I’ve been waiting for someone to bring up Lady Gaga. She is not a band, or rock, and her music mostly sucks, but I’m pretty sure Don’t Ask Don’t Tell wouldn’t have been repealed if it weren’t for her banging on about gay rights.
And here’s another thing that’s been bugging me – what exactly makes a band or a performer a “political band”? The music press, that’s what – because LOTS of bands or acts release music with a political slant but would not class themselves as being a “Political Band”. Pulp are perhaps the best example.
And what about feminism? Is that not inherently political too? Because there are a tonne of female acts who, while not being defined as “political” or even perhaps “feminist”, have made political statements that comment directly on their own lives and their positions in society. Peaches, Yo! Majesty, Nicki Minaj, Jean Grae, MIA anyone?
I think what the NME is looking for is actually a definition of “political bands” that is a quarter of a century out of date a lá The Clash. There is political music around a-plenty, it’s just not being made by straight white males with guitars.
My name is Everett True. I am a music critic. This is what I do. I criticise music.
The clue is in my job description – music critic. I do not consider myself a journalist, as I do not research or report hard news. I do not consider myself a commentator as I believe that everyone should be a participant. I criticise people and in return I am not surprised if other people criticise me. It is part of the whole deal of being in the public arena.
I am Everett True. Believe in me and I have power like a God. Quit believing in me and I no longer exist.Read Full
how would you define political music? is all music political? is all art?
Everett – you should put up ‘Fuck the Country-side Alliance’ by Future of the Left.
I’ve been waiting for someone to bring up Lady Gaga. She is not a band, or rock, and her music mostly sucks, but I’m pretty sure Don’t Ask Don’t Tell wouldn’t have been repealed if it weren’t for her banging on about gay rights.
And here’s another thing that’s been bugging me – what exactly makes a band or a performer a “political band”? The music press, that’s what – because LOTS of bands or acts release music with a political slant but would not class themselves as being a “Political Band”. Pulp are perhaps the best example.
And what about feminism? Is that not inherently political too? Because there are a tonne of female acts who, while not being defined as “political” or even perhaps “feminist”, have made political statements that comment directly on their own lives and their positions in society. Peaches, Yo! Majesty, Nicki Minaj, Jean Grae, MIA anyone?
I think what the NME is looking for is actually a definition of “political bands” that is a quarter of a century out of date a lá The Clash. There is political music around a-plenty, it’s just not being made by straight white males with guitars.