| Metal Majority |
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| October 2005 | |
| Written by Angie Chamberland | |
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Can Rockers Have a Real Voice in Politics? In my last article, I wrote about the use of politics in music and focused on how it can be unhelpful. Since then, I’ve discovered the Smut Peddlers, a So-Cal band that, despite their name and location, not only provides an intelligent and specific political message, but a semi-conservative one. The impression “State of the State,” on their “Coming Out” LP, references specific issues they see in our nation, including the following lines: “The money we spend on the lottery was supposed to fix our inferior schools  They inspired me not to pass by lyrical politics too quickly, and
instead to look into the heart of the matter. I decided to speak with a
couple local New Haven bands about their involvement in politics and
how they felt about mixing these two interests.Quite a few local bands promote a strong political message and are politically active. But Leslie Blatteau, the front woman for New Haven’s own Hygiene Wilder, has gone a step further with plans to run for mayor of the city. Her band’s political message is a strong one: rather than trying to run a propaganda machine, she seeks to expand the political dialogue and get a broader audience to consider issues she sees as important. “Politics are always relevant, whether it is a local scene or beyond,” Blatteau said. “It's not that we are pushing our ideas on anybody; we are merely trying to present ideas that people don't hear so often. I think it is extremely important for people to be aware of what's going on around them, so if a song of ours can spark a new interest for someone, then we have done what we are supposed to do.” What impressed me most about Blatteau’s response to my questions about local music was her eagerness to speak about what has been on her mind. “I have been extremely interested in the nominations and confirmations of Supreme Court justices. I have been working with the online activist tools that Pro-Choice America provides to spread the word about eroding civil liberties and to collect signatures opposing confirmations of right-wing justices. We have a few songs specific to abortion rights.” In contrast, after a few conversations with the members of Pthalo, I realized that their involvement in political dialogue is through means other than music. They see themselves as somewhat conservative and have occasionally complained of verbal attacks when questioned about political standing or voting choices. “I believe people are easily impressionable,” said front man Nolan Voss. “They give the band undivided attention, and that gives the band the ability to state a political view to the audience.” Nonetheless, fans looking for political propaganda from Pthalo will find themselves disappointed. “There's enough local bands that have jumped on the political bandwagon. It would be redundant if we joined on. For me and my band… not our cup of tea.” Reasons for separating music from one’s political agenda are evident from Voss’ words. A politically charged statement in a song immediately attracts a lot of attention to that statement, making it a defining characteristic of a band’s music and overall persona. Ironically, the decision to leave one’s political agenda out of one’s music can be just as much of a statement as including specific agenda points. Regardless of tactic, however, I found each band’s decisions about politics in music to be carefully considered. Those who make up the thriving music scene here in New Haven seem especially politically aware and more than willing to voice their opinions in order to help broaden political discourse. As Ms. Blatteau said, “Any bands that are playing independently, putting out their own records and making interesting, un-prepackaged music, are political. Not in the purest sense of the word, but as a look at the big picture, we should remember that the personal is political.” For more information on these bands, check out the following links: Pthalo: http://www.pthalomusic.com Hygiene Wilder: http://www.hygienewilder.com Angie Chamberland is a junior in Branford College. |
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