Billy Bragg, the influential English singer-songwriter known for his politically charged folk-punk style, dives into the power of music as a tool for change. He reminisces about his 1984 U.S. tour opening for Echo & the Bunnymen and discusses his collaboration with Wilco to revive Woody Guthrie's unpublished works. Bragg reflects on the evolution of political music and the role of personal experiences in songwriting, while commenting on the healing power of music amidst loss.
Billy Bragg emphasizes the role of music as a political tool, illustrating its potential to inspire social awareness and chart change.
His early experiences touring the U.S. profoundly expanded his artistic perspective, highlighting the cultural richness and diversity of American music.
Bragg's collaboration with Wilco on 'Mermaid Avenue' revitalizes Woody Guthrie's unpublished lyrics, showcasing the ongoing relevance of folk traditions and storytelling.
Deep dives
Billy Bragg's Musical Roots and Influences
Billy Bragg's musical journey began in East London, where he was inspired by the punk and folk traditions to create politically charged music. His distinct vocal style evokes comparisons to figures like Joe Strummer and King Krule, yet Bragg's work stands unique in its focus on meaningful storytelling through song. During the mid-80s, Bragg emerged as a prominent voice in political music, prioritizing the song's message over production quality, which was a departure from the era's trends. His admiration for American folk artists, along with the influence of soul music from the civil rights movement, deeply shapes his songwriting and the topics he addresses.
Reflections on Touring America
Bragg reminisces about his first U.S. tour in 1984, where he was struck by the immense size of the country as he traveled with Echo and the Bunnymen. He shares a humorous anecdote about awakening to discover that after hours on the road, they were still in Illinois, illustrating the vastness of America. This experience, along with moments like sneaking a visit to Graceland during a long bus trip, showcased the rich cultural tapestry of the U.S. The unique encounters and sights along the tour deeply influenced his artistic perspective, reinforcing his connection to the American music scene.
The Significance of Elvis Presley
Bragg discusses Elvis Presley as a crucial influence in rock and roll, appreciating the various personas Elvis embodied throughout his career. Emphasizing the importance of Elvis's 1968 'If I Can Dream' special, Bragg highlights its political undertones, especially in the wake of significant assassinations in America. He connects this performance to a broader cultural context, noting how Elvis had the potential to unify a divided nation. Despite acknowledging Elvis's numerous contributions, Bragg also critiques the way Elvis's legacy overshadows many other influential artists, particularly those in the African American community.
The Impact of Music as a Political Tool
Bragg recounts how music can foster social change by bringing people together and instilling a sense of shared purpose. He reflects on his participation in Rock Against Racism, which helped him understand the power of music to raise awareness about issues like discrimination and social injustice. Although Bragg recognizes that songs alone cannot change the world, he believes in their ability to create a community of individuals who are inspired to take action. Through his performances, he seeks to encourage empathy and make a connection with his audience about societal challenges.
Exploring Woody Guthrie’s Legacy
Bragg's collaboration with Wilco on the 'Mermaid Avenue' project showcases the contemporary relevance of Woody Guthrie’s unpublished lyrics. He highlights how their work aimed to reinterpret Guthrie's legacy by bringing his words into modern musical contexts, thus highlighting the humor and complexity of his writings. In discovering the breadth of Guthrie's unreleased material, Bragg was surprised by its relatability and how it challenges the stereotype of Guthrie as solely a Dust Bowl balladeer. This project ultimately allowed Bragg to engage with Guthrie's themes of hope and social change while celebrating the rich historical tapestry of American folk music.
Billy Bragg came up in East London—Barking, Essex to be exact. It's fitting given the characteristic howl of his vocals. Listening to him these days, it’s hard not to recall the late-great Joe Strummer or the modern brilliance of Archy Marshall, a.k.a. King Krule. In the mid-80s, a musical era driven by production, Billy Bragg was all about songs. He was one of the great standard bearers of political music carried on from both the folk and punk traditions.
On today's episode Bruce Headlam talks to Billy Bragg about using music as a political tool, and whether it can truly affect change. Billy also reminisces about his first trip to the U.S. in ‘84 opening for Echo & the Bunnymen, and his collaboration with Wilco to bring unpublished Woody Guthrie songs to life.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Billy Bragg songs HERE.
