Our thinking

Beats for Biodiversity

27 September, 2024

Nature has officially joined the ranks of artists on major music streaming platforms. The Sounds Right initiative, launched by the Museum for the United Nations – UN Live and partners, recognizes Nature as an artist, complete with royalties that go towards urgent conservation efforts.  

As part of the initiative, musicians such as Brian Eno, Louis VI, UMI, Bomba Estéreo, Ellie Goulding, MØ, and London Grammar have released new music featuring Nature and her vast range of ecosystems all over the world. When you stream music featuring these sounds, a portion of the royalties—at least 50%—goes directly to conservation projects. For ambient tracks, that number jumps to 70%.  

Beyond conservation, Sounds Right’s power lies in its attempt to shift our relationship with nature from exploitation to collaboration. “We often treat the environment as a resource to be exploited” says Gabriel Smales, Sounds Right’s global program director. But Sounds Right offers a glimpse into what a relationship of reciprocity can look like. 

In a similar vein, Patagonia made headlines last year by transferring all ownership to entities dedicated to fighting climate change and protecting the environment. This bold move, like the Sounds Right initiative, demonstrates how diverse industries can creatively prioritize nature’s well-being in their core operations. Such innovative approaches offer a model for sustainable interaction with the environment, potentially inspiring similar practices across various sectors. 

Want to tune in? Check out the “Feat. Nature” playlist on Spotify and other major streaming platforms.

By Emma Alajarin