Let’s face it: music is the rebels’ playground.
I’ve always believed that as long there is art, there will be politics and vice versa.
None of this is new either. The interbreeding of revolution and music has gone back centuries. Protest songs have dated back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
However, this art was perfected in the 1960s in the genre we needed more than ever: punk rock.
Punk rock was a genre called to arms by songs like the Kinks’ “You Really Got Me,” the Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Man” and the Who’s “My Generation.”
The answer: the Ramones, the Sex Pistols, the Clash and Television.
This genre, of course, grew over time on more extreme levels, creating some of the most memorable and middle-finger-happy acts like GG Allin, Black Flag and the entire riot grrrl movement of the 1990s.
In fact, the ’90s is perhaps best known as being the kick-start to where all musicians, not just the punk rockers, raised their voice in concern for society.
How could we forget when Sinéad O’Connor ripped up a picture of the Pope on Saturday Night Live and said “Fight the real enemy,” or Fiona Apple’s “This world is bullshit” speech at the MTV Video Music Awards?
These are pop stars, by the way. They weren’t obligated by genre to act in a controversial manner, and both of the artists’ careers suffered tremendously because of these acts.
Fortunately, it takes much more today in order for a star to throw away his or her career, and that is why our artists have decided to be more politically active than ever.
Thanks to social media, we now live in a time when, if you raise your voice, you will be heard by millions of sympathetic fans. There is very little reason to remain closeted.
Why is this important? Musicians are some of the most iconic people in the world, holding perhaps more influence than politicians, writers or other celebrities.
Their encouragements for individuality, peace and activism have proven effective again and again.
In the charge for liberty, fraternity and equality, musicians are carrying the rally flag.
Perhaps the hyped and recent example would be Beyoncé’s performance at the Super Bowl halftime show where she and a large group of dancers dressed similarly to Black Panthers and raised their fists in the black power salute.
Regardless of whether or not you approve of this, you have to admit it’s pretty brave. Could you imagine Nina Simone, Diana Ross or Tina Turner doing this? Of course not.
What really seems to be bringing musician input more than ever recently, however, is the upcoming 2016 presidential election.
Musicians who are “Feeling the Bern” for Sen. Bernie Sanders include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, Tyler the Creator, Ezra Koenig and longtime endorser Killer Mike.
Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Clay Aiken and Ellie Goulding have all said they are ready for Hillary Clinton.
Even if they are unable to agree on which candidate they prefer, most musicians can agree on one thing: they really hate Donald Trump.
Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters has called Trump “pig ignorant,” which any Pink Floyd fan will know is an insult of the highest degree.
Pop star Miley Cyrus, an animal rights activist, said she plans on leaving the country if Trump is elected because of his pro-hunting views.
Trump has at least a couple of musical supporters: Ted Nugent and Kid Rock.
Are you surprised? Didn’t think so.
So whether you are ready to rebel against what Green Day called “Idiot America” and save us from total anarchy or just to preach for gender equality, remember the only way towards progression is to be the real punk of society.
Austin Faulds
@a_faulds9615
