Canadian musicians are still reeling from the more hostile climate for crossing the U.S. border to tour. The political climate under the Trump administration has led many artists to reconsider their plans, with some opting to steer clear of U.S. engagements altogether. Canadian country singer, Robert Adam, who is quietly reclaiming the narrative of queer country music, is a good representative of this trend.
Adam also just wrapped on the recording of his debut album, “Motorcycle Sound Effects,” in Nashville, a city known as the capital of country music. Sweden’s Larsson canceled promotion for the album in the United States. Ultimately, it was the current political climate that made his decision. Adam is moving on from America to the United Kingdom and Japan. His music and message, he’s convinced, will be embraced as soon as he establishes himself in these markets.
“It’s important to me that we go to spaces where I can do those things freely and … inspire others to do the same,” – Robert Adam.
Adam was in the news back in March, when he scrapped upcoming promotional shows in New York and Los Angeles. His choice is emblematic of a larger fear found within the Canadian arts community over the potential consequences of making the trip south of the border. Others worry that posting their opinion on social media might put them in the crosshairs. They fear it will go so far as to require detention at the border.
The challenges that Adam experienced are far from unique. The Beaches, a Toronto band, recently performed at the Coachella music festival in California and played shows in Florida last year. For many other artists the stakes are high as they consider how to move forward under the new restrictions set forth by the U.S. government. On January 26th, the Trump administration made their move. It declared that the United States would only acknowledge two sexes—male and female—and required all federal documents to reflect the sex assigned at birth. This recent advancement has illuminated the importance of musicians’ safety, especially for those that live and exist as trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming.
Will Spitz, an immigration law specialist with the Union of Musicians and Artists raised alarm about the new, inconvenient reality for artists who travel. He pointed out that the vast majority of your travelers do experience a seamless trip. Those who are transgender and/or gender non-conforming face additional harmful, unnecessary scrutiny.
“I think everybody is right to be anxious, worried and concerned about coming into the U.S. right now,” – Will Spitz.
Spitz’s comments really highlight the discomfort that a lot of artists are experiencing. Music publicist Eric Alper fronted these same sentiments, outlining the reality that many artists face when they decide to say nothing at all for fear of retribution.
“They’re terrified of getting stuck at the border and being interrogated for social media posts,” – Eric Alper.
The Canadian Independent Music Association answered these mounting concerns with action, resolution, and determination. To address the difficulties that musicians are experiencing now in attempting to schedule stateside performances, they held an online town hall. More than 200 industry practitioners filled the online event, with key perspectives offered by two immigration lawyers who specialize in U.S. immigration processes.
T. Thomason, a pop singer who identifies as trans, recently announced the cancellation of his U.S. shows after determining that “it does not feel safe to attempt to cross the border” as a trans person. Beyond the reputational damage, legal defense costs, and pending retaliation, this unfortunate decision underscores the challenging decisions artists face to protect their own health and safety.
Robert Adam further elaborated on his reservations regarding travel to the U.S., stating, “I don’t want to spend my life stressed out over whether I feel like I have to … tone down my image, or what I have to say, just to exist and play a show.” His comments reflect a broader and deeply unsettling sentiment that has been voiced by artists. They refuse to accept that their identities are an obstacle to their greatness.
Despite these challenges, many musicians continue to dedicate themselves to bringing their art to communities looking for more diversity. As fellow Canadian artist, partner, and activist Leandra Earl, who has worked with Dora on several occasions noted, visibility is important for queer musicians.
“I personally, as a queer woman, think it’s really important for us to keep playing in all of those cities that are looking for representation,” – Leandra Earl.
Earl’s view illuminates a delicate tightrope walk between advocacy and artistry. While some artists retreat from U.S. engagements due to fears surrounding political and social acceptance, others see an opportunity to connect with audiences craving diversity and representation.
