Wollongong-based hip-hop artist and animal rights advocate Aaron Deering, otherwise know as Azza D. Image credit: Soundcloud
Using music to spread awareness and promote animal rights has become more common recently, with major celebrities like Rise Against and The Smiths creating songs with important messages. With a potential audience of millions, it can be a very effective way to spread the word. Hip-hop music in particular is moving beyond being merely entertainment, quickly becoming a worldwide vehicle for social change. In Wollongong, local hip-hop artist Azza D is familiar with using hip-hop music as a mediumfor change.
Aaron Deering, also known as Azza D, has been rapping and writing hip-hop since he was 17, but it's only been in the last few years that he's combined his musical talents with his love for animals. In a recent interview with Bite Magazine, Aaron talks about how he's always had a connection to animals.
“I’ve always loved animals, ever since I was a little kid. Looking back I think animals can just sense that kids don’t have any negative intentions towards them and that’s why animals were never really scared of me, I was always really good friends with them.”
Aaron said that ever since he saw an ad on TV showing bears being kept in tiny cages for entertainment as a five year old, he has fought for animal rights.
“That ad has stuck with me all this time, it had a really big effect on me. The song in the ad was by The Pretenders, 'I’ll Stand By You', and I’ve always had the idea of remaking it and putting my own spin on it. Kind of making it into a story with all proceedings made when purchasing the song goes towards this cause. Animals weren’t put on this earth for our benefit.”
The Humane Society International's animal rights advertisement. Source: Youtube
Loving both animals and music from such a young age, Aaron thought it natural to combine his passions. Currently he's in the middle of organising a free gig, at Stuart Park in Wollongong to launch his new album, The Secret Tree House, which will feature a special track dedicated to animals. Vegan clothing and food stands will also be present on the day.
Musicians play a crucial role as authentic cultural messengers. They help to recruit supporters, raise much-needed funds, and inspire those already involved. But more than simply passing on information, they also interpret that information through their music, presenting ideas in ways which engage their audience emotionally. Music in other words, frames ideas and primes us to accept new frames. Music shifts cultural norms by affecting and interacting with the way we see the world and our place in it, especially through group identity. Azza D creates a bond with his listeners who then may be motivated to also fight for animal rights. Azza D explains:
“When you look at it, it’s an obvious idea. Music is a great platform to get a message across, it is something that’s made and stays here, you can play it over and over and the point is never lost. I think as far as rap goes, these are the issues we should be talking about.”
All art forms can be powerful communication tools, and their power is likely underused in the animal rights movement. Music in particular can have a powerful impact, partially due to the fact that we listen to music we like repeatedly. Even lyrics that don’t sink in the first few times, eventually hit our ears at a time when our minds are open, subconsciously opening our minds to new ideas.
Today, hip-hop artists and industry insiders are raising their voices in protest of injustices, and in favor of peace on a diverse number of issues, everything from the Arab Spring to the meat industry. The music isn’t just having a hand in promoting peace, it's also promoting a greater understanding of world affairs and educating Australian audiences on the plight of those outside the country.
Azza D is dedicated towards helping end animal cruelty while and making his mark in this world. He explains that animals have always been a fundamental part of his life so it's bound to be repeated throughout his songs. Aaron hopes one day he won’t have to preach animal rights, and that the rest of the world will catch up.
But for now he will keep fighting for peace for all in the animal kingdom.
