Music is possibly the most ubiquitous art form in existence and is the borderless language of the world. Even before recorded music, the powers that be have always sought to control this language. How we talk, how we dress, even how we think is all influenced by music and the people who create it, making it a powerful and concerning art form. Whenever there is a clear movement bubbling up in the music industry, whether it be the rise of jazz in the 1920s, the Satanic Panic of the 1980s or explicit hip-hop of today, we can always see a public outcry questioning the influence these musicians have. Since the inception of recorded music, artists who were deemed raunchy or taboo have faced suppression from censors while label profits continued to grow. Now with new streaming platforms and direct to consumer outlets dominating the sales, the discussion of what is appropriate for the public consumption is as relevant as ever.

Told through the words of authors, journalists, professors and people on both sides of the arguments, Cover Your Ears blends a wealth of archival and never-before-seen footage and intimate interviews with some of the biggest names in music who were pivotal figures in the history of music censorship. Legends like Woodstock alum Country Joe MacDonald, hip-hop pioneer Chuck D of Public Enemy and the ever-outspoken Murray Acton of punk icons Dayglo Abortions and many more give thoughtful and in-depth perspective to this important issue. Punk stalwarts Ian MacKaye and Jello Biafra are joined by rock mainstay Dee Snider and underground hip-hop star Tiny Doo to give first hand viewpoints of how censorship has affected their lives. In total a diverse cast from all sides of the discussion elevate this first ever feature length documentary on music censorship to more than a linear recounting of facts and looks to spark critical discussion on this important topic.