In the 1960s and 70s, many rock bands often delivered political messages through their music – often times anti-government or anti-war sentiments were common themes.
Rock music‘s immersive qualities can make it an effective means of political expression; however, this genre also operates on an established star system which may conflict with grassroots political mobilization efforts. This article explores the relationship between music and politics by providing examples of musicians taking issue or action against political figures.
Musicians have taken issue with or action against politicians
Politically active musicians include musicians such as politicians. Some musicians have taken issue with politicians in various ways, even trying to stop political candidates from using their music at campaign events – though not without success; artists don’t necessarily have legal grounds to ask political candidates not to use their songs at political events as most major artists sign licensing deals with performance rights organizations like ASCAP or BMI, which allow them to license them for all sorts of events – including political ones.
There are a handful of bands with strong political convictions who don’t shy away from expressing them through music, such as System of a Down. Their outspokenness on topics like human rights and government corruption has garnered them critical acclaim over time, while punk rock bands like Green Day and Anti-Flag also have left-leaning messages that have garnered them large followings.
Music can inspire political change as well. One example of this phenomenon is Norway’s response to right-wing extremist Anders Behring Breivik’s mass murderous rampage. Breivik cited Norway’s embrace of multiculturalism as his motivation, so his actions reflect an ethos represented by Norwegian artists like Ane Brun and Marius Ryvoren who provided him with music during this time.
Rock is music with deep urban roots; yet its appeal lies outside it. Rock offers an immersive listening experience, immersing listeners into its message while giving them an escape from reality and becoming part of its message. Such engagement can serve as a powerful vehicle for social revolution among younger generations less burdened by expectations from parents or past disappointments.
Rock’s urban roots make it ideal for dance halls and clubs worldwide; radio plays it as well; audiences of all ages and backgrounds can easily access this music form; it even makes an ideal form of rebellion against state censorship by having street legitimacy (subcultural capital).
Musicians have endorsed politicians
With Donald Trump and Joe Biden locked in an intense contest for the White House, political activism is in full swing and music plays an integral role. Politicians utilize popular songs in rallies and campaigns as part of their outreach to a certain demographic; similarly many musicians like Rage Against The Machine, Anti-Flag and Against Me! have used music to express political opinions or make statements.
Politicians may find these artists appealing as endorsements for politicians; however, their effectiveness remains in question. Some musicians have even taken legal action against politicians for using their music without permission – in one such instance Michele Bachmann used MGMT’s song “Kids” at one of her campaign events without prior consent, prompting the band to send her a cease and desist letter.
However, it’s not unusual for musicians to endorse candidates running for political office and vice versa; politicians often ask musicians to perform at their events as this can help build support and draw attention to a cause they care about.
Some artists have even gone as far as running for office themselves, which may or may not be successful but serves to provide new perspectives to political issues and get people engaged with those issues at hand.
Rockers often choose to run for public office, often winning. Some politicians come from musical backgrounds while others simply wanted to make change in their community. Many have achieved their goal and continue serving constituents at high-level positions today.
There is no denying the fact that rock musicians tend to lean left politically, yet what about musicians who stand on the opposite end of the spectrum? Although uncommon, there have been some instances of Republican candidates being supported by musicians from another side – in some instances even including Sarah Palin who used Heart’s “Barracuda” song to promote her candidacy in 2008. Unfortunately this caused controversy among many – particularly Nancy and Ann Wilson of Heart who believed Palin did not represent their views on women’s rights.
Musicians have criticized politicians
Many musicians have used their platforms to criticize politicians and government. Some artists have advocated for specific political movements while others have attacked aspects of society such as crime or climate change. Some musicians have even used their popularity to run for office themselves: for instance, 2 Live Crew’s front man ran for Mayor in Miami while Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic ran for clerk of Wahkiakum County Clerkship.
American musicians have taken issue with President Donald Trump and other politicians. Groups such as Dropkick Murphys, Explosions in the Sky and Neil Young have all voiced opposition against Trump or simply spoken out publicly against them on social media platforms.
Some musicians have asserted their right to use their music for political events without incurring copyright law repercussions, but this has created tension with copyright law. According to intellectual property lawyer Danwill Schwender’s 2017 academic article, most musicians assign their performance rights through performance rights organizations (PRO), which in turn permits venues and events license their music without consulting directly with artists.
Organizations often don’t ask permission before using music from musicians for promotional or other purposes, which can pose legal risks and negative publicity for them. According to Schwender, when Donald Trump used Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” as part of his original campaign kick-off announcement speech, the band wasn’t too pleased about it.
Cruz included their song in an endorsement video of himself, sparking public outrage from both band and label; eventually forcing the Cruz campaign to remove its music.
Musical artists with large fan bases may find that broadcasting their disapproval to millions of followers can often prove more effective than fighting over copyright law.
The internet has changed the way musicians express their political opinions. Now that so many people can connect to musicians through their work, the potential for controversy is greater than ever. Rock musicians can inspire people to support causes they care about like police brutality or climate change by communicating their message online.
Musicians have supported politicians
Musicians have long been engaged with politics and political activism. Their involvement is often seen as an avenue to effect positive change and draw awareness to issues important to them – such as John Lennon’s “Give Peace a Chance,” Public Enemy’s endorsement, or musicians using their platforms to urge voters out and vote, or speak out against Donald Trump’s policies. This year has seen numerous artists using their platforms to encourage voters out to cast ballots as well as denounce his policies.
Politicians increasingly rely on music to connect with voters during modern campaigns; popularity can often be measured based on how closely a candidate shares musical tastes with his or her constituents. From Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” to Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop (Thinking About Tomorrow), politicians have used tunes such as these two favorites from Lee Greenwood and Fleetwood Mac to broaden their audiences and increase voter turnout.
However, many musicians have taken exception to having their music featured at campaign events, particularly when politicians choose songs which do not align with the artist’s political beliefs. Some musicians have even gone as far as to sue those who used their songs without permission.
Although these cases are uncommon, they have generated discussion regarding the power of music to influence politics and how this may impact elections. Furthermore, this discussion has highlighted the necessity of informing and educating people on how they can vote and become politically active.
While most musicians would probably prefer that their music not be used in political campaigns, they do not have any legal standing to prevent politicians from doing it. Instead, most artists sign licensing agreements granting permission for certain uses (commercials or political events) of their music – sometimes to their disadvantage. Some musicians such as Neil Young have tried using this leverage for themselves; it has not always worked; instead some have attempted suing politicians who use his songs without his permission whereas others attempt revising licensing agreements to ensure their songs do not come under political use.