Digest

This episode delves into the world of new protest music, featuring songs that offer real-time reactions to contemporary events. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kott discuss artists addressing issues like economic inequality, political disillusionment, and media distortion. They explore what defines a "good" protest song, emphasizing the need for both specificity and timelessness, as well as musical quality. The discussion highlights organic anthems like Kendrick Lamar's "All Right" and Pete Seeger's "We Shall Overcome," and examines songs by Bruce Springsteen, Billy Bragg, Dropkick Murphys, Low Cut Connie, The Neighborhood Kids, Amy Grant, Jesse Wells, Dessa, Shill Hunt, Smoking Popes, Sebelow, Propagandhi, Kim Mordell, and Fishbone. These tracks address themes of complicity, xenophobia, calls to action, empathy, and the fight against injustice, showcasing the enduring power and evolution of protest music.

Outlines

00:00:00

The Rise of New Protest Music

The podcast introduces the concept of new protest music, characterized by songs that immediately respond to current events. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kott set the stage for a discussion on artists actively engaging with contemporary societal issues through their music.

00:01:53

Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis" and the Wave of Protest Songs

Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis" is presented as a prime example of this new wave of protest music, noted for its specific and immediate reaction to events. This section highlights the trend of artists creating music that directly addresses unfolding situations.

00:03:11

Defining and Recognizing Modern Protest Music

The hosts address the perception that protest music is absent, arguing instead that it exists but is often overlooked. They emphasize its role in challenging complacency and provoking thought, urging listeners to engage with societal issues rather than remain passive.

00:05:00

Characteristics of Effective Protest Songs

The discussion defines a "good" protest song as one that is both specific to its time and timeless in its message, while also being a musically compelling piece. This blend ensures the song's relevance and enduring impact.

00:06:04

Organic Anthems and Artist Stances

The episode highlights songs that organically become anthems, such as Kendrick Lamar's "All Right," and discusses the importance of artists taking a stand, even if it means potentially alienating some of their audience.

00:07:57

Contemporary Protest Songs and Their Messages

Several contemporary protest songs are examined, including Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes," Dropkick Murphys' "Who Will Stand With Us," Low Cut Connie's "Living in the USA," and The Neighborhood Kids' "Breaking News." These songs tackle themes of historical resonance, economic inequality, political disillusionment, and media distortion.

00:17:12

Diverse Voices and Producer Picks

Producer picks, like Amy Grant's "The 6th of January, Yazger's Farm," are shared, showcasing diverse perspectives. The conversation touches on the challenges of interpreting messages from artists within specific genres and the broader impact of protest music.

00:22:13

Legacy and Evolution of Protest Singers

The discussion features contemporary artist Jesse Wells and his collaboration with protest music icon Joan Baez, reflecting on the evolution of protest music and the enduring relevance of artists who challenge the status quo. Dessa's "Camelot" is highlighted for its exploration of complicity through silence.

00:28:23

Addressing Systemic Issues and Calls for Action

Shill Hunt's "Banning Books" is analyzed for its rapid-fire commentary on issues like book bannings and political corruption, advocating for unity against fascism. Smoking Popes' "Allegiance" promotes empathy, while Sebelow's "Here Come the Aliens" critiques xenophobia. Propagandhi's "No Longer Young" serves as a call for sustained activism.

00:40:17

Anti-Genocide Stances and Generational Collaboration

Kim Mordell's "Stop Business as Usual, Part 2" is discussed for its anti-genocide message and call for "land back." Fishbone's "Last Call in America," featuring George Clinton, offers commentary on scapegoating and bridges generations of protest music.

00:45:01

Listener Feedback and Show Outro

The episode concludes with listener feedback and a preview of the next episode focusing on R.E.M., wrapping up the discussion on protest music.

Keywords

Q&A

• What defines a "good" protest song according to the podcast hosts?

  A good protest song is considered both timely, reacting to specific events, and transcendent, offering a message that endures across eras. It must also be a compelling piece of music in its own right, possessing a strong melody and artistic merit.

• How does protest music challenge societal complacency?

  Protest music challenges complacency by directly addressing social and political issues, provoking listeners to think critically about their surroundings. It aims to disrupt apathy and encourage active engagement by highlighting injustices and urging listeners not to remain passive observers.

• Why is Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes" considered a powerful protest song?

  "City of Heroes" is powerful due to its immediate response to current events and its profound reference to Martin Niemöller's "First they came..." poem. This historical allusion serves as a stark warning against inaction in the face of tyranny, urging collective responsibility.

• What is the significance of songs becoming "organic anthems"?

  Organic anthems, like Kendrick Lamar's "All Right," gain power by arising naturally from social movements. They resonate deeply because they are adopted by the people they represent, becoming powerful symbols of collective identity and struggle without explicit intent from the artist.

• How do contemporary protest songs address issues like economic inequality and political disillusionment?

  Songs like Dropkick Murphys' "Who Will Stand With Us" and Low Cut Connie's "Living in the USA" tackle these issues by critiquing the wealth gap, corporate greed, and a sense of alienation from one's country. They highlight the struggles of working people and question the direction of society.

• What is the role of artists in creating protest music, especially when it might alienate some listeners?

  Artists have a role in reflecting the world around them, and protest music is a natural extension of this. While speaking out can alienate some fans, it's seen as a courageous act of taking a stand for beliefs and engaging with important societal issues, rather than remaining silent.

• How does Sebelow's "Here Come the Aliens" comment on immigration and xenophobia?

  The song uses the metaphor of "aliens" to critique how society fears and ostracizes immigrants or those perceived as different. It highlights a myopic worldview that labels others as outsiders, urging listeners to reconsider their perceptions and embrace shared humanity.

• What message does Propagandhi's "No Longer Young" convey?

  This song serves as a call to action, acknowledging the exhaustion of activism but emphasizing the necessity of continued effort. It suggests that sustained collective action, even when difficult, is crucial for achieving meaningful change and overcoming feelings of powerlessness.

• What is the central theme of Dessa's song "Camelot"?

  "Camelot" addresses the idea that silence and conformity can be a form of complicity in societal problems. It critiques the mindset of individuals who believe they can remain unaffected by broader issues, urging them to recognize their interconnectedness and responsibility.

• How does Shill Hunt's "Banning Books" address contemporary issues?

  The song rapidly lists numerous pressing issues, including book bannings, school shootings, healthcare flaws, and political corruption. It uses a smooth, understated delivery to convey radical lyrics, ultimately calling for unity against systemic problems and fascism.

Show Notes