How Folk Protest Music is Making a Comeback
Contents
Folk protest music has been around for centuries, used as a way to voice dissent and rally people together. In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of this type of music, with artists using their platform to speak out against social and political issues. Here’s a look at how folk protest music is making a comeback.
Introduction
Folk protest music is making a comeback in the United States. This type of music has always been present in American culture, but it has become more popular in recent years as people look for ways to express their political opinions.
There are many different types of folk protest music, but it typically includes songs about social justice, the environment, war, and other topics that are important to the singer. This music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it often has a strong emotional impact on its listeners.
Folk protest music is usually acoustic, and it often uses simple melodies that are easy to remember. This type of music is designed to be accessible to as many people as possible, and it can be an powerful tool for raising awareness about important issues.
If you are interested in learning more about folk protest music, there are many resources available online and in libraries. This type of music has a long history in America, and it is sure to continue to be popular in the years to come.
The history of folk protest music
Folk protest music has a long and storied history, stretching back to the early days of the United States. Famous songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “The Times They Are A-Changin'” were born out of the social and political turmoil of the times, and helped to rally people to the cause. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of folk protest music, with artists like Ani Difranco and Billy Bragg using their music to speak out against injustice.
Woody Guthrie and the Depression era
Woody Guthrie was one of the most influential folk musicians of his time. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, he wrote songs that protested the social and economic conditions of the time. His most famous song, “This Land is Your Land,” is still sung today by people who are fighting for social and economic justice.
Guthrie was not alone in his protest music. During the Depression, there were many other folk musicians who wrote and sang songs about the struggles of working people. These songs were often passed down from generation to generation, and they continue to inspire people today.
The Civil Rights Movement
In the 1950s and 1960s, during the era of the Civil Rights Movement, musicians turned to protest songs to express their outrage at the injustices faced by African Americans. Artists like Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul and Mary used their music to raise awareness of the struggle for equality and to encourage others to take action. Folk protest songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” quickly became anthems of the Civil Rights Movement.
Today, in the era of Black Lives Matter, many musicians are once again using their music to speak out against injustice. Artists like Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, and Common have created powerful songs that deal with themes of police violence, racism, and inequality. These modern protest songs are helping to raise awareness of the issues facing communities of color today and are providing a soundtrack for a new generation of activists.
The War on Terror
After the attacks of September 11th, 2001, the United States began a War on Terror that continues to this day. This War has seen military action in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as a general increase in surveillance and security at home. In response to these policies, a new wave of folk protest music has emerged, drawing on the rich tradition of American folk music.
This new folk protest music is characterized by its DIY ethos and its use of traditional folk instruments like acoustic guitars and banjos. While the lyrics often deal with political themes, they are also personal and intimate, reflecting the lives of those who are affected by the War on Terror.
Folk protest music has been boosted by the rise of social media, which has allowed musicians to reach a wider audience than ever before. Platforms like YouTube and Bandcamp have given these artists a way to connect with fans and sharing their music with the world.
The War on Terror is not the only issue that is being addressed by folk protest musicians. They are also tackling issues like racism, sexism, and economic inequality. In doing so, they are carrying on the tradition of using music to speak truth to power and to fight for justice.
The resurgence of folk protest music
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of folk protest music. This type of music was popular during the 1960s and 1970s, as it was used to voice the concerns of the people during that time. Folk protest music is making a comeback because it is a powerful way to express the feelings and views of the people. It is a way to unite people who share the same beliefs and it can be used to raise awareness about important issues.
The Occupy Movement
The Occupy Movement of 2011 saw a resurgence in folk protest music, with many artists taking to the streets to play for the Occupy protesters around the US. This new wave of folk protest music has continued in the years since, with more and more artists using their music to speak out against social and political injustice.
Folk protest music has a long history in the United States, dating back to the country’s early days. Famous folk singers like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger were known for their protest songs, which spoke out against the issues of their day. In recent years, however, folk protest music has been largely overshadowed by other genres like hip hop and pop.
The Occupy Movement changed all that, with its use of popular protest songs like “We Shall Overcome” and “This Land Is Your Land.” Since then, more and more artists have been inspired to use their music as a force for good, tackling topics like racism, sexism, homophobia, and income inequality.
Folk protest music is making a comeback, and it’s clearer than ever that it can be a powerful tool for positive change.
Black Lives Matter
Folk protest music has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in large part to the Black Lives Matter movement.
Artists like Dalise Joy and Michael Laferriere are using their music to raise awareness of the issue of police brutality and racial injustice, and to call for change.
Their songs often feature powerful lyrics that speak to the experiences of black people in America. For example, Dalise Joy’s song “Ain’t Gonna Let Them Kill Us” includes the lines:
“They keep on killing us/ They keep on shooting us/ They keep shooting into a crowd/ But we ain’t gonna let them kill us.”
Michael Laferriere’s song “I Can’t Breathe” is based on the last words of Eric Garner, a black man who was killed by police in 2014. The song includes the lyrics:
“I can’t breathe/ I can’t breathe/ When I see my brothers dying/ I can’t breathe.”
Both artists are helping to keep the issue of police brutality and racial injustice in the public eye, and to call for change.
Conclusion
As the political landscape changes, so does the music that we create to document and respond to it. Folk protest music is making a comeback in response to the current social and political climate. This type of music has the ability to bring people together and give them a voice to express their shared concerns. It can be a powerful tool for change.
