Selena Gomez and Stacy Abrams team up on newly released music documentary

Selena Gomez and Stacey Abrams are teaming up once again as co-producers of the documentary Louder: The Soundtrack of Change. This project promises to be a powerful exploration of music as a form of activism, showcasing the contributions of iconic women in music across various genres and generations.

About the Documentary

Louder: The Soundtrack of Change is described as a “celebration of music and rallying cry.” The film will take audiences on a star-studded journey through the history of music activism, featuring insights from influential artists such as Melissa Etheridge, H.E.R., Chaka Khan, Rhiannon Giddens, and Mickey Guyton.

• Melissa Etheridge reflects on her courageous decision to come out as a lesbian during a 1993 inaugural ball, a moment that had a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
• H.E.R. shares the deep emotional connection to her 2020 ballad “I Can’t Breathe,” which captures the grief and outrage surrounding racial injustice.

The documentary addresses pressing issues like gender identity, racial injustice, and outdated societal norms. As Abrams poignantly states in the trailer, “It is a painful thing to tell a dark story,” setting the tone for the film’s powerful narrative.

Key Themes and Highlights

Louder pays homage to the trailblazing women in music, including 90s hip-hop legends Queen Latifah and Salt-N-Pepa, and highlights the raw energy of the Riot Grrrl punk movement through an impactful interview with Kathleen Hanna, whose song “Rebel Girl” was recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021.

The documentary combines first-hand accounts, extensive interviews, and stunning archival footage, making it a must-watch for music lovers and activists alike.

Where to Watch

Louder: The Soundtrack of Change premiered exclusively on Max on October 17, 2024. The documentary is directed by Kristi Jacobson, an award-winning filmmaker known for her Emmy-winning work on HBO’s Solitary.

The Collaboration Between Gomez and Abrams

While Gomez, a successful actress and singer, and Abrams, an influential political figure, might seem like an unlikely pair, their collaboration is built on a foundation of shared values. The two have previously worked together in political contexts, with Gomez endorsing Abrams in her gubernatorial campaign in Georgia in 2022. In 2020, Gomez famously lent her Instagram account—boasting 181 million followers—to Abrams as part of the #ShareTheMicNow campaign, raising awareness for Black Lives Matter and the importance of voting.

Stacey Abrams, who has served in Georgia’s House of Representatives and been a Democratic nominee for governor, has also authored several books, showcasing her multifaceted talent and dedication to social issues.

With Louder: The Soundtrack of Change, Gomez and Abrams continue to use their platforms to advocate for change and empower audiences through the universal language of music.