ACFM Microdose: Plugged-in Protest w/ Jeremy Gilbert
Jan 21, 2024
auto_awesome
Music expert Jeremy Gilbert takes us on a narrated playlist journey through 60 years of plugged-in protest music. From hip-hop campaign boosters to new wave takes on British imperialism, Gilbert reveals the manifold methods of musical persuasion.
Protest music has been a powerful means of expressing sentiments and affecting change throughout history, with artists addressing themes such as social injustice, war, racism, and political oppression.
Protest music transcends genres and borders, uniting diverse social groups, inspiring collective action, and amplifying marginalized voices on issues ranging from indigenous rights to feminism.
Protest music challenges existing cultural norms, serving as a tool for social commentary, critiquing government policies, societal structures, and inequalities, inspiring critical thinking and shaping public discourse.
Deep dives
The Power of Protest Music
Protest music has always been a powerful means of expressing sentiments and affecting change. From folk songs to hip-hop tracks, music has served as a vehicle for expressing feelings of hope, anger, joy, fear, and longing, all integral to the protest experience. While protest music can be traced back to early history, it continues to evolve and impact society. Artists like Marlena Shaw, Iggy and The Stooges, Max Romeo, Stiff Little Fingers, Elvis Costello, Pink Floyd, and Grandmaster Flash have all contributed to the legacy of protest music, addressing themes such as social injustice, war, racism, and political oppression.
The Evolution of Protest Music
Protest music has undergone transformations over time, with the distinction between protest politics and revolutionary politics blurring. The dominant themes in popular music have largely focused on love and youthful complaints about society. However, genres like punk rock, reggae, and rap have retained their political edge, using music as a means to call for social change and challenge existing power structures. While the definition of protest music remains subjective, the spirit of rebellion and a desire for justice continue to resonate in different forms of music.
The Cultural Significance of Protest Music
Protest music plays a crucial role in reflecting the social and political climate of its time. It has the power to unite diverse social groups and inspire collective action. Artists like the Asian Dub Foundation, Le Tigre, Miss Dynamite, and The Coup have produced music that openly addresses issues, ranging from indigenous rights to feminism, challenging societal norms and encouraging critical thinking. Protest music transcends genres and borders, forging a connection between artists and listeners, and offering a platform for marginalized voices to be heard.
The Impact of Protest Music on Culture
Protest music has the ability to challenge existing cultural norms and provoke critical thinking. It serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, critiquing government policies, societal structures, and inequalities. Artists like Jenny Birch, M.I.A., and Boots Riley have used their music to address various issues, from gender equality to police brutality. By amplifying marginalized voices and providing a platform for social critique, protest music has the potential to shape public discourse and inspire collective action.
The Revolutionary Spirit of Protest Music
Protest music transcends mere protest and embodies the revolutionary spirit. Artists like The Raincoats, Latigra, and The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy have utilized their music to challenge established powers and promote social change. These artists have pushed boundaries, criticizing mainstream culture, patriarchy, and consumerism. By combining powerful lyrics, electrifying rhythms, and thought-provoking messages, protest music has the capacity to inspire and motivate individuals towards revolutionary action.
Music has the uncanny power to stir up big feelings, which makes it an obvious vehicle for political statements of hope, anger, despair, or how to cast your vote. In this Microdose episode to accompany ACFM’s recent Trip on Protest, Jem takes us through 60 years of plugged-in protest music – no strumming folkies or […]
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode