NationStates Jolt Archive

Hi-ho. I was just wondering whether there is a link between Music and Politics, and by that i mean Musical taste and Political orientation. For example, i like the following bands/groups/artists [not in order of preference] Live, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Cypress Hill etc etc. Thats just a quick summary, obviously i'd be here awhile if i were to complete the list.

My political orientation is Left of Centre. I distrust Politicans and have a deep dislike of Capitalists [Businessmen etc] but this probably more of an Authority complex than anything else. I am aware that other people who listen to similar music have similar political leanings, and that this also reveals alot about us. So i would appreciate if you could take the time to state your musical likings and political beliefs or associations, and we shall see if we can find some connections! Thank you!

I'm waaaaay left of centre and I like all those bands too! Particularly Live, Cypress Hill and Radiohead. Also Queen, Led Zep, Rammstein and Cat stevens. :D

I like all kinds of music, especially Queensryche, U2 and Enya.

However: there are virtually no conservative rock bands out there. Seriously.
(I'm excluding "hate rock" and that kind of stuff.)

That said, I really dislike Rage Against the Machine, if only because they were part of the problem. (Made oodles of cash by lambasting the government/society, and then invested just about all of it.)

Well politics is a common subject amongst all musicians like "Mosh" by Eminem and "American Idiot" by Green Day.

I wouldn't be surprised if there's some artists that even have subliminal political messages in their songs. Ever seen that episode of the Simpsons 'Yvan Eht Nioj'. There was a subliminal message 'Yvan Eht Nioj' in Bart's boy band song. Spell that backwards if you haven't seen it.

Hmm... Such a link has been suggested several times in the past. Politics has often used music (and other cultural arts) to underline their programme, or as a form of P.R., etc.

I don't quite know what part of the political spectrum I could identify myself with - but I think I'm more of a lefty, the kind that wears a green hat, if you know what I mean. And I listen to absolutely everything (jazz, metal, 60-70's rock (go Jefferson Airplane!!!), classical music, etc.) except "schlagermusik" (I don't know how it is called in English) and commercial pop (like that crap that seems to roll out of the homeboy-factory every day, gimme good-old oldskool hiphop like Cypress or the very early Wu-Tang over that 50cent thirteen-in-a-dozen jingle). But at present I'm most keen on jazz and rock.

My political orientation is Left of Centre. I distrust Politicans and have a deep dislike of Capitalists [Businessmen etc] but this probably more of an Authority complex than anything else.
Well, have I got news for you. Back in 1968, Europe went through something of a "social revolt" called may'68. Most of the youngsters that were having problems with ultra-capitalist and right-leaning ideas at that time, are now CEO's of multinational company, doing exactly just that what they were once debating against. Most people that are considered to have a problem with authority, don't seem to object to it once they are able to wield it themselves. Why do you think so many criminals or violent rebellists become policemen or security-people? So, the moral of this story is: keep your eyes open buddy!

Lets see, I like Green day, Evanescence, Goo Goo dolls, Christina Vidal, Bette Midler, Nick Skitz and Eminem, are a few of my fav groups/bands/artists. But I also like quite a few different kinds!

Oh and I think I am more left aligned.

Smiths, Live, Garbage, They Might Be Giants, U2, Cat Stevens, Yanni, John Lennon (This list is going to go on forever)
Very Very Very Left Libertarian. About as liberal as you can be. Though I did vote Kerry even though he's quite right and much too much like Hitler (I'm not being entirely serious) for my liking. I was part of the backbone campaign, so I don't feel so bad about not being able to find a better canidate.

heh heh when I speak the board dies...

heh heh when I speak the board dies...
That happens to me a lot.

That happens to me a lot.
Yeah, its a pretty regular thing for me, too.

Im slightly left leaning...

And like AFI, Placebo, Queen, John Frusciante, My Chemical Romance....

Meh.

I'm a rightwinger and I listen to Zepplin, Tchaikovsky, and Frank Sinatra.

So no, there isn't. :D

I'm mildly libertarian.

I like Galactic, Soulive, and jazz music (with the exception of Kenny G--he and his followers have ruined the genre).

