The Axe Files presents The Assignment with Audie Cornish
Sep 5, 2024
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DJ Cassidy, the energetic DJ known for his role at major political events, joins Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, a music and political campaign expert, to explore the potent role of music in politics. They discuss what makes a great campaign song and its emotional impact on voters. Cassidy shares insights from live performances that shape the atmosphere, while Gorzelany-Mostak delves into music's ability to forge connections and influence political messaging. Discover how tunes resonate with identity and the evolving relationship between artists and politicians.
Music plays a vital role in political campaigns by evoking emotions that resonate with voters and convey a candidate's identity.
The incorporation of music in campaigns involves navigating complex copyright issues, impacting the effectiveness and reception of a candidate's message.
Deep dives
The Power of Music in Political Campaigns
Music plays a crucial role in shaping a candidate's brand and communicating their message during political campaigns. The selection of campaign songs not only enhances the atmosphere of events but also invokes strong emotions that resonate with voters. For instance, DJ Cassidy highlighted the significance of choosing songs that align with the unique identity of each state and the broader themes of the campaign, aiming to evoke collective memories and energize the audience. This emotional connection forged through music can create lasting impressions that influence public perception and voter engagement.
Modern Political Messaging and Audience Engagement
In the age of social media and rapid digital communication, candidates are increasingly leveraging music to connect with voters and enhance their political narratives. The ability to remix and share moments from speeches and events means that any political gathering can create a viral impact, reaching wider audiences than ever before. The podcast illustrates how contemporary candidates, like Kamala Harris, use songs that symbolize broader themes of freedom and reinvention, resonating deeply with the demographics they aim to attract. This strategy underscores the evolving relationship between music, politics, and audience engagement, as voters seek authenticity and connection through these cultural elements.
Challenges and Legalities of Political Music Usage
Political campaigns face complex challenges when incorporating music, particularly concerning copyright and artist permissions. The conversation reveals how strategies can differ significantly, as seen with Donald Trump's controversial use of songs in his rallies despite protests from the artists. This scenario illustrates a unique battleground where the interplay of legalities, public sentiment, and campaign strategies converge, leading to discussions about ownership and representation. Ultimately, the way music is utilized in campaigns can both enhance or detract from a candidate's message, depending on the reception of the songs chosen and their alignment with the overall campaign narratives.
Kamala Harris has “Freedom.” Donald Trump has “God Bless the USA” (and a lot of cease-and-desist letters). What makes for a good campaign song? And why do we respond so viscerally to the ones that work? Audie talks with DJ Cassidy, who DJ'd the DNC Roll Call. And Dana Gorzelany-Mostak, who studies the use of music in political campaigns.