Music and politics

We have noted the shortage of music in politics and protest these days. So we were glad to see this story from the Charleston Post & Courier citing the role of punk music in its area, featuring our old DC friend, Carlos Salinas

Post & Courier -  Carlos Salinas, the lead singer of Blowback ... moved from Charleston to Washington, D.C., to work with the Colombian Kofan people to preserve their environment and culture. For him, music always has been a way to start a political conversation.

Some of Blowback’s “activist punk” songs include “A Brief History of Genocide,” “Gotta Resist” and “Drug War.” The band’s 2019 EP “Great Again” has a photo of the U.S. Capitol Building on the front cover. It’s not subtle.

Charleston hip-hop artist Benny Starr isn’t subtle either.

“Everything is political,” Starr says. “Who you love is political. Where you live is political. How much you make is political. Your opportunities are political. All of these things have political implications. I don’t see any way that it’s possible to separate the art that one creates from the political experience that one has.” SC native Benny Starr, first rapper to perform at Spoleto finale, releasing new album Charleston Scene SC native Benny Starr, first rapper to perform at Spoleto finale, releasing new album

His “A Water Album” used the central theme of water to express his emotional growth as a black person, relationship to nature and socio-economic views regarding Charleston and climate change.

Since performing the album live at the Charleston Music Hall last September, Starr has joined activists in emailing the Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Health and Environmental Control in opposition to a project that will fill in Gadsden Creek and enable the expansion of the WestEdge development. DHEC scheduled a public hearing for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Burke High School.

That’s one example of how music activism can influence political change.

“When you go to a show and the theme is water and there’s flooding photography on display, you realize, ‘Oh wait a minute, there’s a line of connection between the art world and the community of activism and advocacy. Why are we not working together?’” Starr says.

“More artists have been understanding their power and the social capital we wield, and they’re realizing they need to connect with the people who study these issues we’re passionate about, who dedicate their lives to this work,” Starr says. “We cannot be afraid to seek their council.” ‘Democracy we deliver’