Chandler Jewels, rap artist has released a new track in the lead-up to the Melbourne Cup on 5 November. “F*ck the Cup” is composed, produced and co-written by Jewels, with lyrics co-written by Ant Melder from Cocogun.
The track is a rebuke to the annual event which has been broadly criticised for animal welfare issues and its focus on gambling. Its video was directed by mp4Oscar.
“I embraced the chance to create a protest song about animal cruelty, especially the heartbreaking fate of horses after the Melbourne Cup. Music has the power to spark change, and I wanted to use it to bring to light the cruelty that’s happening,” said Jewels.
“Having the ability to create with meaning is a great thing that should be practiced by more creatives and directors in a world full of commercial works,” added mp4Oscar.
“F*ck The Cup follows in the great tradition of musicians, from Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and Paul Kelly to The Clash, Public Enemy, Midnight Oil and Kendrick Lamar, using their art as a force for change. Chandler’s track is a powerful contemporary addition to the protest song cannon. It’s designed to spark debate and agitate for change,” said Melder.
Seven horses have died during the Melbourne Cup in the last decade, with many others being euthanised in related incidents. Beyond the deaths of individual horses, the list of welfare concerns includes the culling of ‘uncompetitive’ animals. Animal rights activists also object to whipping and tongue ties and say that racing can cause health issues such as bleeding from lungs and stomach ulcers.
Upwards of $223 million is gambled on the Melbourne Cup every year, contributing to the $9 billion Australians lose betting on sports and racing annually.
F*ck The Cup is live on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and IHeartRadio.
Credits:
Writers: Chandler Jewels and Ant Melder
Composer/producer: Chandler Jewels
Cover art: Shev Tan, Mollie Starr, Loz Maneschi, Chris Clausen, Jimmy Williams
Vibe consultant: Lewis Clark
Video director: mp4Oscar
DOP: Adz Mov
VFX + colour: Macs Dona
Set design: Juin Cze
