Epiphanies of protest

By Amelia Greenwood 

Beyond the religious enlightenment most commonly associated with music, how can this art form be used as a means of political awakening? 

The uniting power of music is immense; it brings people together across entrenched social boundaries to pursue the common purpose of peace and harmony. Such power imbued into this mode of expression brings a level of responsibility to musicians to use their gifts for good, embracing rather than shying from the weight of their craft. The impact of good music can be enlightening, provoking political epiphanies through genres like blues, folk, and punk on a mass scale, encouraging political activism and even rebellion. 

One band of vital importance to current political awakening is Kneecap, who are adopting the methods and purpose of their predecessors in politicising music. Their impact is particularly notable in the backlash they have received from the authorities and industries they defy. This suggests the efficacy of their encouragement of political protest and open criticism of the British government, particularly with regards to their insufficient response to the genocide in Palestine. The recently dismissed terror charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara of Kneecap) galvanised support for his freedom because of suspicions that the government was taking the opportunity to persecute him due to Kneecap’s encouragement of political action, explored in their latest release ‘No Comment’. This linking of Palestine’s freedom with Mo Chara’s consolidated the political purpose core to the band’s music, which they already promoted in their provocative performances and encouragement of protest and freedom of speech.

‘The impact of good music can be enlightening, provoking political epiphanies through genres like blues, folk, and punk on a mass scale, encouraging political activism and even rebellion’

The undoubtably punk nature of Kneecap and other bands like Bob Vylan or Pussy Riot does not appeal to everyone aesthetically, but does this hinder the efficacy of their message? Preferences are inescapable in any art form, and the emotionally provocative nature of music only adds to this. The appeal of punk is not wide-reaching; its gritty and abrasive sound was born out of frustrations in the 1970s, reflecting the anger felt throughout society, however protest music is not limited to one genre. Different cultural manifestations of protest have emerged, from the provocative sound, style, and actions of punks to the earthy and peaceful tones of folk artists, political consciousness can be found through music where there is one key message: a call to action. The allure of change is inescapable in times of political tension, a unifying principle that allows musicians to drive political protest. Collective identities formed through music defy repression and control, most prominently blues encouraged the rising up and liberation of African Americans, reclaiming pride in their identity through the creation of a beautiful and unifying culture. Music can also take on a more combative role, like in Estonia’s Singing Revolution which defied Soviet control through non-violent means, generating national solidarity and pride that in of itself was a victory over repressive forces.

‘an unrelenting and consistent message is difficult to deny, corrupt or overshadow – hence the historical opposition to political music from governments across the world’

The stirring of political conscience can be considered an epiphany of sorts, awakening the people to the truth of their circumstances. Such value makes the content of a band’s music integral to their impact, an unrelenting and consistent message is difficult to deny, corrupt or overshadow – hence the historical opposition to political music from governments across the world. It is no secret that politicians work best when a population is malleable, the deep conviction and unity provided by music hinders this. Therefore, for rebelliously minded individuals, music is an immensely valuable means of protest.

While The Revolution Will Not Be Televised, it will be sung of: people will be called to Get Up, Stand Up and Fight The Power, for action is integral when Talkin’ Bout A Revolution. No matter For Whom The Bell Tolls, music gives the people power to unite. 

Here’s an introductory playlist to protest music over the years:

‘Why I Sing the Blues’ – BB. King

‘The Revolution Will Not be Televised’ – Gil Scott-Heron

‘The Guns of Brixton’ – The Clash 

‘Get Up, Stand Up’ – Bob Marley & The Wailers

‘War Pigs’ – Black Sabbath 

‘Bombtrack’ – Rage Against the Machine

‘Biko’ – Peter Gabriel

‘Fight the Power’ – Public Enemy

‘Talkin’ Bout a Revolution’ – Tracy Chapman

‘For Whom The Bell Tolls’– Metallica

‘The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down’ – The Band

‘No Comment’ – KNEECAP, Sub Focus

Happy listening!

Illustration: Atharva Kamboj