Several musicians pull out of SXSW "in support of the Palestinian people"

American indie musician Squirrel Flower has pulled out of this year’s SXSW festival in Texas in “support of the Palestinian people”.

“I have decided to pull out of my official SXSW showcases in protest of SXSW’s ties to the defense industry and in support of the Palestinian people,” the artist, real name Ella O’Connor Williams, wrote on social media.

“There are many ways SXSW is harmful to working musicians, but I am pulling out specifically because of the fact that SXSW is platforming defence contractors including Raytheon subsidiaries as well as the US Army, a main sponsor of the festival.

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

UMAW supports the Austin for Palestine coalition and artists like @sqrrlflwr @okayshalom and @elizamclamb , who have pulled out of their official SXSW showcases in solidarity with Palestine. Warmongers have no place at SXSW! pic.twitter.com/zuxBG6IZzv

— United Musicians and Allied Workers (@UMAW_) March 5, 2024

Other artists have followed suit, with Shalom, Eliza McLamb and Mamalarky also refusing to perform.

“I have pulled out of my official SXSW showcase after learning that the US Army is a major sponsor of the even,” wrote McLamb in a statement on social media.

“I will never put my name on or perform my labour for an event in service of the US war machine, and especially not now as they continue to fuel the ongoing violence against Palestinians. Blood money has no place in music."

A series of Irish musicians are also set to take the stage at this year's SXSW, including Cardinals, Gurriers, Kneecap, Mick Flannery, NewDad and Soda Blonde.