Meh.

I'm a rightwinger and I listen to Zepplin, Tchaikovsky, and Frank Sinatra.

So no, there isn't. :D
Nope, in fact you are a covert left-winger that hasn't seen the light yet :p

I don't think there's a connection between music and economic concepts like capitalism and socialism, but there is a connection with social concepts. People who like traditionalist types of music are more likely to be socially conservative, while people who like cutting edge, avant-garde, or otherwise "out there" music are more likely to be social libertarians.

I distrust Politicans and have a deep dislike of Capitalists [Businessmen etc]
Without capitalism we wouldn't have most of the music we love.

Without capitalism we wouldn't have most of the music we love.

I rather think that we most often (and only) love the music we get to hear. And seeing as how capitalism stops a lot of music that is not deemed popular enough, we don't get to hear a lot of things we might like under other circumstances.
But, in capitalism's defence: we would also be lacking Britney Spears, or 50cent. So yippie :(

I rather think that we most often (and only) love the music we get to hear. And seeing as how capitalism stops a lot of music that is not deemed popular enough, we don't get to hear a lot of things we might like under other circumstances.
But, in capitalism's defence: we would also be lacking Britney Spears, or 50cent. So yippie :(
Britney Spears as a defense of capitalism?
Glad I'm a socialist.
My choices are fairly mainstream. Green Day, Evanescence, Smashmouth and The Black Eyed Peas.

Britney Spears as a defense of capitalism?
Glad I'm a socialist.

I am too - the :( was an obviously failed attempt at a marker of sarcasm on my part...

Lefty:

My fav bands right now are Good Riddance, Bad Religion, Strike Anywhere, Against Me! and Propagandhi. If you like fast, melodic, political music check out any of those. Against Me!'s not quite as fast, but they're about the best thing since The Clash.

<a href="http://www.exitenglish.com/flash/index_flash.html">Strike Anywhere</a> streams their whole album online if you're interested.

Nope, in fact you are a covert left-winger that hasn't seen the light yet :p
Of course... they all are...

Actually, I'm going with half of Swimmingpool's post. I agree there is no connection between music and enonomic policy.

But I'm a prime example of why the social concept doesn't work, either.

But I'm a prime example of why the social concept doesn't work, either.

Going by your compass, you're not exactly a social authoritarian.

Of course... they all are...

Derscon : Left-wing :: Steak : Vegitarian tree-hugging hippie

Going by your compass, you're not exactly a social authoritarian.

I'm also not exactly libertarian, either, and I can give you a list of things that would make you think twice about calling me a libertarian, too.

I'm also not exactly libertarian, either, and I can give you a list of things that would make you think twice about calling me a libertarian, too.

:p



I think there's a connection with musicians being left-wing, though. Artists too. Why i'm not particularly sure. Meh.

I'm pretty liberal on most issues, but can (rarely,but sometimes) lean slightly conservative.

I support the Green Party.

I listen to all sorts of music, most prominently indie rock, Britpop and 40s big band/swing.

:p



I think there's a connection with musicians being left-wing, though. Artists too. Why i'm not particularly sure. Meh.

I think it's genetic. Left-wingers long for public attention, for some reason, while Right-wingers don't give a crap about what other people think of them.

Just a thought.

I think it's genetic. Left-wingers long for public attention, for some reason, while Right-wingers don't give a crap about what other people think of them.

Just a thought.

I'm left wing and I certainly don't long for public attention. Actually, I shun it and don't really give a crap what people think. So your idea is flawed :p

I think it's genetic. Left-wingers long for public attention, for some reason, while Right-wingers don't give a crap about what other people think of them.

Just a thought.


Or, right wingers have jobs. ;)

Oh boy, quite alot of responses, wasnt expecting that. Well, first i would like to state that i disagree with Swimmingpool's opinion and side with Druidvale. Pop artists [can they really be called artists?] are there to make money, but it is the Music companies that make the big money from them. Granted all Musicians make money, but atleast somebody like, say Billy Joel, is giving me something worthwhile and decent in return for my 20 euros.

