The name Radiohead is one that most of us know if we pay any attention at all to popular music. The innovative, alternative rock band released their first album in 1993, and spent the rest of the 90s crafting a unique sound that incorporated electronic music, Krautrock, post-punk and jazz influences into what has become one of the most influential sounds, sparking the careers of now-famous bands like Coldplay. They’ve also helped to revolutionize marketing by posting their last album, In Rainbows, online using a pay-anything system, inspiring others to do the same. In September 2005, they recorded a song, “I Want None of This” for the War Child charity album Help: A Day in the Life.

And now, Radiohead, has set their sights on yet another human rights issue by donating a song for MTV to use in their End Exploitation and Trafficking media campaign EXIT. The music video, “All I Need,” which will premiere on MTV channels globally on May 1st, juxtaposes the day in the life of a well-off child from a western country and a poor child who is forced to work in a sweatshop.

The issue of human trafficking is one that many high-profile media figures have dealt with over the years, including the 2005 television series Human Trafficking by Christian Duguay, the 2007 film Eastern Promises by David Cronenberg, and the 2008 film Taken by Pierre Morel. It’s great to see Radiohead joining the fight to end this horrible practice. Their star power and considerable artistic talent will help broaden awareness abd draw more people to rally around the cause. Check out the video below, MTV’s Exit campaign, and spread the word!

April 28, 2009 by akshay
Tags: All I Need, Chistian Duguay, culture shockers, David Cronenberg, EXIT, human trafficking, I Want None of This, In Rainbows, MTV, Pierre Morel, Radiohead, War Child