After an extended hiatus, this episode features an update of plans for a pending relaunch. It also features highlights from previous interviews, including Lula Wiles, Chris Pierce, Time, Jesse Jett, Miss Christine, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Gathering Time, Oceanator, David Strickland, and Maestro Fresh Wes. Subscribe to the podcast.
This episode features special guest Isa Burke and Mali Obomosawin, two-thirds of the Americana folk trio Lula Wiles. We discuss their latest release Shame and Sedition. We discuss the motivation behind the album title and some of the political themes developed on the album. We chat about why colonialism is such an important topic to discuss as well.
This episode features special guest, singer-songwriter Chris Pierce, who recently released the socially conscious album American Silence . We discussed bother the historical and autobiographical details that influenced the tunes on the album.
This episode features a special guest, mr?e, a Sydney, Australia-based hip-hop artist who is a like-minded protest music collective. We discuss a couple of recently released tunes ("Grand Theft Liberal" and "King Kev (Kev Says)"). We also discuss why he feels that it is important to use his platform to speak up, his musical influences, and other music that he has been working on. He is also the first guest from the future.
This episode features special guest rapper, podcast host, and journalist Time. We discuss his new concept album Nighthawks At McCoys , a collaboration with folk-singer Maudlin Magpie and German producer A Thousands Vows. We discuss the premise behind the album, why he is drawn to socially conscious music, his journalistic work, working with both Common and Noam Chomsky, among other topics.
The Protest Music Hall of Fame is an online archival project to draw attention to the artists, songs, and albums that have made considerable contributions to the historical development of protest music. This episode announces the inductees for 2020. This is also the final episode for 2020, a new season will be starting in 2021.
This episode features special guest singer-songwriter, rapper, and producer Jesse Jett. We discuss how the pandemic and current political climate resulted in a creative catalyst which resulted in the 24 track, 90-minute album The Virus. We also discuss his collaboration with Awkword on the tune "10 Demands" and several other projects that he is currently working on. Jett also becomes the first guest to perform live, playing an acoustic version of "Speaker of the House."
This episode features Jon Madof and Eden Pearlstein of the band Ruthless Cosmpolitians. They discuss their recently released concept EP Ruthless , the genesis of the band, and how the creation of the music was cathartic in the current political and social climate.
This episode features singer-songwriter Steven Keene who recently released the album Them and Us . We discussed the motivation behind the title track. We also discuss other protest songs that he composed, his influences, and why as an artist you can't let a fear of backlash prevent you from creating.
This episode features audio from the very first video from the Ongoing History of Protest Music YouTube Channel (without the background music). Also, I give a shoutout to my first patron Bryony Fearn, who hosts the excellent program The Music Is The Message on 2BBB, an Australian community radio station.
This episode features Ray Patrick and Dan Stroud of the alt-rock band Last Kiss Goodnight. They discuss the motivation behind their latest protest song "45" and how it is about more than just Donald Trump. They also talk about the formation of the band, new music that they're working on, and their musical influences. I also invite listeners to leave a voice message mentioning their favorite protest album, along with a brief statement of why they connect with it. These comments may be included in...
This episode features Christine Moad, the bassist and vocalist of the Iowa based band Miss Christine. We discuss her latest protest tune "Truth In Song", the band's debut album Conversion , previous protest songs she composed, and why she feels it is important to use her platform to speak up. She also talks about her work on the Bernie Sanders campaign and efforts to create more equity for indie musicians. I also invite listeners to leave a voice message mentioning their favorite protest album, ...
This episode features Quinton "Yung Trybez" Nyce and Darren "Young D" Metz of the Canadian indigenous hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids. They talk about their latest single “Where They At”, which features fellow indigenous rapper Drezus. We also discuss their previous recordings, plans for a new album, using their platform to elevate others and systemic racism within Canada.
This episode features art rocker Kapil Seshasayee. We discuss his 2018 debut A Sacred Bore , a concept protest album dealing with the caste system, which is part of a three-album trilogy. We also discuss a couple of the singles from his upcoming follow-up album Laal , which sheds a light on issues connected with Bollywood. Seshasayee also shares his thoughts on why he feels it is important to use his platform to speak out, the backlash from doing so, and the artists that have inspired him. I als...
This episode features Portland-based singer-songwriter and activist David Rovics, who has already released four albums in 2020. We discuss what inspires him to be so prolific. We also discuss his most recent album, Say Their Names , the current situation in Portland, the important role music plays in protest movements, the challenges of being a DIY artist, among other topics. I also invite listeners to leave a voice message mentioning their favorite protest album, along with a brief statement of...
This episode features activist, journalist, and rapper Awkword. We discuss his new tune "Ten Demands (featuring Jesse Jett)' and his work with the Ten Demands for Justice initiative which provides a roadmap towards abolition. We also discuss how he views music has an extension of his activism and how rap and punk music saved his life.