Anyway, heres some links for you to check out -
[Quite good, mentions alot about Protest music in Africa, part. Zimbabwe]
http://www.freemuse.org/sw2614.asp
[Again on the same note]
http://www.cyberie.qc.ca/jpc/haiti/music.html

Though that is kind of getting off topic, i'll try get back. Music is influenced by politics and vice versa. So i wonder, which influences us and helps determines our outlook? Music is probably the first thing we become aware of as we grow up, we dont become politically conscious til atleast our teens.

Or, right wingers have jobs. ;)

HAHA! :D

Good point. ;)

:p



I think there's a connection with musicians being left-wing, though. Artists too. Why i'm not particularly sure. Meh.
Because most are brilliant and self-made.

It's my opinion that the more someone knows about music, the less they know about politics. Just look at John Lennon and Rage Against the Machine for an easy pair of examples.

It seems obvious to me that music and politics are linked. Personally, I enjoy everything from punk rock to gospel, but my fave genres are all under the "rock" category. Except for hip-hop and r&b. What can I say, I just LOVE music! :D

See my siggy for my political standings. :)

I think myself as a punk that politics dosnt matter that much :eek:

The ultra liberals have hippie jam bands, the ultra conservatives have Christian Rock.

Phish Ultra-Liberal

Grateful Dead

Neil Young

Pearl Jam

Led Zeppelin Center

Alice In Chains

Evenescence

Creed/Alter Bridge

Crappy Christian Rock Band Ultra-Conservative

The ultra liberals have hippie jam bands, the ultra conservatives have Christian Rock.

Phish Ultra-Liberal

Grateful Dead

Neil Young

Pearl Jam

Led Zeppelin Center

Alice In Chains

Evenescence

Creed/Alter Bridge

Crappy Christian Rock Band Ultra-Conservative

I don't think so. My fave band is Evanescence, and I'm definitely not conservative.

I rather think that we most often (and only) love the music we get to hear. And seeing as how capitalism stops a lot of music that is not deemed popular enough, we don't get to hear a lot of things we might like under other circumstances.
That's true, but I mean, without capitalism and thus a record industry, the only music we would know would be folk music from our own locality.

Britney Spears as a defense of capitalism?
Glad I'm a socialist.
My choices are fairly mainstream. Green Day, Evanescence, Smashmouth and The Black Eyed Peas.
You think that if capitalism didn't exist you would have those bands? They're just as mainstream as Britney.

I don't think so. My fave band is Evanescence, and I'm definitely not conservative.

He's not saying that everyone who listens to them is conservative, he's talking about what the band thinks.

I'm ultra-left-wing, and my favorite bands are also in this position. The Sex Pistols, the Ramones (except for Johnny Ramone), the Dead Kennedys, Husker Du, and the Buzzcocks.

I tend to stay away from the ultra-conservative Christian Rock. It's shit, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm ultra-left-wing, and my favorite bands are also in this position. The Sex Pistols, the Ramones (except for Johnny Ramone), the Dead Kennedys, Husker Du, and the Buzzcocks.

I tend to stay away from the ultra-conservative Christian Rock. It's shit, as far as I'm concerned.
I've heard some good Christian rock. One of my best friends has exposed me to religious music that doesn't suck. I'm lucky that way. :D

I think there's a connection with musicians being left-wing, though. Artists too. Why i'm not particularly sure. Meh.
I am an art student and it's true that most of my politically involved fellow art students are socialists, but they are also mostly quite naive about policies that work.

I think it's genetic. Left-wingers long for public attention, for some reason, while Right-wingers don't give a crap about what other people think of them.

Just a thought.
How can you make such personal statements about people based on their preference for economic policy?

Do you also think that politics are genetic? That's a funny one, I hope you're not serious.

i disagree with Swimmingpool's opinion and side with Druidvale. Pop artists [can they really be called artists?] are there to make money, but it is the Music companies that make the big money from them. Granted all Musicians make money, but atleast somebody like, say Billy Joel, is giving me something worthwhile and decent in return for my 20 euros.
What has this got to do with capitalism vs socialism? Billy Joel makes lots of money. With a socialist system, whatever is popular goes, so we'd be likely to have even less quality music than we do now.

