A Riff on Music and Politics
Music can become political above a certain level in society.
Yesterday, I posed a question to many of my fellow friends and family on whether they think music is inherently political. I received many unique, thought-provoking comments, reactions and questions in response to this question. Some include:
It’s only political if a song includes lyrics. (The corollary being instrumentals can’t be political.)
Music is not inherently political. Music is about expression, which can be political, but just because it is used in a political way does not mean it is inherently political.
Is music inherently political or is it the expectations and reactions to said music that is political?
Music is influenced by societal trends, and society is influenced by politics.
Music contains symbols, like themes or motifs, which can be political.
It depends on the genre and the history of that genre.
All very interesting takes which spurred a lot of rumination in my mind.
I do have to admit the question was a bit of a curveball, thrown with the intention of seeing how people instinctively reacted. I already had a perspective on this subject before I asked the question, but I thought my perspective would be enhanced and more well-shaped from hearing how others thought about it.
This is how I currently see the intersection between music and politics: music could become political above a certain level in society, with the level being the point at which an artist’s work begins to take on cultural significance.
Former South Korean president Park Geun-hye once said: “In the 21st century, culture is power.” And I think it’s true. In our increasingly connected world, culture and how attractive a culture is to those who live within and without it can certainly shape the future of a society.
I don’t think music is something that is typically associated with politics. I certainly don’t tend to conflate the two. Music for me — and I assume for many others — is something I usually listen to for pleasure. As a way to connect with others. As a way to soothe and comfort myself, or to shift into a different state of mind. It’s more often than not something I consume to escape politics, not to submerge myself deeper in it.
Yet at the end of the day, music — speaking from a musical artist’s perspective — is about captivating listeners and influencing them to continue listening to us by moving them through our self-expression. It’s about posing something new or familiar, whether it be a catchy hook or highly relatable lyrics, to persuade them to identify with us.
That’s politics: the influence, the power, the ability to persuade others to agree or identify with you in some way or another.
So I think music can, at some level in society, become inherently political depending on the cultural influence an artist has with certain social groups.
Music beneath that level, in my opinion, is what music should always be: something fun, a hobby, an activity to enjoy and share with those around you.
Agree with my perspective? Disagree? Let me know in the comments!