believe so deeply in the power of music and of artists to challenge us to open our minds and open us up to each other's experiences.

We can’t do that if we’re not willing to hear anything different.

We can’t do that if we deny people their right to speak their minds and share their voices.

I applaud Winston for prioritizing his need to share his thoughts with the world and not conform. But I hate that, for him, that meant stepping away.

In my work, I am committed to helping artists show up authentically as themselves WHILE doing the work that they love and sharing it with the world so that they can make their greatest impact.

If this is something you’re struggling with, I would love to support you.

Send me a note and let’s chat…