Because most are brilliant and self-made.
If they were self-made surely they would be capitalist?

I tend to stay away from the ultra-conservative Christian Rock. It's shit, as far as I'm concerned.
I thought that most Christian rock bands were liberal.

I'm anarchist and I listen mainly to Chumbawamba and the soundtracks to my favorite sci-fi and anime.

How can you make such personal statements about people based on their preference for economic policy?

Do you also think that politics are genetic? That's a funny one, I hope you're not serious.

I was joking, actually. :D :p

Hi-ho. I was just wondering whether there is a link between Music and Politics, and by that i mean Musical taste and Political orientation. For example, i like the following bands/groups/artists [not in order of preference] Live, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Cypress Hill etc etc. Thats just a quick summary, obviously i'd be here awhile if i were to complete the list.

My political orientation is Left of Centre. I distrust Politicans and have a deep dislike of Capitalists [Businessmen etc] but this probably more of an Authority complex than anything else. I am aware that other people who listen to similar music have similar political leanings, and that this also reveals alot about us. So i would appreciate if you could take the time to state your musical likings and political beliefs or associations, and we shall see if we can find some connections! Thank you!
Of course music is political (see my sig). There are plenty of bands that are NOT leftists at all, but more Libertarian. Rush, Green Day, Ted Nugent, and Marilyn Manson are a few that come to mind.

I'm amazed at how many people list Evanescence as their favorite band. All they have is a great guitarist and lead singer who doesn't sing live. I was a fan of theirs until I saw Amy Lee lipsinc through 3 songs. I tried to get a BOO going, but left after the 12 year olds gave me evil looks. It's a good thing their opening band was amazing so I wasn't too pissed about paying $35 for that show. Not to mention some idiot mentioned Alice in Chains and Evanescence in the same sentence. That's a crime and somewhere Layne Staley is rolling in his grave.

Back to the point, from what I've noticed, Liberals have a more defined music taste. Conservatives tend to have a more "broad" perspective of "I just like this." Granted, there is also christian rock for the religious-rights, but for the most part Liberals are simply more passionate about art forms than Conservatives, which leads to a more defined taste.

I thought that most Christian rock bands were liberal.

Yeah, they are. That's why I said "ultra-conservative". I didn't mean Christian Rock as a whole (though I do hate the subliminal messages... and the Jesus lyrics... Meh).

Yeah, they are. That's why I said "ultra-conservative". I didn't mean Christian Rock as a whole (though I do hate the subliminal messages... and the Jesus lyrics... Meh).
Most lyrics contain subliminal messages.

You know, I seriously concerned about the amount of anti-religious diatribe coming from the liberals on this forum. I am a liberal atheist, but I respect and tolerate religious people; why can't you?

Most lyrics contain subliminal messages.

You know, I seriously concerned about the amount of anti-religious diatribe coming from the liberals on this forum. I am a liberal atheist, but I respect and tolerate religious people; why can't you?

Jumping to conclusions, are we? I tolerate it. That's why I don't start rabid threads against religion as well as religious people.

I thought that most Christian rock bands were liberal.

Actually, I think they mainly stick to the "God is awesome" lyrics and avoid the political stage altogether. However, from the evangelical nature of their songs, I had to assume that they would be conservative.

im a liberal enviro-socialist, my favourite bands are radiohead and the libertines.

there is a link because musicians sometimes write about real life, and politics is one of the driving forces behind real life.

potaria, werent the ramones all republicans?

i'm pretty far left, and i say there's a definite link. i like some fairly politically orientated music such as: pitchshifter - anti-right (amazing lyrics, violent drum & bass/metal/punk... love em :) ); Megadeth (yes, so much of their music is very political - anti-everything); umm... God Forbid (new, very political - got the crowd at one of their gigs i saw to all shout "Fuck George Bush!" together :p ) and other bands. i'm tired and have been ejoying a cypress hill evening ;)

edit: lets not forget Anti Flag and that lot, and the Sex Pistols of course

then again i am a musical kinda person - i listen to some sort of music pretty much all the day i spend awake