This episode features Kaston Guffey of the Americana duo My Politic. He discusses their recently released political concept EP Short-Sighted People In Power . We discussed the motivation behind the tunes, the possibility of backlash, and the musical influences who further help inspire the songs on the album.
This episode discusses some of the socially conscious albums which made the recently revamped Rolling Stone 500 Greatest Albums list. Also discusses plans to create a 500 Protest Album project .
This is a brief episode that discusses a couple of updates in connection with the website and podcast. I discuss the recently launched Patreon and remind listeners about the 2020 Protest Hall of Fame Nomination Poll . The episode opens up with the track "Beepocalypse" by Grex and closes with "Wonderful Hell' by War On Women....
This episode features Stuart Markus, Hillary Foxsong, Gerry McKeveny of the folk-rock harmony trio Gathering Time who have just released a new album entitled Old Friends , which is a cover album which features several socially conscious tunes. We discussed the motivation behind the songs selected and the parallels between the 1960s and what is happening now. We also discussed some of the original protest songs that they have previously recorded. In the episode, we feature portions of album track...
This episode discusses the Protest Music Hall of Fame, an online archival project which chronicles the artists, albums, and songs which have contributed to the historical development of protest music. We also review the current inductees and discuss the recently posted nomination poll for 2020 . On the podcast, we play Bartees Strange's cover of Woody Guthrie's "Tear These Fascists Down", and Oceanator's cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" and Dead Kennedys "Police Truck."...
This episode features Karl Evangelista, one half of the experimental music duo Grex (with Rei Scampavia). We discuss the duo's upcoming album Everything You Said Was Wrong which will be released on September 5. Evangelista also talks about the album track "Criminal" which protests against fascistic policies in the Philippines. He explains his personal connection to the subject and the potential ramifications of recording the tune. We also chat about activism, rats, and reparations....
This episode features Elise Okusami who performs under the name Oceanator. We discuss her full-length debut album Things I Never Said which is out August 28. We also discuss the three-song EP Tear The Fascists Down which she released through Bandcamp to raise funds for the New York affiliate of Survived and Punished, "a coalition of defense campaigns and grassroots groups committed to eradicating the criminalization of survivors of domestic and sexual violence and the culture of violence that co...
This episode features soundbites of interviews from previous guests. It also features songs by these guests. Songs played on the podcast: Spirit of Hip-Hop - David Strickland (featuring Ernie Paniccioli, Artson, Northern Eagle Singers) Truth - David Strickland (featuring Maestro Fresh Wes, Que Rock, Soufy, Leonard Sumner) Suffocating Evil - Jeremiah Craig They Never See Us As Teachers (featuring MC Munk and Big Naz) They Don't Give a $$$$ - Street Pharmacy with Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad Pre...
This episode features special guest Louis Rive, a singer-songwriter from Glasgow Scotland who has composed several protest tunes. We specifically discuss three of the songs that he wrote and the motivation behind them. We also discuss how the content of his music took a shift with the current political climate and why he feels it is important for artists to use their platform to speak out on issues.
This episode features special guest BL Shirelle who recently released the album Assata Troi, the first full-length release for Die Jim Crow, the first non-profit record label for current and formerly incarcerated individuals. She is also a deputy director of the label. We discuss Shirelle's motivation behind the album and why she felt it was important to be candid about her personal experiences. We also discuss her work with Die Jim Crow and its campaign to get personal protective equipment into...
This episode features special guest Shawna Potter, the frontwomen of the feminist hardcore punk band War On Women, activist and author. We discuss using your platform to speak up, playing at venues where your presence isn't wanted and the makings of a new War On Women album. We also discuss her activism and her book Making Spaces Safer: A Guide to Giving Harassment the Boot Wherever You Work, Play, and Gather .
This episode features two special guests, Ryan Guay of Canadian reggae-rock band Street Pharmacy and James Searl of American roots-reggae band Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad. The two recently collaborated to compose the protest tune "They Don't Give a $$$$." We discussed the motivation behind that song. We also discussed the importance of using your platform to speak up, the backlash that comes from it and the frustration when your audience doesn't seem to get the message. Guay and Searl also sh...
This episode features special guest Mat Ward, an Australian musician and journalist. We discuss his latest album Filter Bubble , his affinity for socially conscious concept albums and his book Real Talk: Aboriginal Rappers Talk About Their Music and Country . We also discuss his monthly column for Green Left , where he uses ten albums to analyze current news events....
This episode features special guest Jeremiah Craig, who recently composed the protest song "Suffocating Evil" in response to the murder of George Floyd. We discussed this song along with other socially conscious songs that he has written. Craig also has a popular YouTube channel where he makes videos about Cowboy Boots. He discussed the backlash he has received from speaking out, but why he felt that he needed to do so.
