Rock music has long been used as an arena for social change and political expression, breaking down societal classes barriers while building bonds among young people from diverse backgrounds.
Neil Young, Dropkick Murphys and Explosions in the Sky have taken issue with politicians such as Ted Cruz for using their music in campaign videos for his election campaigns.
1. Punk
Punk is a countercultural movement best known for its ever-shifting concepts of rebellion, disruption and subversive lifestyle choices. Similar to previous youth-oriented subcultures such as mods and Teddy Boys, punk is distinguished from these by refusing to center its rebellious energy around either an ironic adoption of straight culture such as traditional dress being back in fashion; or romanticized working class styles like denim jeans and boots (hence creating the image of white punks with dreadlocks).
Punk music centers around a host of negation values ranging from animal rights to antiwar sentiments. Punk is more than political; it represents an emotional response against status quo and calls upon everyone who wants to contribute towards building a better world.
As with any subculture that strives to be progressive, punk has its share of issues. One such challenge for punk is its tendency to blur race and culture in ways that border on essentialism. While punk has shown evidence of cross-cultural collaboration in its earlier days, current scene seems plagued with too much egotism, purity fetishism, performance-focused masculinity, misdirected masculinity that cancels out other voices while marginalizing women.
Punks tend to associate themselves with socialism, yet at the same time tend to downplay humankind’s incredible advances across every field, envisioning instead an alternative society with radical new values. Their utopia offers attractive yet ultimately empty promises which run counter to human spirit – thus justifying punk’s tradition of not taking itself too seriously and mocking any overly sincere punk who attempts to dictate a code of ethics for his/her scene with humor as an effective form of hubris reduction.
2. Blues
Blues music has long been used as a vehicle to express political ideals and beliefs, from early musicians through contemporary artists. From its inception, this form of expression was frequently employed as a way of protesting injustices.
Blues music’s improvisational nature enables it to accommodate various ideas and themes which can serve as political tools. Furthermore, its intimacy allows musicians to form deeper connections with listeners than most other genres of music and this broad audience connection plays an essential role when engaging in political activism through music.
Blues music often expressed the struggles African Americans faced after slavery had ended, from overwork and discriminatory housing policies to police brutality and even lynchings. Songs like Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” helped spread awareness of this horrible form of racism to an audience unfamiliar with lynchings.
Sinead O’Connor and U2 have utilized blues as an instrument of political activism through their songs; these inspired peace movements in Northern Ireland, Irish republicanism and protest against Vladimir Putin’s dictatorship respectively.
Blues as a tool of political advocacy should always be seen as having dual effects. Some themes and ideals that promote positive social change may also be used against them – for instance, bands such as RATM have used music to target labor exploitation, American corporatism, and the Iraq War through musical movements they created.
3. Rock
Rock music is the global dominant form, inspiring feelings of rebellion, freedom and power in listeners worldwide. Rock can act as a catalyst for social change by encouraging protests and political activism; or simply be used to provide listeners with energy they need during difficult times. Rock has also been utilized as a form of youth empowerment while breaking down racial divides by introducing African American styles to white audiences; inspiring dance moves, fashion trends and personal expression through listening habits.
Bob Dylan and John Lennon used their music during the 1960s counterculture era to communicate specific messages regarding politics and societal issues through song lyrics. Blowin’ in the Wind by Dylan was one such rock song, representing antiwar protests while advocating peace; both these classic rock tracks continued their use of political lyrics well into the ’90s when grunge and alternative rock became an outlet for their activism against disco and classic rock’s excesses.
rock music stands out for both its sound and style; its use of distortion and feedback creates a distinctive, powerful sound, while rhythm can range from simple beats to complex syncopated patterns. Rock performers are known for high-energy stage performances that include costumes and theatrics; its emotive, heartbreaking lyrics can bring tears of both joy and sorrow to listeners’ eyes.
Mick Jagger and Angus Young from AC/DC, Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac and Jimi Hendrix (revolutionizing electric guitar playing with Purple Haze). Other artists who have made an impactful statement through music include Pink Floyd, the Beatles, Rolling Stones and U2. Together these iconic musicians have ensured rock has left its legacy as an influential art form that has transformed millions of lives worldwide.
4. Country
As country music evolved, its associations became associated with conservative politics by championing small-scale rural communities and moral clarity (Mann, 2008). Additionally, its associated with particular social identities such as hillbillies, rednecks, and hicks that denigrated listeners; this created an implicit link between country music and its audiences and political ideology that helped shape its evolution over time.
Although Country music remained popular, its association with conservative politics made it seem out of step with the rapidly shifting political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Dolly Parton and Barbara Mandrell managed to transcend musical boundaries, developing hit records that disproved “redneck” stereotypes by appealing to more mainstream audiences.
Today’s country music industry is an innovative, cutting-edge enterprise generating billions each year. Its audience largely comprises white rural audiences that lean conservative. One study revealed that income or gender are not good predictors for voting behavior – instead a four-year college degree is seen as more reliable predictors.
Country music remains a genre that represents its roots while providing listeners with a powerful means to express political ideas. Not only can it spark conversations and motivate listeners into political activism, it allows audiences to connect emotionally with artists on stage – contributing to political activism while helping build audience rapport with artists themselves. Even as political climate and music trends change since Fox and William’s 1974 survey was conducted, listeners continue to connect with music that reinforces their political ideologies.
5. Folk
Folk music is generally associated with the culture, region or nation it represents and often serves as an historical record of that place. Songs created and passed down through generations usually belong to that community. Traditionalism or composition by members of a community are used in these songs, often performed simply with an acoustic instrument. Such music has long been used as an agent of social change and protest against injustices around the world. Folk music has long been used to bring people together and foster a sense of community, such as during the Civil Rights Movement when folk songs such as “We Shall Overcome” were popularized by artists such as Joan Baez and Pete Seeger.
Protest music, a genre that draws its inspiration from folk traditions but contains lyrics with specific political messages, may serve as an outlet to express anger over injustice, war or discrimination while encouraging listeners to follow in its wake. Singer/songwriters usually take an ethical position during performances which encourages their listeners to do likewise.
Folk music in the US has traditionally been associated with left-wing politics, with roots that date back to folk revival movements of the 1960s. Conversely, Sweden experienced an anti-immigration political party called Swedish Democrats that began pushing state funding away from multicultural arts and heritage projects towards those which promote an exclusive vision of Swedish cultural identity; many in folk music community opposed this agenda.