Don't look away article-01-large

Tidal Don’t Look Away

Insight

Stories of racial profiling and violence against unarmed civilians make headlines with regularity.

And while these cases are hot topics for a news cycle, the media and the public quickly move on to the next sensational story without truly acknowledging the lives lost, or making any real progress towards change. While social injustice keeps taking lives, it’s all too easy for society to keep looking away.


A piece of paper with the word CHAINS written in bold, black, jagged letters. Black markers are scattered around the paper, and part of another sheet with similar writing is visible.
A close-up, black-and-white photo of handwritten, heavily scribbled notes on white paper, with text crossed out and blurred, giving an impression of brainstorming or draft writing.

Idea

Internationally celebrated musician Usher recorded Chains, an anthem to advocate for unarmed victims of violence.

To ensure the public paid attention to this important issue, the song was launched exclusively on chains.tidal.com. Using facial recognition technology, fans have to hold the gaze of victims of social injustice – like Travyon Martin and Sean Bell – in order to hear Chains. If the viewer looks away, the music stops.


A black-and-white image on a computer screen shows a young person in a hoodie staring ahead. Text overlay reads Dont Look Away. The blurred profile of another person is visible in the foreground.
Close-up of several large, weathered metal chain links overlapping each other, creating a dark, textured, and industrial appearance.

Impact

Within days, the video was featured on CBS This Morning, NBC, Rolling Stone, Fast Company, The Guardian and Forbes, contributing to more than 500 million earned impressions.

Influencers including Cara Delevingne, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jay Z took to social media to express their support. Usher performed Chains for the first time to a sold-out audience at the TIDAL x 1020 Amplified by HTC concert, with proceeds benefitting groups that promote social impact and change.

chains.tidal.com ↘

  • Gold

    CSR: Web

  • Winner

    Best Digital Video Creative

  • Winner

    Website Design

  • Winner

    Web

  • Gold

    Best Music Promo Film

  • Gold

    Best use of Audio


  • ForbesUsher’s powerful new music video literally won’t allow you to look away ↘
  • NBC NewsNew Usher Song is Breaking the Chains of Social Injustice ↘

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