Music and Politics
How music and politics dance together, shaping society and discourse.

Music is interwoven with every part of our lives. Music permeates everything from our cultures and beliefs to how we relax and have fun. Politics is not exempt. Music and politics have always had a special relationship. One clear, shining example is the fact that every nation on earth has a national anthem. Even in politics, music plays a massive role in declaring identity and voicing opinions.

In this article, I’ll dive deeper into the relationship between music and politics. We’ll talk about the intersections of the two, explore some case studies, and discuss one massive contemporary issue to finish off.

Let’s do it.

The Intersections

Propaganda

Music is a powerful tool for propaganda. The lyrics of music can either be uniting or divisive and if a political cause is to succeed, unity is compulsory. I already gave the example of national anthems. Have you ever heard the Star Spangled Banner before? Even as a non-American, I find myself feeling patriotic. This is the case with all the national anthems of the world. They inspire nationalism and patriotism.

Beyond national anthems, songs are generally used to help unite people. Different bodies have their anthems too. If you can get people to sing the same thing in politics, very little can stop you.

Activism

Music is used to create feelings of nationalism, but music has no master. Music can also be used for activism. Picture a peaceful protest. Picture hundreds of people walking down the street because they’re unhappy with their situation. What’s one of the best ways to drum up the energy? Music. Get the crowd chanting and you’ve got a real protest on your hands.

Some of the most iconic songs ever released have been protests against injustice. In Nigeria, Fela became the father of Afrobeat when he used his music to stand against the atrocities of the military government of the time.

Diplomacy

Music can be used for propaganda and activism, but it can also be used to bridge gaps. Music is a universal language. One doesn’t need to understand the words of a song to feel the emotions of the music. This makes music the perfect tool for diplomacy. Through music, there can be a smooth exchange of culture. Different artists from different places can help build this unity by sharing their craft.

Status Quo

Finally, music is always a reflection of the status quo. If you want to know what the general mood is in a country, listen to its music. Music is more impactful when the audience can relate. Artists are also more likely to draw inspiration from day-to-day life. So when inflation is soaring, you’ll hear it in the lyrics. When police brutality is on the rise, the artists will talk about it. If times are good, the music will be less deep and more fun. Music always represents the time.

People will sing along to music they can relate to. Artists like NF are so popular because so many people can relate to their music. Are the times good or bad? Listen to the music.

Case Studies

Russia

One good example of music for propaganda is Russia. The Russian government is notorious for pushing music that exalts the state and fuels nationalism. At the same time, there is a ton of activist music in Russia. Of course, the government is less enthusiastic about such music. Russia’s propaganda campaign looks enforced to the outside eye so it’s easy to resist.

Propaganda is an art perfected by the Western world. The propaganda in Western countries is more subtle than the Russian model. It looks more natural, and maybe it is. That said, American music makes me want to visit the country much more than Russian music.

Could it be because the music in every country is a reflection of the times? Or maybe the American propaganda model is just more effective. Who knows?

Hip-hop

The very origin of hip-hop was activism. African-American youth had had enough of the hardship and began telling their stories in music. Hip-hop has grown to insane heights today but it all started as activism. In the 70s, the main themes were political matters and social issues to the point that hip-hop was perceived at first as an African-American genre.

Even more recently, notable hip-hop artists like Kendrick Lamar and J Cole have used their platforms to stand against racial discrimination.

Indie Music

Let’s talk about some indie music. There’s no form of music more expressive than indie music. From the very beginning, indie music started as a protest against the mainstream industry. In response to a perceived commercialization of the industry, indie artists dared to make music as they saw fit. When music is that authentic, it’s impossible not to know exactly what people think, and that’s the whole point of the popular American First Amendment.

Indie music has tabled every major political issue. Artists from all sides have used their platforms to share their views. Indie music, from the beginning, has been political.

Cancel Culture

One of the most controversial topics in the contemporary entertainment industry is cancel culture. Many people claim that cancel culture contradicts the First Amendment because free speech isn’t really free. Others claim that some things are so terrible that the perpetrator must be canceled. So how do you achieve a balance as an indie artist? Go in guns blazing without a care in the world or take it easy?

Is cancel culture the West’s version of censoring or is it truly necessary? Let’s assume it is necessary for a moment. Who is in charge of regulating it? Who decides what is okay and what isn’t? As an artist, it’s important to read the room before making music. Avoid controversy unless it is absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts

Politics and music are inseparable. The politics of the day is a big influence on the music. As an artist, if you will connect to your audience, you must understand the politics of the time. When you understand the relationship between the two, you can effectively use your platform to voice your opinion on issues while furthering your career at the same time.

Again, music and politics are inseparable. No matter what you do, do not ignore politics.