Music

An artist’s duty, as far as I’m concerned, is to reflect the times. I think that is true of painters, sculptors, poets, musicians. How can you be an artist and not reflect the times? That to me is the definition of an artist.

Nina Simone

Saturday, 17 November 2018 18:29

Ride of the Red Valkyries: Wagner, Marxism and ‘The Ring’

Written by Sean Ledwith

in Music

Sean Ledwith examines how a dialectical approach that recognises the contradictions of Wagner’s ‘Ring’ might help us prepare for capitalism’s Gotterdammerung in the 21st century. In May 1876, as part of his search for spa-based treatments for his carbuncles, Karl Marx found himself in the Bavarian town of Bayreuth. The…

Sunday, 16 September 2018 12:45

'Get on the road and in the streets': interview with David Rovics

Written by Reuben Bard-Rosenberg

in Music

Reuben Bard-Rosenberg caught up with renowned radical songwriter David Rovics to talk music and politics. David is about to kick off his worldwide Musical History Tour - details of gigs are at the end of this interview. Your shows in England are part of your Worldwide Musical History Tour and…

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Monday, 10 September 2018 20:16

He sang on behalf of the people: Victor Jara, 1932-1973

in Music

Written by Jenny Farrell

Jenny Farrell memorialises Victor Jara. Forty-five years ago, on 11 September 1973, the Chilean military under the command of General Pinochet and backed by the USA, overthrew the democratically elected, socialist government of Salvador Allende. Allende had won the election in September 1970, and was faced even before taking office…

Allende Pinochet

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Wednesday, 05 September 2018 14:14

Barnstormer 1649 – Restoration Tragedy

in Music

Written by Chris Guiton

Chris Guiton reviews the new CD by Barnstormer 1649. Restoration Tragedy, the great new album by Attila the Stockbroker’s band, Barnstormer 1649, centres on the events of the 17th century English Revolution. This was a pivotal point in our history, part of our transition from a feudal to a capitalist…

English Revolution Diggers Levellers Ranters

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Sunday, 19 August 2018 20:34

Aretha Franklin: the sound of vulnerable, hopeful, defiant, precious humanity

in Music

Written by Robert J. Gallagher

Robert J. Gallagher says goodbye to Aretha Franklin Goodbye, Doctor Ree. Fare forward. The death of the great Aretha Franklin has come at a time when a great nation is enduring a relentless assault on its dignity from within. But anybody looking for any firm evidence of a peerless singer…

Marvin Gaye James Brown Nina Simone

Karl Eliasberg conducting, on 9 August 1942

K2_PUBLISHED_ON Wednesday, 13 June 2018 15:19

The Siege of Leningrad, Shostakovich and the airbrushing of history

in Music

Written by Jenny Farrell

Jenny Farrell recounts the story of the genesis of Shostakovich's Leningrad synmphony. The Cold War against Russia – and previously the Soviet Union – continues. This includes the removal from public memory of the many atrocities committed by Nazi Germany on the Soviet population, and the latter’s heroic role in…

Tuesday, 17 April 2018 08:57

Bread and Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award

Written by Chris Guiton

in Music

The Bread and Roses Songwriting and Spoken Word Award was launched by the Communication Workers Union (CWU) and Culture Matters in November 2017. It closed in February 2018. The aim of the new Award was to encourage songwriters and spoken word performers to write material meaningful to working class people…

#songwriting #spoken word

Saturday, 31 March 2018 11:06

Paul Robeson: activist, communist and spokesperson for the oppressed of the earth

Written by Jenny Farrell

in Music

On the 120th anniversary of Paul Robeson's birth, Jenny Farrell tells the story of his life. "The artist must take sides. He must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice. I had no alternative." - Paul Robeson at a rally in London’s Albert Hall on…

Peekskill Unity Theatre Pete Seeger Spanish Civil War The Proud Valley

Wednesday, 28 February 2018 15:17

Joe Solo - Fight the Good Fight!

Written by Chris Guiton

in Music

Joe Solo is an award-winning musician, writer, poet, activist, broadcaster and washing machine engineer from Scarborough. He has a growing reputation as both a performer and political raconteur. Chris Guiton interviews him about his music and his politics. CG. Who are the main musical and poetical influences in your life…

music poetry activism

Wednesday, 31 January 2018 10:53

Wearing Civil Rights militancy on record sleeves

Written by Phil Brett

in Music

To mark the anniversary of the birthday of Rosa Parks, Phil Brett examines the impact of Civil Rights militancy on the sleeves of soul and funk albums. In Wearing Their Politics on Their Sleeves we looked at how the growing Civil Rights Movement in the USA had influenced the design…

Supremes Marvin Gaye Curtis Mayfield Stevie Wonder Fatback Band Rosa Parks