THE INSTIGATORS
Photos and words by Molly Woodthorpe
Music is recognised as a powerful tool for self-expression, but some musicians and bands are using their voices not just to entertain their fans, but to ignite change. They know that their influence reaches beyond the stage they perform on, leveraging their platform to speak out on issues that matter, from politics to social justice and inequality.
Rallying against oppressive systems and advocating for marginalized communities, these artists use the power of their music and influence to challenge the things they think are unfair and need changing, and encouraging their fans to think critically about the world around them.
These musicians are not just creating songs, they are instigating change.
YOU ME AT SIX
CARDIFF SU • 11.03.25
Photographed here on their last ever tour "Final Nights of Six", on the first night in Cardiff, You Me at Six have been a staple for the alternative scene for 20 years. A socially conscious band, You Me at Six have not shied away from the issues they hold close over the span of their career, with frontman Josh Franceschi in particular being vocal about topics such as economic inequality, LGBTQ rights, and fairness in the music industry.
In 2016, Franceschi took a stand against ticket touting by addressing a parliamentary Culture, Media and Sport Committee, calling for greater transparency in ticket sales to protect fans. He criticised using automated bots that purchase large quantities of tickets and then the resale of those tickets at heavily inflated prices, arguing that such practices exploit genuine fans and damage the integrity of live music events. Franceschi even took matters into his own hands by personally selling tickets to fans to ensure fair access—after discovering that tickets for their intimate show at Dingwalls in London were being resold at inflated prices, Franceschi took action by selling 100 additional tickets directly to fans at the Dr. Martens store in Covent Garden.
The band furthered this stance in a 2022 interview, commenting, "It's exactly the same shit that was happening when I was younger; the rich making the rich richer and marginalizing the voiceless even more," reflecting their awareness of ongoing societal issues.
More recently, in a 2025 performance in Brighton, the band dedicated their song "Take On The World" to the queer community, with Franceschi affirming, "love is love," showcasing their support for LGBTQ rights.
You Me At Six explore broader social themes through tracks like "What's It Like", which critiques societal expectations and the pressure to conform, and "SUCKAPUNCH", which channels frustration and resilience in the face of adversity. These songs go beyond personal experience to tap into collective struggles, addressing issues like identity, mental health, and the emotional toll of living in an unequal society.
AMONGST LIARS
FUEL, CARDIFF • 26.03.25
Amongst Liars are a band blending fierce energy with a strong social conscience. Formed in 2020, their name emerged both from the initials of the founding members (Leo, Ian, Adam, Ross) and a reaction to the political climate under the long reign of Tory governance. While not overtly labelling themselves a political band, their music speaks volumes; songs like Black Days take aim at performative politics and societal fatigue, while broader themes of mental health, environmental crisis, and frustration with the status quo pulse through their lyrics.
James (a later addition to the band) brings a depth and new perspective on environmental messaging, drawing from his own work in the sustainability sector. Despite their often raw and serious subject matter, the band balance their intensity with humour and humility, embracing the kind of gritty authenticity and realness that defines modern protest rock. Their shows mirror the vibe of the band— dim lighting with bold colourful spotlights, bringing fans up on stage to dance and throwing water at each other.
Whether shouting down corruption or encouraging emotional honesty, Amongst Liars aren’t just making noise—they’re making their words and their platform count.
In a time where disengagement seems the norm and apathy feels like the default, bands like You Me At Six and Amongst Liars shall be the hope for music to go on and challenge it. Bands like Amongst Liars and You Me at Six addressing uncomfortable truths, be it on stage, in interviews, or through their lyricism, sets them aside. These artists do not simply accept what is happening in the world; they actively seek to change it.
As more musicians step up and speak out on the issues they care about, this growing wave of activism within the industry signals a shift towards a more engaged and socially responsible music culture.
Wether it is calling out political hypocrisy to advocating for fan fairness and queer rights, the legacies of these artists stand as a reminder that when artists use their voice to instigate change, their impact resonates even after the music stops.